Major search for missing teenage bushwalker Lily Hooper after her car is found abandoned near trail in NSW national park

Published: 00:20, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 00:22, 14 August 2026 A major search operation is underway for an 18-year-old bushwalker who vanished after setting off for a hike in a national park in the NSW Southern Highlands. Lily Hooper was last seen leaving a home on Burragorang Road at Oakdale, south-west of Sydney, at about 8am on Wednesday. The teenager had told others she intended to go hiking but has not been seen or heard from since. Her disappearance was reported to officers from The Hume Police District, who launched inquiries into her whereabouts. Police and Lily's family hold serious concerns for her welfare. Following inquiries, police located Lily's vehicle near the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail in Nattai National Park. The discovery sparked a multi-agency search of the rugged area involving NSW Police, NSW SES and the Lifesaver 21 rescue helicopter crew. The Lifesaver 21 crew spent Thursday searching various areas of the national park while supporting police rescue officers and SES volunteers on the ground. Lily Hooper was last seen leaving a home on Burragorang Road at Oakdale, south-west of Sydney, at about 8am on Wednesday. The teenager had told others she intended to go hiking but has not been seen or heard from since. The Lifesaver 21 crew spent Thursday searching various areas of the Nattai National Park while supporting police rescue officers and SES volunteers on the ground Lily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall and of slim build, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts. Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who walked the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail on Wednesday or who may have information about Lily's whereabouts. Anyone with information is urged to contact Moss Vale Police Station on 02 4869 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.