Celine Cremer vanished three years ago after starting a bushwalk in remote Tasmania.
The human remains found in the Tasmanian wilderness have been confirmed to belong to missing Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer.
After police today said the remains had been "provisionally identified" as Cremer's, the backpacker's sister took to Facebook to update friends and family.
"After almost three years of endless waiting, we finally have answers," Amélie Cremer wrote.
"DNA tests and dental expertise confirmed that everything matched Celine. These words are hard to write ... but they also bring us immense relief.
"Today, our hearts are upset, but at the same time. After all this time, Celine can finally go home. She will be able to rest in peace, surrounded by love that never left her side."
Cremer, 31, was last seen in Waratah in the state's north-west on June 17, 2023, and is believed to have vanished after going on a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls.
She was reported missing by her family on June 26, sparking a major search operation involving SES, drones and a helicopter.
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Cremer was believed to have gone on a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls, but never returned.
Her empty white Honda CRV was found in a car park. Police believe she got lost trying to find her way back to her car.
Human remains and items of clothing were discovered in January along a section of the Arthur River near Waratah, sparking a renewed investigation.
Local bushwalker Jarrod Boys made the initial discovery this week as part of ongoing efforts to locate Cremer, with a large number of volunteers continuing the search more than two years after she was first reported missing by family members.
The massive independent effort was also documented on YouTube and it's understood Boys joined the search after watching those videos.
The teams also found Cremer's phone in December.
Today, Amélie thanked those who continued to look for her sister after authorities had given up.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who participated in the search and helped find her," she wrote.
"Thanks also to our relatives for their support, respect and presence throughout these years. You have been essential."
In a message to her sister, whose "absence has left a huge void", she added "Celine, we never forgot you. Not one day, not one second".
"Your smile, your energy and all the love you gave us live on within us," she said.
"Today we bring you near us."
There will be no further planned searches of the Arthur River.
Earlier today, Commander Nathan Johnston said that expert reports provided "compelling evidence" that the remains were those of Cremer.
A report is being prepared for the coroner, who will officially identify the remains.
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