Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Celine Cremer – How far would you go for a friend? For Justine Ropet, the best friend of Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer since childhood, almost to the ends of the earth.
On a cold afternoon in June 2023, Celine, 31, set out alone on what should have been a short hike in in north-west Tasmania. She was never seen alive again.
After several failed attempts to find any trace of Celine, the police suspended the search and friends and family were left with no clue as to what had happened. But Justine needed answers and moved from Belgium to Tasmania for seven months in an effort to find them.
“My biggest fear was that Celine might have been kept somewhere and suffering,”
– Justine tells Australian Story.
“I really wanted to make sure that wasn’t the case.”
Two and half years later, a team of local volunteers and friends launched a search into the bush where Celine had disappeared.
“It’s about everyone banding together,”
– says search leader and private detective Ken Gamble.
“Hopefully we can solve this case and we can get the closure.”
In a gripping two-part story, Australian Story follows the search parties as they scour the rough terrain to retrace Celine’s final steps and find the answers they were looking for.
Remains found in January have now been confirmed as Celine’s and the second episode features moving scenes in Belgium as Celine’s family and friends come to terms with their loss and celebrate a life cut short.
In an exclusive interview, Celine’s mother Ariane expresses her gratitude to all those who were involved in the many searches for Celine.
“They have brought me confidence in humanity,”
– she tells Australian Story.
For Celine’s friend Justine, she will “continue to remember Celine by travelling” and by living her life “to the fullest”.
Producer: Erin Semmler.
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 13 April, 2026 at 8.00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Celine Cremer
