A mobile phone belonging to a Belgian tourist who vanished in Tasmania more than two years ago has been found during a renewed search effort.

Celine Cremer, 31, was last seen in the Philosopher Falls area near Cradle Mountain in the state’s northwest on June 17, 2023.

Her Samsung phone was discovered on Saturday by a private search party made up of four of Cremer’s friends who travelled from Belgium, along with local volunteers.

Police have confirmed the device belongs to Cremer and said it is now undergoing forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.

Cremer was reported missing by family on June 26, 2023, nine days after she was last seen.

She was believed to have set out on a walk and her car was found in the falls’ car park a day after the missing persons’ report was filed.

Police believed the white Honda CRV had been there for at least a week.

Despite extensive searches in treacherous terrain and challenging weather conditions, there were no further signs of her until Saturday’s discovery.

An initial search was suspended on July 10, 2023, after experts said Cremer could not have survived in bad weather.

Police then deployed a cadaver dog to search an additional “area of interest” at Philosopher Falls following new information about her phone activity, but that investigation was unsuccessful.

The renewed private search began on Saturday, and Tasmania Police say they are supporting the effort.

“A police search controller is working closely with the private search party to ensure safety and that any discoveries are managed appropriately,” police said in a statement.

“Police remain in close contact with Celine’s family and we will continue to assess any new information in a bid to provide them with answers and closure.”