Relatives of a Belgian tourist missing for more than two years in the Tasmanian bush are going through a “very difficult time” following the discovery of human remains in the area where she disappeared.

The discovery came after a massive independent effort to find the missing woman involving large numbers of volunteers, which was documented on YouTube.

Celine Cremer’s sister Amelie said it was a “significant step forward in the search” but warned supporters nothing was confirmed until DNA analysis was carried out.

Belgian traveller Céline Cremer. (Supplied)

“We ask everyone to be respectful and patient, and to wait for the experts’ conclusions before sharing any erroneous or premature information,” she said, in a post on Facebook.

“We are going through this very difficult time and ask you to avoid any inappropriate curiosity.

“Official information will be released in due course.”

She thanked family and friends for their support, describing it as “invaluable to us during this ordeal”.

Celine was last seen in Waratah on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Tasmania Police Inspector Andrew Hanson said the discovery was made by a bushwalker who had been searching the Philosopher Falls area as part of continuing efforts to locate her.

“While forensic testing is yet to be completed, a pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human,” he said yesterday.

Belgian traveller Céline Cremer posted this photo on November 15, 2022, her 159th day in Australia. (Céline Cremer)

“The volunteer contacted police immediately after the discovery, and officers from the Western District, along with specialist forensic personnel, are attending the scene.”

YouTube filmmaker Rob Parsons, who’s been documenting and helping drive the search for the Belgian, and Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby praised local bushwalker Jarrod Boys for finding the remains, saying he became involved in the search after watching video updates.

“Jarrod has put in a huge amount of time and effort, and his determination deserves recognition,” Parsons said.

Parsons said his thoughts were with Celine’s family and loved ones in Belgium.

Belgian traveller Céline Cremer posted this photo on February 22, 2023 with the caption “Un petit diable en Tasmanie” (A little devil in Tasmania) (Céline Cremer)

“I can only imagine how difficult this update will be for them,” he said, in a Facebook post last night.

“Today also happens to be my birthday, and while this news is incredibly heavy and comes with a lot of emotion, if it does ultimately lead to answers, it would be the best gift I could ever receive, the possibility of finally giving Celine’s family some certainty and closure.”

Brumby said Parsons’ “tireless leadership, transparency and determination” had “galvanised an entire community of people who simply wanted to help”.

“Rob’s commitment to this search has been unwavering, deeply respectful, and driven by compassion rather than recognition,” she said.

“His work is a powerful example of service at its very best.”

Cremer was believed to have gone on a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls, but didn’t return. 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.