Kellie Ann Carmichael vanished without a trace after checking out of a backpackers hostel in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains in April 2001.
She told employees she was going for walk, saying she would be back to pick up her belongings.
But she was never to return.
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The Geelong woman was just 24 at the time of her disappearance.
Now, 23 years later, her remains have been found by chance in bushland near Katoomba — by police undertaking an unrelated operation.
Officers were reportedly abseiling down a cliff when they stumbled across her remains.
Blue Mountains officers made the find “during an unrelated police operation” on April 30.
“Following inquires, police attended the same location on Monday, May 27, 2024 — where they located further remains,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“The human remains initially located and seized have now been formally identified as those of missing person Kellie Ann Carmichael.
“Her family have now been notified.”
The Unsolved Homicide Team is investigating the discovery, and a brief of evidence will be prepared for the coroner.
Kellie Ann’s family has always maintained the young woman met with foul play.
Police had previously offered a $200,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in her death.
Back in 2001, Kelli’s parents spent days searching for her.
They were later joined by their son Danny, who spent a week looking for his sister.
In 2004, State Crime Command Homicide detectives took over the investigation.
An inquest was held in 2009, but deputy state coroner Carl Milovanovich was unable to determine when or where Carmichael died or the cause of her death.