Australian police have discovered the body of a German tourist near a bush track in the Northern Territory, close to the town of Alice Springs. Monika Billen, 62, was last seen on 2 January at Emily Gap, a popular outback tourist spot.
Her body was found beneath a tree about 3km away on Wednesday. Police have not disclosed the cause of death. Ms Billen had been reported missing last week, prompting her family in Cologne to appeal for public assistance.
The search was suspended after five days but resumed following location data from her phone providers. Superintendent Pauline Vicary expressed relief at providing answers to the family, though deeply upset by the outcome.
Ms Billen, an experienced solo traveller, had been staying at Desert Palms Alice Springs, a resort 13km from Emily Gap. Her family noted she had planned extensive walks in the area. Police reported that a motorist gave her a lift on 2 January, describing her as dehydrated and disoriented, and she declined offers of water before leaving the vehicle.
