In part two of the two-part Australia Story, the episode examines how phone-based navigation failed to save tourist Celine Cremer when she went missing on a bushwalk in Tasmania.
(Read part one of our story here and watch part two of the Australian Story episode here)
This second episode carries a simple but powerful message for bushwalkers, delivered by a grieving mother: don’t place blind faith in your phone.
As Ariane Mathieu waits for the return of her daughter’s remains, she is urging all bushwalkers to recognise the limits of mobile technology. Belgian traveller Celine, 31, relied solely on her phone when she set out alone for a short walk in a Tasmanian forest in June 2023. She became lost and was never seen again.
Her remains were discovered this year following an extensive search of the Philosopher Falls forest near Waratah, in Tasmania’s north-west, organised by family and friends after earlier police efforts proved unsuccessful.
Speaking from her home in Belgium, Ariane said the loss will shape the rest of her life, but hopes sharing Celine’s story may prevent similar tragedies.
“Young people are very confident with their phones, but you cannot always trust them,” she said. “For some activities, it’s better to have a proper map or a satellite GPS.”
The warning may seem obvious, but reliance on apps such as Google Maps in remote environments can be dangerous. These platforms are built primarily for roads and urban navigation, not isolated tracks, meaning routes may be missing, outdated or inaccurate.
Signal and GPS accuracy can also deteriorate under dense forest canopy, in steep valleys or rugged terrain. While offline maps can help, coverage is often limited, and key details such as contour lines, water sources and hazards are frequently absent.
By contrast, dedicated hiking navigation tools and traditional paper maps are designed specifically for wilderness use. For safety, bushwalkers should always carry a compass, a physical map and a reliable backup navigation method.