Search underway for missing woman in bushland after north Queensland festival

A massive air and land search is underway for a woman who went missing in the remote bushland of northern Queensland after attending a music festival a week ago.

Colombian national Juliana Castillion, 36, was last seen Saturday morning as she set out on an eight-hour hike south of Cooktown, south of Cape York.

Police said she attended the Olin Aya Festival at Home Rule Campground the previous weekend and is believed to have been camping in the area before heading out for a walk from Cedar Bay.

Inspector David Perry said Mr. Castillion had no supplies, was wearing only shorts and a singlet, and may have walked from Cedar Bay to Home Rule.

“People are reporting seeing her walk away. We don’t know if she took anyone else with her before she left Cedar Bay,” Perry said.

Inspector David Perry said Castillion, who owns a Byron Bay business, was reported missing by friends and family on Sunday afternoon.

He said an aerial search of the area was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, but efforts were hampered by poor visibility due to dense terrain.

Inspector Perry said the SES crew was conducting a ground search, and helicopters were also assisting.

“The fact that she has access to clean water, the survival rate is very high,” Perry said.

“There are also some fairly deep canyons and dangerous waterways in the area.”

Castrillon’s sister, Lina, arrived in Cooktown this morning and a friend of the missing woman spread her disappearance on social media.

Clau Conuecar wrote that her friend was “lost in Cedar Bay”.

“After the Orinsai Festival, she went with a group of people who didn’t know who I was.

“Maybe someone saw her…I don’t know what to think anymore.”

The Orinsai Matsuri describes the event as “four days of art, music and culture,” with dancing, bonfires and music.

Castillion is 169 cm tall, has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is advised to contact the police.