As of early March 2026, there have been recent reports of human remains found in the region surrounding Byron Bay. Specifically, in February 2026, a couple discovered remains near the Richmond River in Ballina, which is just south of Byron Bay. Police established a crime scene and have been conducting forensic examinations to identify the individual, though they clarified early in the investigation that the remains were not those of a child. This follows a high-profile historical discovery in 2020 when the remains of missing woman Thea Liddle were found in bushland near Tallow Beach in Byron Bay. In 2026, the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales continues to be a focus for "cold case" investigations due to its dense bushland and history as a destination for transient travelers. Local authorities urge anyone with information regarding missing persons in the Byron area to contact Crime Stoppers, as forensic technology in 2026 is helping to solve cases that have remained open for decades.