Facial reconstruction in mystery bushland remains case

Craniofacial reconstruction of the man’s potential appearance is based on recovered DNA. (HANDOUT/TASMANIA POLICE)

Police hope a facial reconstruction can help identify mystery bushland remains that don't match any DNA records Australia-wide.

The remains, belonging to a man, were discovered in July 2023 by a farmer clearing bushland halfway between Clifton Beach and Goats Beach in southeast Tasmania.

A pair of black dress shoes with orthotics, a short-sleeve top, a plastic bag containing two keys on a chain, a cigarette lighter and unreadable identification papers were also found.

Police have released this facial reconstruction image.

Forensic examinations located an old campsite nearby which could be related to the find.

Tasmania Police on Wednesday released a craniofacial reconstruction of the man’s potential appearance based on recovered DNA.

It is estimated the remains were in the area for between five and 50 years.

"A lengthy forensic analysis has been completed which determined the remains belong to a Caucasian male," Tasmania Police Sergeant Lee Taylor said.

A shoe discovered alongside skeletal remains (file)
A pair of dress shoes with orthotics were among a number of items found with the mystery remains.

"If anyone can assist police to identify this man, I ask them to come forward."

Police say the remains, which showed no signs of physical injury, don't match any DNA comparisons in Tasmania or nationally.

Investigators made an initial call for public help in September.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store