Last person to see missing South Aussie Cameron Twiss before disappearance in Albanian Alps speaks out

Cameron Twiss’ final moments before his bizarre disappearance in Albania have been revealed, with a notorious ‘selfie spot’ at the centre of rescuers’ fears.

Search crews have revealed a notorious ‘selfie spot’ was initially thought to have claimed the life of missing South Australian hiker Cameron Twiss, with one of the last people to see him saying he was “in good spirits” before his disappearance.

Mr Twiss, 28, vanished without a trace on a popular hiking track between the towns of Valbona and Theth in Albania’s Accursed Mountains on October 13.

It can be revealed that rescue crews initially focused their search efforts on the Valbone-Theth Viewpoint, a cliff face of the well-worn tourist path 1900m above sea level.

Missing South Aussie Cameron Twiss was last seen on October 13. Picture: Supplied

Experienced tour guide Arben Kola told The Advertiser the area was known for attracting hikers “who want to take Instagram photos”.

Mr Kola said while the section was considered relatively safe in optimal weather conditions, he generally advised tourists against the risk.

In May last year, two female French and Belgian travellers – both in their 20s – fell to their deaths after slipping on ice and snow on the trail.

Mr Kola said a two-week search effort conducted by Albania State Police and Mountain Search and Rescue volunteers had initially focused on the area before scouring the entire path and surrounds, but found no trace of Mr Twiss.

Two French and Belgian women in their 20s died on the trail in May 2023. Picture: Supplied

The view from the Valbona-Theth trail.

Albania Mountain Search and Rescue Crews scouring the Valbona to Theth path for Mr Twiss. Picture: Supplied

Tourists at the top of the notorious ‘selfie spot’ on the Valbona-Theth trail. Picture: Supplied

“If there was a dead body there, they would have found it. Even if they couldn’t see him, blackbirds gather and, with the drones and the police helicopters, they would have drawn attention to it,” Mr Kola said.

“It is almost impossible to get lost on that path unless you want to get lost.”

Mr Twiss’ final moments before his disappearance have now been pieced together, with friend Purnima Flanagan sharing her last texts with him on October 12 in which he speaks about making vodka with a “random Albanian man”.

Cameron Twiss, last seen more than a month ago hiking in Albania. Here with friend Purnima Flanagan. Picture: Supplied

The section of the Valbona-Theth hike where Mr Twiss parted ways from the group of travellers. Picture: Supplied

It is understood Mr Twiss stayed the night in Valbona before setting off on the 17km trail early on October 13, with a group of people he had met in the town who were being led by a local guide.

The group then stopped at a small cafe on the trail, which serves tea and coffee to hikers.

The local guide, who took the other group into the mountains, told The Advertiser that Mr Twiss “seemed very alive, very happy and in good spirits”.

About a third of the way into the hike, at about 8am, he parted ways with the group, which was ascending through difficult terrain to the peak of Jezercë, to continue solo on the busy path to Theth.

The town of Theth, Albania, where Cameron Twiss was supposed to complete his hike. Picture: Emily Olle

The last known picture of Cameron Twiss.

He has been missing since October 13.

The 28-year-old was reported missing within 24 hours after failing to return to his hostel in Shkoder, where authorities discovered his passport and belongings.

Multiple theories have emerged as to what could have happened to Mr Twiss, including whether he could have fallen victim to a bear attack, misadventure or foul play.

But Mr Kola said the case had left locals baffled.

“Even if he had gone the wrong way and fallen or been attacked by a bear, the rescue team would have seen a sign – a bag or some clothing,” he said.

“People only get kidnapped here if there is a reason, like drugs or dirty business, and that obviously is not the case with Cameron.

“I’ve seen girls from all countries travelling by themselves on the path and they are totally safe. All of the rescue crews think it is just so weird.”

Mr Twiss is now the third tourist to disappear in the country in the space of two months, after a Lithuanian man went missing on the same trail on September 6.

A 72-year-old Belgian man also vanished from a hike in Dibra, in the country’s south-east, on September 18.

Mr Kola said locals had been left devastated by the incidents, fearing the mysterious cases could impact the tourism industry.

“We know we have a lot of problems as Albanians, but our tourism is the safest,” he said.

“It has taken all the Albanians by surprise. We take pride in our tourists and take care of them, so to have this happen is very unusual.”

Anyone in the area with information about Mr Twiss’ disappearance has been urged to contact authorities.