Hiker discovers remains mistaken for human near Holmes Jungle Nature Park

A member of the public has made a grim discovery on the outskirts of Darwin, drawing forensic investigators to the scene after finding skeletal remains.

Bones that investigators initially believed may have been human were found on the outskirts of Darwin.

A member of the public made the grim discovery on Saturday evening in the Holmes Jungle Nature Park area and alerted authorities.

Police said the skeletal remains appeared to have been there for some time, a crime scene was established and forensic investigators were brought in to verify whether the bones were human.

It has since been confirmed the bones are animal remains, but it remains a mystery what type of animal.

It comes after human remains were found near Hermannsburg late last month.

They were discovered to belong to Owen Ryder, who disappeared from the Central Australian region in 1999.

Police said they had 26 still unidentified human remains in their possession and hoped new technology could help solve the cold cases.

In September 2022 skeletal remains, including a skull, were found near Lee Point and later revelealed to be Michael Lui who went missing in May 2011.

Holmes Jungle Nature Park is an isolated area of monsoon forest popular with hikers, 15km from Darwin CBD.