Police launch large-scale search to locate Perth woman missing in popular tourism spot

A head shot of a 51-year-old woman with black top and grey eyes.

Naomi Marie Duckett was last seen at The Gap in Torndirrup National Park near Albany. (Supplied: Western Australia Police)

In short:

WA police have launched a full-scale search operation to locate a missing Perth woman, who was last seen at Gap Natural Bridge within Torndirrup National Park, parts of which remain closed.

Naomi Marie Duckett, 51, is believed to have travelled alone from Perth to Albany the day before she was reported missing.

What’s next?

Police are appealing to the public for help in locating Ms Duckett as the search continues.

Western Australian police are appealing to the public for help in searching for a 51-year-old Perth woman who has been reported missing at a popular tourist destination near Albany in southern WA.

Naomi Marie Duckett was last seen at Gap Natural Bridge within Torndirrup National Park at 11:45am on Thursday, April 2, according to Albany Sergeant Vaughn Mackay.

Ms Duckett — described as approximately 171 centimetres tall and of medium build — was believed to have travelled from the Perth metropolitan area alone to Albany the day before she was reported missing.

A road close sign is seen on a street.

Public access to The Gap remains closed while search operations are ongoing.  (ABC News: Eliza Kavanagh)

Public access to The Gap would remain closed while large-scale search operations are continuing in the area, Sergeant Mackay said during a press conference on Saturday.

Water-based and land-based searches involved a number of police resources, including local officers, Police Air Wing, drones and Water Police, he said.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the City of Albany are also assisting.

A CCTV image shows a woman wearing spectacles, light-coloured pants and black shoes.

Ms Buckett was captured by CCTV in the surroundings of the Gap.  (Supplied: Western Australia Police)

“We currently have a helicopter in the area along with two watercraft,” Sergeant Mackay said.

He said Ms Duckett was last seen wearing glasses, a dark-green jumper, light-coloured pants, and black shoes.

“Ms Duckett’s welfare is our main priority at this time,” Sergeant Mackay said.

A police officer in blue uniform is speaking to media.

Sergeant Vaughn Mackay says police are concerned for Ms Duckett’s welfare.  (ABC News: Eliza Kavanagh)

“We are very, very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Ms Duckett in the area, [or] may have any information in regards to whereabouts.

“The Gap Natural Bridge is a well-visited natural tourist spot.

“There would no doubt have been people present when she certainly arrived, and certainly during the day, whilst we suspect that she may have been there in that park.”

A sign of Gap Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park near Albany.

The police are seeking public assistance to locate Ms Duckett.  (ABC News: Eliza Kavanagh)

Sergeant Mackay has also urged anyone who saw Ms Duckett’s personal belongings, including a brown bag, to contact police immediately.

Police believe she was not travelling in a car.

If anyone has information relating to Ms Duckett’s possible whereabouts, they are asked to report it to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-04/search-for-missing-woman-naomi-marie-duckett-the-gap-albany-wa/106531548