Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez dropped into Byron Bay in late May 2019, enticed by the town's unique allure of bohemian life, beautiful surf beaches and a sprinkling of international celebrity glamour. Then he disappeared without a trace.


As it dawns on his family that he’s been silent online for six days, they mobilise a search, aided by Byron locals who never knew Theo but refuse to accept a visitor to their town could simply vanish. 
 

The Australian newspaper's national crime correspondent David Murray joins  investigates the disappearance of Theo Hayez in Byron Bay.

Theo Hayez is missing in Byron Bay, a beautiful beachside town on Australia’s most easterly mainland point, frequently in the spotlight for its famous residents. Theo's from Brussels. He's 18 and on a backpacking holiday when he vanishes in May 2019. Behind the scenes local volunteers who've never met Theo begin searching and investigating with his family, parallel to a major police investigation.
At the request of Theo's family, The Australian newspaper's national crime correspondent David Murray joins the unofficial search party to investigate the mysterious disappearance for a new podcast series, The Lighthouse. Theo left a local bar around 11pm. As the search narrows to the area around the 118-year-old Cape Byron Lighthouse, a range of theories emerge.
From the newspaper that brought you The Teacher's Pet and Who The Hell is Hamish, The Lighthouse investigates all possible scenarios as it takes you inside an extraordinary search.
To read more about the disappearance of Theo Hayez, and access exclusive photos and video material, go to www.lighthousepodcast.com.au.

A missing tourist. A celebrity town. A search like no other.

The Lighthouse

Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez dropped into Byron Bay in late May 2019, enticed by the town's unique allure of bohemian life, beautiful surf beaches and a sprinkling of international celebrity glamour. Then he disappeared without a trace.


As it d...

Advertisement