A rocked community is laying purple candles for a teen hiker found dead, as locals pay tribute to the "tough" and "talented" young girl.
Authorities recovered 18-year-old Lily Hooper's body from NSW's Nattai National Park on Thursday after eight days of searching.
The bereaved Oakdale community in southwest Sydney is observing a weekend-long memorial for the girl, with buildings lit up purple in her honour.
Tributes left to the teen online described her as tough with a beautiful spirit.
Her former high school wished her "beautiful spirit live on in the hearts" of those who loved her, while a family friend wrote those who knew her were blessed to share a connection with her "precious heart".
Hooper's martial arts gym described her as talented and tough.
"Despite that toughness, Lily was such a lovely person. She was one of those people who everyone simply liked," her teacher wrote.
The Wollondilly shire community has also left tributes at Oakdale's Willis Park.
Early images out of the shire show mourners laying dozens of flower bouquets, candles both white and purple, and stuffed animals over Friday evening.
Local mayor Matt Gould said Red Cross volunteers would be on site for those who needed additional support.
"This is simply a place where we can come together, in our own time and in our own way, to remember Lily and be there for one another … come for a few minutes or stay a little longer, leave something in Lily's memory or simply spend a quiet moment there," he said.
Flags have also flown at half-mast.
The search for Hooper spanned eight days after she told family she would go for a hike.
Authorities found her car at a trail head on the first night, but could not turn up any trace of the teen until she was discovered about 11.30am Thursday.
Close to 1000 searchers scoured the national park, including personnel from the defence force, police and fire rescue, along with about 200 SES volunteers.
Police Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cassar said her body was found a significant distance from her car in thick, dense bushland made up of steep cliffs.
Police will also investigate a potentially traumatic miscommunication occurring when Hooper's body was found.
Her family, some media outlets, and the state's premier were informed Hooper was found alive.
Police reversed the report several minutes later.
Chris Minns and the police commissioner apologised for the grief caused.
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