Missing German tourist found dead in Australia

The body of missing German tourist Monika Billen has been found in Australia's far north near a bush track in the Northern Territory, police said in a statement.

Monika Billen, 62, was last seen on 2 January at a popular Outback tourist spot, Emily Gap, close to the town of Alice Springs.

The body was discovered Wednesday 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles) west of Emily Gap, close to Alice Springs on Wednesday, off a track, and under a tree, police said.

Billen had been reported missing last week, prompting her family in Cologne to plead for public help.

Police suspended their search for Billen after five days but resumed it after receiving location data from her phone providers.

"It is deeply upsetting that we have to tell her family this sad news, but we are relieved to be able to provide them with an answer," said Supt Pauline Vicary from Northern Territory Police.

"Members have worked tirelessly to locate the 62-year-old since she was reported missing to police," he said.

Vicary said police had used additional information from Billen's telecommunications provider to assist in aerial searches over specific areas.

Billen, who was travelling in Australia alone, had been staying at Desert Palms Alice Springs, a resort about 13km (8 miles) from Emily Gap.

Described as an experienced traveller by her family, Billen had told them about her plans to take "more or less extensive walks" in the area.

Police said one motorist who had reported giving Billen a lift at the popular tourist spot on 2 January.

She had appeared "dehydrated and disoriented" and declined offers of water before leaving the vehicle, police said.

Bellen's death comes amid a record-breaking heat wave in Australia affecting almost every state and territory and causing temperatures to soar well above average.

The majority of January days in Alice Springs so far this year have been above 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit).

Police said a report would be prepared for a coroner.