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The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

The Australian 11 Episodes Jun 16, 2026

The Lighthouse is a true crime podcast from The Australian newspaper that investigates the mysterious disappearance of 18-year-old Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez in Byron Bay, Australia, in May 2019. National crime correspondent David Murray joins the unofficial search party, exploring various theories as the search narrows around the Cape Byron Lighthouse. The series delves into the parallel investigations by local volunteers and police, offering an in-depth look at the case.

Episodes

New show: The Flood Jun 16, 2026 1403 From The Australian, this is The Flood. The true story of 60 Australian men and women trapped in a submarine deep under the Indian Ocean when an explosion threatens to sink the vessel and send its crew to the bottom. In Episode 1: Explosion, the commander takes his submarine down to its deepest diving depth when a loud noise at the back of the boat changes the lives of everyone on board. An extrao
From The Front: Hedley Thomas’ new cold case podcast, 'Bronwyn' May 24, 2024 1231 Where is Bronwyn Winfield? The devoted mum has been missing since 1993 – and the man behind The Teacher’s Pet is on the case.   Go to theaustralian.com.au/bronwyn to listen. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Josh Burton. The mu
It's back: The Teacher's Pet returns for Australian listeners Jun 30, 2023 35 The Australian's global smash-hit podcast Teacher's Pet returns for Australian audiences on July 1.  You can find it wherever you got this podcast. Just search for "The Teacher's Pet". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: The Breakdown Mar 28, 2021 2389 Australian rugby once had $40 million in the bank. Crowds over 100,000. TV audiences of 3 million. Today the Wallabies have sunk to their lowest world ranking ever. Off the field rugby is a "war zone" with a $20 million deficit last year alone. The Breakdown is a gripping podcast investigation from The Australian, exploring just how far "the game they play in heaven" has fallen - and why. Jessica
6 - The way forward Dec 6, 2019 3845 Six months after Theo’s mysterious disappearance, fresh revelations are opening new possibilities on what happened that night in Byron Bay. His father Laurent returns to Australia to walk through the bush at night for the first time, and the local community organises a ceremony to maintain momentum.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 - The cliffs Nov 29, 2019 3788 The mystery of an abandoned campsite next to the Tallow Beach sand dunes adds new urgency to the search for Theo. Who lived there, and did they know anything about what happened to him the night he disappeared? And some recent history around the Cosy Corner cliffs presents a possible scenario for what may have happened to Theo.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 - Into the dark Nov 22, 2019 3597 Byron Bay is known as an tourist town where celebrities and influencers spend their summers. But as the locals know, there's a darker side to life here. Retracing Theo's path through the Arakwal National Park raises more questions and contradictions about what happened the night he disappeared, and reveals a hidden community that most visitors to Byron never see.  See omnystudio.com/listener for p
3 - Ransom Nov 15, 2019 3644 Once Theo's family cracked his online accounts, they had a clearer picture of his path on the night he disappeared. So, aided by the local community, they begin to retrace his steps. But after the local police abandoned their search, and psychics stepped in, things become confusing for those on the ground.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2 - Tracked Nov 8, 2019 3605 As word of Theo Hayez's disappearance spreads around Byron Bay, concerned locals leap into action. One local suspects drink spiking and leads a small search party through bushland near the centre of town, where there’s a maze of occupied and abandoned homeless camps. But leads are sparse, and the police are baffled. The real information is hidden in Theo's online accounts. His family sets about cr
1 - Lost in Byron Bay Nov 1, 2019 2832 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 visi
Trailer Oct 29, 2019 199 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.

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