Australian tourist missing in Albanian Alps, family without answers for 8 months, hires private investigator

The family of an Australian climber who disappeared without a trace along a popular hiking trail in the Albanian Alps is still searching for answers eight months after his disappearance.

Cameron Twiss, 28, was travelling alone without a guide when he set off on a 17km trail between Valbona and Theth in northern Albania on October 13 last year.

Authorities discovered Twiss' belongings and passport in his room in the city of Shkodra after the alarm was raised. He had set off on a hike with a group of tourists he had met in Valbona the previous night, but chose to go only a little further.

Police and rescue teams spent two weeks searching on foot, by helicopter and by drone, but found no trace of the missing Australian.

Twiss' family has taken drastic measures in their search for answers, including hiring a private investigator to find out what happened and raising a fund to fund the investigation, writes the Daily Mail .

"Despite continued efforts, we still have no answers ," his brother Stuart wrote.

So far the Albanian police have found no evidence and the DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) has been unable to help.

"Our family has now hired private investigators, but despite their efforts, we have had no progress. We are reaching out to you for help. Your support can make a real difference in helping us find answers," he said.

More than $5,500 has already been raised towards a goal of $10,000 within the first 24 hours.

His disappearance Twiss caused numerous controversies, including a bear attack, a sudden accident, and foul play.

Twiss went missing two months after a Lithuanian man disappeared on the trail in September.

Her friend Purnima Flanagan shared her last messages with Twiss on October 12 - the day before he disappeared.

In his last message sent, Twiss said he was making vodka with a 'random Albanian man'.

"That was Cameron for real, he loves to talk and he loves to be around other people. He was the consummate traveler and always made friends wherever he went. I just don't understand how anyone could have seen or heard anything. He would have made friends in that town, he was an experienced climber and he was good with orienteering ," Flanagan said.