Australian authorities have expanded the search for missing magician Daniel Hidden after his silver Hyundai Santa Fe was found abandoned near a hiking area in Currumbin Valley, with the Australian Defense Force now helping crews across rugged terrain as his fa
For more than a week, the questions have hung over a Broadbeach home—quiet ones that don’t match the man everyone says Daniel Hidden always was. On June 14, the 26-year-old magician left his residence on Chelsea Avenue and drove away in his silver Hyundai Santa Fe. Then, he vanished without a trace.
His family’s concern has turned into something sharper as days pass without a clear explanation. Queensland Police say Hidden’s disappearance is out of character, and they have joined with search teams to widen the effort in the rugged country south of the city.
Hidden was last seen at around 3 a.m. on June 14, leaving from Broadbeach. Two days later, police found his vehicle abandoned in a parking lot near a well-known hiking area in Currumbin Valley. That discovery triggered a large-scale search operation in Queensland.
“Police and Daniel’s family hold serious concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character,” police said in a statement.
Search crews have since pushed deeper into terrain that is hard to move through. The Australian Defense Force is now assisting, along with aerial surveillance teams. Gold Coast Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Jackson said the military presence will continue on-site.
“ADF members will be on-site to continue the search,” Jackson told 7NEWS. “Because of the terrain and the large area that needs to be traversed, we have been utilizing aerial assets, including [police aviation units] and drones.”
Hidden’s relatives have been alongside investigators during parts of the operation, their hope mixed with the strain of waiting. Jackson said there is a “high likelihood” of survival, pointing to available water sources in the remote area.
Drones, helicopters and defense personnel are all being used to cover ground, while Queensland Fire and Rescue officials have joined the search.
Investigators say the circumstances surrounding Hidden’s disappearance remain unclear, and they do not suspect foul play.
For his brother, the location where the car was found isn’t just a patch of bushland—it’s a place with meaning. Jamshidi told 7NEWS the hiking area carries deep personal significance for Hidden.
“He’s taken me to this place as well,” Jamshidi said. “This is one of his favorites. He’s got the coordinates of a spot in this place tattooed on his fingers, so it means a lot to him.”
He described Hidden as an experienced hiker who preferred harder routes, someone who didn’t want the easy option.
“He doesn’t like sticking to marked tracks,” Jamshidi said. “He desires the hardship in unexplored places.”
As the search continues, Hidden’s mother is still holding on to the belief that he can make it through. She told 7NEWS: “He is my son and he is very strong. You don’t know how he is capable of doing anything. I believe in him, but now it’s more than eight days passed. We need to find him, he needs help. But he’s alive and people can come and help to find him before something happens.”.
Daniel Hidden missing magician Australia Broadbeach Currumbin Valley Queensland Police Australian Defense Force search operation