Police announce $250,000 reward for information that helps find predator who raped woman at Broome bush doof

Police have announced a $250,000 reward for information that helps in the hunt for a depraved predator who raped a young backpacker at a Broome bush doof two years ago.

In a shocking attack that made headlines across the country, the 31-year-old woman had been at a party at Cable Beach with about 200 people before she was attacked in the early hours of May 29, 2022.

The woman had left the crowd and had ventured into the sand dunes to go to the toilet when she was bludgeoned to the head multiple times and then sexually assaulted.

The sheer brutality of that attack can be revealed for the first time after police released images of the injuries she suffered to her face, as well as footage taken on the night.

Detectives have not given up trying to find the man responsible and the Cook Government has approved a $250,000 reward in the hope it will encourage anyone with information that could crack the case to come forward.

“This was a random and vicious attack on a young woman, and she continues to live with the aftermath of the incident every day,” Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Fowler of the special crime squad said.

“Someone in the community knows something. This amount of money has the potential to change someone’s life, and at the same time, help police and the victim get some much-needed answers.”

Police Minister Paul Papalia said the reward reflected the Government’s commitment to “ongoing enhancement of public safety”.

“It was a heinous attack and the person responsible should be held to account for such a sickening crime,” he said.

“A person who is capable of that sort of violence shouldn’t be roaming free in the community. If you have information that could help WA Police catch this violent offender, I encourage you to come forward.”

At the time of the attack, police worked desperately to identify the hundreds of partygoers present on the night. Police assured attendees that the investigation was focused solely on the assault and not on any potential drug or alcohol use.

“(The attack) occurred pretty much within sight, just behind a sand dune where the event was, so within a matter of metres from where people gathered, listening to music,” Sen-Sgt Brian Beck said at the time.

“I’m very confident we’ll find him, it is only a matter of time.”

The man responsible is described as being dark-skinned, with a slim build and was between 170-177cm tall.

Special crime squad detectives will travel to Broome next week and will be available to speak to members of community about any information they have.

The officers will be at Cable Beach and near Male Oval from about 10am to 3pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Anyone with information can report it anonymously at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au