Belgian teenager Theo Hayez was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey's bar on May 31
The devastated family of a Belgian backpacker who disappeared more than two weeks ago are still holding out hope he'll be found safe.
Theo Hayez was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey's bar in Byron Bay at about 11pm on May 31.
The 18-year-old was looking forward to returning home to start his university course studying maths and science following and eight month trip around Australia.
Instead, he disappeared just 24 hours into his Byron visit.
His mother, Vinciane Delforge, told a French broadcaster in Belgium she is holding out hope her son is safe and well, but said his disappearance is entirely out of character.
'We would love to believe that he met a girl and had a fling... and that's why there's no sign of life,' Ms Delforge said.
The 18-year-old was looking forward to returning home to start his university course studying maths and science following and eight month trip around Australia
'But that just isn't him, that's not his style.'
She said her son was a 'meticulous planner' who had thoroughly researched his gap year to Australia in the months prior to leaving his home town.
'He is a conscientious, organised, responsible and attentive boy,' she said.
Mr Hayez booked his flights and accommodation well in advance, mapping out his route across Australia and left little to chance.
His mother, Vinciane Delforge, told a French broadcaster in Belgium she is holding out hope her son is safe and well, but said his disappearance is entirely out of character
Locals have joined SES and surf lifesaver groups, police dogs, drones and officers from the Byron and Tweed stations to scour acres of swamp, beach and bushland for the missing teen.
Byron - known for its hippy, laidback lifestyle and celebrity appeal - is used to people floating in and out of the area but locals believe this case is different.
Long term Byron Bay resident Nicoletta Revis told The Courier Mail in her 20 years living in the area she
