SKELETAL remains have been found in a remote location on the banks of the Burdekin River in North Queensland.
Fishermen discovered the human remains near Dalbeg on Saturday afternoon.
Townsville Crime Group Detective Inspector Chris Lawson said investigations were continuing to determine the identity of the remains.
Insp Lawson said it appeared the bones had been there for a 'significant period of time' and police would cross check against missing persons listed in the region.
"On Saturday afternoon police received advice from some fishermen that were walking on a remote area of the Burdekin River that they'd located skeletal remains," Insp Lawson said.
"As a result police from Clare, Ayr CIB and also scenes of crime attended that location and located a skeleton.
"At this point we've conducted all the inquires around the skeleton and the location and we've advised the coroner and at this point we still haven't confirmed the identify of who the skeleton belongs to.
"As far as the timeline it would be a significant period of time, we're estimating years."
Insp Lawson said a tent and swag was also located at the site.
"It is a very remote location along the Burdekin River and these people were walking along looking for spots to fish, they went for a walk away from the river and located a swag and the skeleton.
"It was at a high point on the river, closer to the banks but high enough it wouldn't have been affected by floodwater.
"At this stage we're keeping our minds open not only in relation to the cause of death but to who the person is that has died.
"We're going through all the missing persons reports for people who have been missing in the area and there are a number of those."