Mackay Beach Crime Scene: Woman's Body Found on North Wall Beach

Police are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman, Payge Faye Leembruggen, after her body was found on North Wall Beach in Mackay on Tuesday morning.

Detectives are working to piece together the events of the past four days, since Leembruggen was last seen alive on September 11. According to Mackay Whitsunday Police Detective Inspector Emma Novosel, Leembruggen left a hair salon in suburban Andergrove around 8:55am that day.

A man walking his dogs on the beach discovered Leembruggen's body just after 8am on Tuesday. Inspector Novosel stated that Leembruggen's death was unexplained and would be treated as suspicious until further notice.

"Police are currently investigating the circumstances and cause of her death," she said.

"At the moment we don't know the cause of death. There is an autopsy that has been scheduled so, after that, we'll have further insight."

Leembruggen lived with her five-year-old son and extended family on a property at Mount Jukes, north of Mackay. State Emergency Service volunteers were searching dense bushland at the top of the sand dunes, which police described as difficult to navigate.

A crime scene has been established at the top of a sand dune on North Wall Beach. Police used a buggy to access the scene, which is approximately a kilometre from a car park.

"The beach is safe for everyone to use," Inspector Novosel said.

Leembruggen was described as Caucasian, about 178 centimetres tall with long, dark hair tied up with a red bow or scrunchie. She was last seen wearing white shoes, distinctive red yoga pants with dark markings, and a white shirt that was tucked in or tied up at the front. She had a small backpack-style handbag with her.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw Leembruggen or spoke to her between September 11 and 15, or who has relevant dash cam footage, to contact them.