Woman, 29, found dead in NSW creek died 'gruesome death'

Police say the woman whose body was found wrapped in plastic in a NSW creek had "died a gruesome death".

Danielle Easey, from Booragul in Lake Macquarie, had been staying at multiple locations around the area, police say.

The 29-year-old's body was found by members of the public at 10.30am on Saturday.

They saw something floating in the water while driving past Cockle Creek on Wakefield Road in Killingworth, west of Newcastle.

Det Chief Inspector Grant Taylor said there were "significant injuries" and "Danielle died a gruesome death".

"We believe Danielle may have been killed weeks ago, we don't know exactly," he said.

"Our primary focus is trying to establish when Danielle was killed and where.

"We're still trying to pin down the exact circumstances of how and where Danielle was last seen."

Murder detectives are now appealing for help to work out her last movements.

Police, who said Danielle was involved with drugs, are trying to piece together her last few weeks, during which she was couch surfing in the Lake Macquarie area.

Danielle's family are helping police with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.