Woman found dead in bushland creek 'knew' her killer

Police believe a mother of two found dead in Cooktown in Queensland's far north knew her killer.

Donna Louise Steele, 42, was found dead in Isabella Creek near Leggett's Crossing, a popular fishing and swimming spot, yesterday.

Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh told 9News.com.au: "At this stage there is nothing to suggest it's a random attack. We're confident this is a known person to her."

He said the small Cooktown community was in "absolute shock" over her death.

Ms Steele is survived by a partner and two young boys aged 8 and 10.

"We're offering all the support they can get - the two young boys are being cared for by their father," Det Insp Marsh said.

Ms Steele's partner raised the alarm and reported her missing on Thursday. He is a park ranger who works away and returned home on Thursday to find her gone.

The mother of two went to work at the local caravan park on Tuesday and was last seen midday Wednesday August 2 at the Cooktown IGA. When her boys got home from school at 4.30pm, she had vanished.

Her friend Kath Pennell has told The Cairns Post the remote community was reeling from the news.

"I am so devastated that I can barely speak. I will say she was a beautiful mother and friend," she said.

"She loved her children so much. I can't believe someone has done this to her."

Police want anyone who may have seen her white Toyota Hilux on Wednesday afternoon to contact Crimestoppers.

A team including homicide detectives have set up four crime scenes - at the creek where the body was found, at two nearby properties and Ms Steele's house.

Ms Steele's body was found by the owner of a nearby property. It's understood police have no suspects.

Her cause of death is not known.