Carolina Wilga: Latest Updates on the Disappearance of a German Backpacker

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There are grave concerns for German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who disappeared while traveling solo in regional Western Australia. The 26-year-old was last spotted around midday on 29 June at a general store in Beacon, a small Wheatbelt town roughly 300km north-east of Perth. Her Mitsubishi van was discovered on Thursday, abandoned in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 150km from Beacon. Police suspect the vehicle experienced mechanical issues and was found a considerable distance from any tracks.

Missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga had planned to travel solo around regional Western Australia. Source: AAP / WA Police

Wilga had been travelling and working in Australia for about two years, and had recently told friends she intended to explore regional WA.

Challenging terrain and freezing temperatures

Karroun Hill Nature Reserve spans more than 300,000 hectares and is the largest nature reserve in the south-west of WA. Authorities have described it as “outback country”, with large rocky outcrops and tracks that can be difficult to navigate.

WA Police acting inspector Jessica Securo informed ABC Radio Perth: “Our information to date suggests she’s likely to have become lost in that area and may have walked away from her vehicle.” She added, “Although there are numerous tracks, it’s easy to understand how someone unfamiliar with the area could become lost or disoriented.”

WA Police have released an image of the vehicle driven by Carolina Wilga, who has not been seen since 29 June. They suspect she may have lost her way in the outback after her car broke down. Source: AAP / WA Police

Temperatures in parts of the region dropped below 0 degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, raising concerns about exposure and survival. Rain is expected on Saturday, which could further complicate search efforts.

What are police investigating?

Police have ruled out foul play and believe Wilga became lost in the outback after her car broke down.

They say the van appeared to be set up for self-sufficient travel, but was no longer operational.

“The car is obviously self-sufficient … she has got solar panels, she has got water in the vehicle,” Securo said. “It’s just the vehicle itself is mechanically unable to be used.”

Authorities are investigating whether Wilga took any supplies with her, which could aid in guiding the search.

“It’s hard to say how much she has taken,” Securo said. “We do know that she was planning to travel throughout regional WA and do some exploring through there.”

A coordinated search is continuing, with additional resources, including aerial support, deployed to the area.

Police are urging anyone with dashcam or drone footage from the region, or any relevant information, to contact the authorities.