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

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?