Share and Follow

There are grave fears for German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who went missing while travelling solo in regional Western Australia.
The 26-year-old was last seen 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 found on Thursday, abandoned in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 150km from Beacon. Police believe the vehicle had suffered mechanical issues and was discovered a significant distance from any tracks.

WA Police acting inspector Jessica Securo told ABC Radio Perth: “Our information to date is she’s likely to become lost in that area, and has potentially walked away from her vehicle.”

A woman smiling in a photo.

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.

“Although there’s a number of tracks, you can see how it would be easy to become lost or disorientated in that area if you didn’t know it well,” Securo said.

A van parked in a dense forest.

WA Police have released an image of the vehicle driven by Carolina Wilga, who has not been seen since 29 June. They believe she may have gotten lost 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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump compliments Albanese at exclusive APEC dinner

Trump Praises Albanese During Private APEC Gathering

During a high-profile dinner event, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised Australian…
Rugby's 12 'next gen' stars you must watch this autumn - from England's young gem and a 20st All Black force to a future Scotland captain and France's 'perfect' new breakthrough wonderkid

Meet Rugby’s Rising Stars: 12 Must-Watch Talents This Autumn, Including England’s Promising Prodigy, a 20-Stone All Black Powerhouse, a Prospective Scotland Captain, and France’s Emerging Phenomenon

The upcoming month is set to be a paradise for rugby enthusiasts…
'Devastated': Teen cricketer dies after training tragedy

Tragic Loss: Promising Teen Cricketer Passes Away in Heartbreaking Training Accident

A tragic accident occurred when 17-year-old Ben Austin was struck in the…
The Bureau's acting chief executive Dr Peter Stone this afternoon defended the layout of the website, but committed to making improvements to the user experience.

Meteorology Bureau Pledges Website Improvements Following Public Feedback

The government weather agency has confirmed it will make changes to its…
NSW independent MP Gareth Ward outside court.

Eleventh-Hour Appeal Delays Sentencing of Convicted Ex-MP in Shocking Case

The sentencing of a former MP, who was convicted for sexually assaulting…
Cricket player fighting for life after being hit by ball in head and neck area Ferntree Gully

Teenage Cricketer in Critical Condition Following Warm-Up Injury

A young cricketer is fighting for his life in hospital after being…
Trump heaps praise on Albanese ahead of crucial meeting with China's leader

Trump Commends Albanese in Anticipation of Key China Talks

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently shared a dinner table with US President…
Lisa Mott was last seen crossing a railway line in Forrest Street in Collie on October 30, 1980.

Revelations Emerge in One of Washington’s Longest-Standing Cold Cases

Western Australian detectives are reaching out to the public for assistance following…