German backpacker Carolina Wilga sparked international concern after disappearing for 12 days. She was last seen on 29 June 2025 near Beacon, a small town in Western Australia's Wheatbelt.
The harrowing search ended this week with a surprising, hopeful turn. Here's the full story on her eventful trip.
Carolina Wilga's Background and Disappearance
The backpacker has been traveling throughout Australia for two years. She had left a hostel in Fremantle the weekend she vanished. This followed conversations about her desire to head to the Eastern States and explore regional Western Australia (WA).
She spent time working on WA mine sites, which funded her travels. She was last seen entering a general store in Beacon on 29 June.
The last known contact with her family was on 18 June. Concerned for her safety, her relatives alerted German authorities, prompting INTERPOL to notify Western Australia Police.
WA Police launched an urgent search operation, deploying both air and ground teams across the rugged terrain.
She had left the town soon after, riding in her Mitsubishi Delica with plans to explore the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve. This was located roughly 200 miles northeast of Perth.
Rescue and Aftermath
The next day, a passerby spotted Wilga walking along a bush track at the edge of the reserve. She was described as being in a 'fragile condition' but alive. She was airlifted from the area to receive immediate medical attention.
News of her discovery broke shortly after Inspector Martin Glynn held a press conference expressing continued hope. Despite the time passed and the extreme conditions, he said police remained optimistic she would be found alive.
Glynn noted that Wilga, though disoriented, had not yet shared much about her experience. 'I think once we hear her story, it will be a remarkable one. She's obviously coped in some amazing conditions. It's a really, really challenging environment to survive in,' he said.
WA Premier Roger Cook described her survival as 'nothing short of remarkable'.
I’m incredibly relieved to confirm that Carolina Wilga has been found alive this afternoon after twelve long days missing in WA’s outback.
— Roger Cook (@RogerCookMLA) July 11, 2025
This news is nothing short of remarkable.
There has been no confirmation of how long Wilga had been travelling on foot. Inspector Glynn thanked the local community for assisting in the search and providing information to authorities.
Carolina Wilga's survival is a testament to human resilience in the face of extreme natural conditions. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale about the risks of solo travel in remote areas and a powerful example of community solidarity.
