Western Australia Police have escalated their search for 26-year-old German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who has not been seen or heard from since Sunday, 29 June 2025. Authorities and her family are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
Carolina was last believed to be in the Wialki area near Beacon in Western Australia’s remote Wheatbelt region. The day before, on Saturday 28 June, she was reportedly seen at a convenience store on Stirling Terrace in Toodyay, around 300km northeast of Perth. CCTV footage shows her smiling as she paid with her phone at a service station, and visiting a general store in Beacon, which was shut when she arrived.
Her distinctive black and silver 1995 Mitsubishi Delica van, registered in WA as 1HDS 330, was found abandoned on Thursday afternoon in Karroun Hill, a vast 300,000-hectare nature reserve around 50km from Beacon. Police believe the van suffered mechanical issues before Carolina left the scene. She was not found with the vehicle.
WA Police said additional resources have been deployed to the area. Aerial searches using helicopters and planes have been conducted, and the search continues across towns including Albany, Esperance, and Margaret River.
Carolina has been backpacking through Australia for the past two years, often staying in hostels and funding her travel by working at regional mine sites. Her last contact with family was on 18 June, which they say is out of character, prompting growing alarm.
She is described as having a slim build, frizzy or curly long dark blonde hair, brown eyes, and several tattoos, including one featuring symbols on her left arm. Police have confirmed her mobile phone is no longer switched on and her disappearance remains unexplained.
Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn told media that although there is no evidence of foul play, all possibilities are being investigated.
“This is unexplained behaviour, and we are taking it very seriously.”
Venn added that Carolina had the capacity to be self-sufficient and live off-grid for extended periods, and may have travelled further since her last known location.
“Our search area is vast, and all jurisdictions are aware of her disappearance.”
Carolina’s mother has issued a heartfelt plea on social media from Germany:
“I’m her mother and need help, as I can’t do much from Germany… Carolina is still sorely missed. Please keep your eyes open.”
Anyone with information about Carolina Wilga’s whereabouts is urged to contact WA Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers, quoting CAD reference 512748.
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