Australian wilderness conceals continuation of German disappearance
German backpacker Carolina Wilga, 26, has been missing since June 29, 2025, after being last seen at a general store in Beacon, a small agricultural town northeast of Perth, Western Australia[1][2]. Her distinctive black-and-silver 1995 Mitsubishi van (registration 1HDS 330) was found abandoned near Karroun Hill, around 100 kilometers north of Beacon[2].
The van, believed to have experienced mechanical issues, was empty when discovered[1][2]. Search efforts are extensive and ongoing, with additional police units deployed to the remote Wheatbelt area around Karroun Hill, which covers more than 300,000 hectares and includes a nature reserve[1][2].
Wilga's phone has been switched off, and her disappearance remains unexplained and concerning, though no evidence of foul play has been found so far[1]. She had been traveling through several towns including Toodyay and Dowerin before reaching Beacon[2].
Homicide detectives have issued a national appeal for public assistance in locating Wilga, describing the investigation as broad and continuing with all leads being pursued[1][3]. Wilga had intended to explore remote parts of Western Australia as well as the eastern coastline, indicating a wide potential search area[1].
The Outback region of Western Australia, where Wilga was last seen, has a sparse population and is largely inaccessible, characterized by wilderness, extreme heat, and harsh conditions[4]. Authorities are intensifying their search in the region, asking people in the area with dashcam or drone footage from the region to contact the police[5].
Carolina Wilga financed her trip by working in mines, among other things, and usually sleeps in hostels during her travels[6]. The incident is referred to as "Lost in the Outback? - German still missing"[7]. The search teams are now trying to find out what Wilga might have taken from the vehicle[8].
The search continues given the remote and rugged nature of the area where the van was found[1][2][3].
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Name | Carolina Wilga | | Age | 26 | | Last seen | June 29, 2025, Beacon general store | | Vehicle | Black-silver 1995 Mitsubishi van, registration 1HDS 330 | | Vehicle status | Found abandoned near Karroun Hill; mechanical issues suspected | | Search area | Karroun Hill, Wheatbelt region, NE of Perth | | Phone status | Turned off | | Authorities involved | WA Police, homicide detectives | | Search status | Ongoing, broad, all leads pursued | | Public appeal | Active, nationwide | | Financing | Worked in mines, among other things | | Population | Sparse in the Outback region | | Conditions | Wilderness, extreme heat, harsh conditions | | Footage request | Dashcam or drone footage from the region | | Accommodation | Usually stays in hostels | | Reference | [1] WA Police, [2] ABC News, [3] 7 News, [4] Tourism Western Australia, [5] WA Police, [6] The West Australian, [7] The Australian, [8] Perth Now |
- Carolina Wilga, who was last seen at a general store in Beacon, had a lifestyle that involved travel and sports, as evident by her plan to explore remote parts of Western Australia and the eastern coastline.
- Authorities are intensifying their search in the rugged Outback region where Wilga's van was found, hoping to find any clues that could shed light on her lifestyle, travel plans, or possible reasons for her disappearance.
