German backpacker survives Aussie bush ordeal thanks to sheer luck
German Backpacker Carolina Wilga Survives after 11 Nights in Australian Bush
Rescue Narrative
On June 29, Carolina Wilga, a 26‑year‑old German backpacker, arrived at a general store in the small farming community of Beacon—northeast of Perth—and parked her Mitsubishi van in the remote bushland. She had lost hope after 11 exhausting nights in the Australian bush, and only escaped by “sheer luck,” police said Saturday.
Van Condition and Initial Disappearance
- Van is abandoned—the vehicle was found on Thursday, with plastic orange traction tracks beneath the rear wheels and a clearly mechanical fault that caused it to bog.
- Wilga left the van—she stayed with the vehicle for one day before panic drove her to seek help on her own.
Wilga’s Journey into the Bush
Wilga walked “confused and disoriented,” 24 kilometres (15 miles) away from her van—her aim was to head west, believing the sun’s direction would guide her to a road or someone. “I actually spoke to Carolina this morning, so she confirmed that she was very confused and disorientated,” acting inspector Jessica Securo told a press conference.
Rescue and Immediate Care
- Wilga fell exhausted, dehydrated, and hungry, suffering cuts and bruises but was overwhelmed when a woman driving by took her to police.
- She was airlifted to a Perth hospital where she received emotional support and treatment for injuries.
- According to Securo, “She’s had a good night’s sleep. She’s had a shower. We’ve got her some food, which was a massive relief for her. So she’s just taking it one day at a time.”
Family–Community Support
Wilga remains in frequent communication with her family, who are relieved that the Western Australian community “threw every resource at locating their daughter.” The family had no plans to travel to Australia at this stage.
Backpacker’s Background
Wilga has spent two years backpacking around the country and was working at mine sites in Western Australia while staying mostly at hostels. She has expressed a love for Australia and a desire to complete her travels, stating that the East Coast remains on her bucket list.
