What began as a carefree adventure through Australia has taken a troubling turn for 26-year-old Carolina Wilga, a German backpacker who hasn’t been heard from in over two weeks.
Her disappearance in the vast Wheatbelt region of Western Australia has now escalated into a major search operation, with police bringing in their top detectives and aerial units to track her down.
Last Confirmed Sightings and a Vanishing Trail
The last confirmed sighting of Carolina came on June 28, when she appeared on CCTV footage at a small convenience store in Toodyay, about 90km northeast of Perth.
A day later, she reportedly sent her final message to friends while near Beacon, a small, remote area over 320km from Perth.
Since then, all communication has gone silent, and police believe her phone is now turned off—only adding to the sense of urgency and concern.
Homicide Detectives Join the Search
Although authorities are not yet treating the case as a homicide, the situation is serious enough that Western Australia’s Homicide Squad has been called in to assist.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch addressed the public on Wednesday, stating they are “very concerned” for Carolina’s welfare.
“We’re not saying it’s a murder investigation at this point,” Blanch clarified, “but we are using our best resources because this is very concerning.”
Large-Scale Search Underway in the Wheatbelt
The search effort has grown rapidly, with the police air wing now assisting in what has become a “very large search and rescue” mission across the Wheatbelt’s rough and remote terrain.
Officers are scouring the countryside for any sign of Carolina or her vehicle.
She was believed to be travelling in a 1995 black and silver Mitsubishi Delica van, with Western Australia plates ‘1HDS330’ and a distinctive rooftop tent—a detail authorities hope will help the public recognize it.
A Well-Traveled Backpacker With a Routine
Carolina had been backpacking around Australia for about two years, mostly staying in hostels and funding her travels by working at mine sites.
According to her family, she was good about keeping in touch and would routinely check in with loved ones.
The last time her family in Germany heard from her was June 18—ten days before she was last seen on CCTV.
The extended silence since then has left them extremely worried.
A Mother’s Desperate Plea From Germany
Back home in Castrop-Rauxel, near Dortmund, Carolina’s mother has been pleading for help online.
Responding to a post about the missing woman, she wrote:
“I’m her mother and I need your help, as I can’t do much from Germany.
Carolina is still sorely missed. If anyone has any information, please contact the police… please keep your eyes open.”
What Police Are Asking From the Public
Police are urging anyone who was in the Beacon or northeastern Wheatbelt region between June 29 and July 4 to come forward—especially if they have dashcam or mobile phone footage.
They believe even small pieces of information could be crucial in locating Carolina or understanding what happened.
As Commissioner Blanch put it:
“We’re asking our community to keep their eyes and ears open for anything that could help us find Carolina.”