Carolina Wilga: Police ramp up desperate search for missing German backpacker after van found abandoned

Police will ramp up their desperate search for a German backpacker — who has been missing for almost a fortnight — after her van was found abandoned in the Wheatbelt.

Carolina Wilga’s Mitsubishi Delica, which is believed to have suffered mechanical issues, was found by police around Karroun Hill — at least 50km north of where she was last seen in Beacon — on Thursday afternoon.

A photograph provided by police shows recovery tracks placed underneath the rear tyres of the van, which appears to have become stuck or bogged in the harsh terrain.

Ms Wilga was not at the scene.

A police spokesperson said they were continuing their search, “with additional resources being deployed to the area”.

The 26-year-old was last seen visiting the Beacon co-op general store — about 315km north-east of Perth — about 12.10pm on June 29.

Ms Wilga, on the day prior, refuelled her van at the Dunning’s Toodyay Junction petrol station about 4.30pm on June 28.

Homicide detectives have been called in to help local police investigate her disappearance, with police aircraft searching the rugged area.

Homicide squad detective senior sergeant Katharine Venn said she did not believe Ms Wilga had been met with foul play.

“At the moment, this is a missing persons investigation — there is no indication that there’s any third party involvement in her disappearance,” she said on Thursday.

“But our minds are open to any line of inquiry or any information that people can forward (to police).”

Det. Sen-Sgt Venn described the area Ms Wilga was travelling as “very remote” and said efforts to ping her mobile phone formed “a significant part of our investigation”.

“There’s lots of variables, in terms of the terrain . . . how dangerous it can be in parts of WA, availability of fuel, there are so many different variables, and that’s why this is a very broad investigation, and we really are seeking assistance from the community to help us in finding her,” she said.

“As far as we are concerned, all jurisdictions are aware, there are alerts on her vehicle, and we’re considering information from any State or Territory in terms of citing information (related to her disappearance).

“We have air assets, so helicopters, planes, have been searching that immediate area of the Wheatbelt around Beacon that certainly forms a significant part of our search effort.

“But we are also following up with leads across regional WA and across towns including Albany, Esperance, Margaret River. Every piece of information we’re receiving has been treated seriously.”

Police said they were in regularly contact with Ms Wilga’s family, who remain in Germany.

Ms Wilga’s mother, Katja, took to social media earlier this week, pleading with the public to “keep your eyes open”.

“I’m her mother and need her help as I can’t do much from Germany,” she said.

“Carolina is sorely missed.

“If anyone has any information, please contact the police.”

Ms Wilga has not been heard from by her family or friends since her disappearance, with Det. Sen-Sgt Venn describing her lack of contact as “unexplained” and “concerning behaviour”.

“The family are understandably distraught, very worried,” she said.

“As any of us would be with a young family member the other side of the world missing in such unusual circumstance,” she said.

Ms Wilga — who has been backpacking around Australia for the past two years — has been working on WA mine sites, which is understood to have funded her travels.

The young woman posted on Facebook in 2024, saying she was “looking for a job around Perth asap”.

“I have experience in farm work (including driving a tractor), hospitality and housekeeping,” she wrote.

“In Germany I worked as a CNC cutting machine operator (turning, grinding). If you have any questions or need more informations (sic) send me a pm.”

Her disappearance has made headlines in her home country in Germany.

Ms Wilga is described as being of slim build, with frizzy or curly long dark blonde hair and brown eyes.

She also has several tattoos, including one which depicts different symbols on her left arm.

Dash-cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage can be sent to police directly here.

Anyone with any information in relation to the whereabouts of Carolina Wilga is urged to contact police immediately on 131 444.