‘Grateful to have survived’: Rescued German backpacker details Australian bush ordeal

German backpacker Carolina Wilga has thanked the WA community for their support after surviving 12 days in the remote bush. Picture / WA Police

A German backpacker who survived 12 days in the remote Western Australian bush has revealed she got lost after crashing her car and taking a significant blow to her head, leaving her in a state of confusion.

Carolina Wilga issued a statement on Monday thanking the community for their search efforts after she was last seen in a small Wheatbelt town on June 29.

“First and foremost, I want to express a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart – a thank you that truly comes from the depth of my soul! For all the incredible supports [sic] during the search for me,” Wilga said.

Sharing the message from hospital, Wilga said she was “grateful to have survived”, thanking her “rescuer” and “angel” Tania Henley, who found her walking along the road on July 11.

Authorities located Wilga’s car stuck in soft sand in Karroun Hill last week, with no sign of the backpacker herself.

Wilga revealed she left her car in a state of confusion after a crash, becoming lost in the remote nature reserve.

“Some people might wonder why I even left my car, even though I had water, food, and clothing there,” Wilga said.

“The answer is: I lost control of the car and rolled down a slope. In the crash, I hit my head significantly. As a result of the accident, I left my car in a state of confusion and got lost.”

Reflecting on her experience, Wilga said despite being far from home, she now feels deeply connected to the community that rallied around her during her ordeal.

“Previously, I didn’t know where my place was in a culture on the other side of the world to my own, but now, I feel a part of it. I am deeply impressed by the courage, helpfulness, and warmth that has been shown to me here.

“Western Australia has taught me what it really means to be part of a true community. Here, humanity, solidarity, and care for one another are what truly matter – and in the end, that’s what counts most.

“I am certain that I survived only thanks to this incredible outpouring of support. The thought of all the people who believed in me, searched for me, and kept hoping for me gave me the strength to carry on during my darkest moments.

“Especially to the police investigators, searchers, the German Consulate, the medical staff and the wonderful nurses who took care of me with so much compassion.

“My deepest thanks also go to every single person who simply thought of me.”