Backpacker’s secret to surviving 11 nights lost in Australian outback

Travel
12 Jul 2025 • 8:30 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker, survived 11 nights lost in the remote Western Australian outback after her vehicle became bogged.
  • She left her stranded Mitsubishi Delica to seek help, and focused on the one navigational guide she knew, walking west by following the sun.
  • Despite facing cold nights and heavy rain, she was eventually spotted on a road by a local, leading to her rescue, which police described as an "incredible result" due to the challenging terrain.
  • Ms Wilga was found exhausted, dehydrated, and disorientated, but is now recovering in hospital from minor injuries and has been in contact with her family in Germany.
  • Authorities advise travellers in the vast and dangerous Australian wilderness to stay with their vehicles if stranded, use personal locator beacons, and share travel plans.

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