Friends of the German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the Western Australian outback say she is slowly recovering and will share her story when she’s ready.
Carolina Wilga remains in hospital after her rescue on Friday night.
“Extraordinary, extraordinary feat of surviving in the wilds for 11 nights,” Premier Roger Cook said today.
READ MORE: Woman who found Carolina Wilga reflects on miracle moment
“She has to get over a very difficult physical ordeal.”
The 26-year-old remained at Fiona Stanley Hospital today, continuing to be monitored after 12 brutal days and 11 freezing nights lost in one of the most unforgiving landscapes in the Wheatbelt outback.
She was last seen in Beacon on June 29, her van discovered days later bogged in bushland.
Police had grave fears for Wilga until a breakthrough came on Friday, a local station owner discovering the backpacker limping along a road 24 kilometres from her vehicle.
9News reporter Andrew Du said friends of the 26-year-old said she was in good spirits, but “is feeling very overwhelmed and exhausted” and “she’ll share her story when she’s ready”.
READ MORE: German backpacker survives 12 hellish days lost in the outback
Experts have praised the backpacker’s bravery, but also warned others to be more prepared.
“She’s an adventurous soul and prepared to go out there by herself,” Adventure Out Australia founder Terry Hewett said.
Anyone venturing into the outback is recommended to take:
- An EPIRB
- A GPS tracker that’s connected to your phone
- A satellite phone
- A battery system
- And consider installing a distinctive coloured panel on your vehicle .
