The distinctive van at the centre of a dramatic search for a missing German tourist in the Western Australian outback has been listed for sale, six months after its owner was miraculously rescued.
A Vehicle at the Heart of a Survival Story
In July, search teams scouring the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, located roughly 310 kilometres northeast of Perth, made a crucial discovery. They found Carolina Wilga's 1995 Mitsubishi Delica bogged in thick bushland. The 26-year-old backpacker, however, was nowhere to be seen, sparking intense concern.
Wilga had vanished on June 29 while travelling around Australia. After her family and friends raised the alarm when contact was lost, a frantic search was launched across the rugged Wheatbelt region.
Rescue and Recovery
The ordeal lasted for 12 agonising days. Wilga's salvation came when she managed to flag down a passing motorist on a remote track. She had spent 11 nights in the wilderness after abandoning her vehicle.
In the days following her rescue, Wilga explained her decision to leave the van, which contained supplies. "I lost control of the car and rolled down a slope. In the crash, I hit my head significantly," she revealed. "As a result of the accident, I left my car in a state of confusion and got lost."
After her recovery, Wilga returned to her hometown in Germany. Meanwhile, her van remained stuck at the remote reserve until it was recovered by a team led by a local farmer and fire brigade chief.
The Van Seeks Its Next Adventure
Now, the four-wheel drive that played a pivotal role in this survival story is looking for a new owner. The vehicle, which has travelled close to 290,000 kilometres, is being sold in Perth.
A social media post reshared by Wilga herself on Friday advertised the van for $5,000, noting it "needs some work done." An online listing elaborates, stating the van is sold "as is" and requires an exhaust repair and attention to the shocks and suspension.
The listing highlights the van's adventurous setup, which includes several key features for outback travel:
- A built-in bed
- A fridge and kitchen setup
- Solar panels for off-grid power
"Other work has already been carried out," the advertisement assures, concluding with the optimistic line: "Other than that, it’s ready for its next adventure." The sale marks the final chapter of the vehicle's link to a harrowing incident that captured national attention, offering someone else the chance to create new memories in a van with a remarkable history.
