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German backpacker Carolina Wilga, rescued late Friday afternoon after spending 11 nights stranded on the West Australian outback, is working on regaining what was lost in her ordeal.
Wilga posted to Instagram on Monday night stating she needed to “gain 12 kilograms back” in the aftermath of losing control of her car and becoming lost in the bush.
Carolina Wilga is recovering in hospital.Credit: Instagram
In the accompanying images, Wilga is surrounded by food in her hospital bed at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth.
In the posts she also thanked the German Consulate for gifting her the food, including fruit, baked goods and tea.
Tuesday marks the start of her fourth full day in hospital recovering.
WA Police on Saturday revealed Wilga was flown to Perth from the state’s Wheatbelt region for medical treatment of dehydration and injuries including sunburn, extensive insect bites and an injured foot.
She was rescued by Tania Henley, who lives on Bimbijy Station and was returning from a “quick two-hour trip” to the small town of Beacon.
“It was incredible. Twelve days missing. She had to walk through the bush for 12 days because [her car] was nowhere near where I found her – nowhere,” Henley said.
“She was thin, fragile – and everybody would be fragile. Twelve days to be missing out in the bush is usually not a good result, really.
“I pulled over and got out and I gave her a hug – she was crying, it was pretty emotional all right.”
Wilga called Henley her “guardian angel”.
The backpacker had released a statement on Monday after spending the weekend recovering.
“Some people might wonder why I even left my car, even though I had water, food, and clothing there,” she 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.
“I am simply beyond grateful to have survived.”
The backpacker said she felt a part of Australian culture after her ordeal, and said WA had “taught me what it really means to be part of a true community”.
On Sunday, WA Premier Roger Cook said Wilga was upbeat and in good care.
“Everyone should take note that this is an example of just how dangerous our bushland and our outback can be,” he said.
“And everyone travelling to Western Australia should always bear that in mind. If you are looking to undertake extensive travel into regional WA, please take the necessary precautions.”
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