Carolina Wilga’s friends ‘excited’ for pub feed reunion after backpacker found alive in Wheatbelt

Backpacker Carolina Wilga is in for a warm welcome home from her friends who say they can’t wait to throw their arms around her before going for a feed at the pub.

Five of Ms Wilga’s friends were waiting for her outside Royal Perth Hospital just before 7pm.

Fellow traveller Miranda was excited to reunite with her close friend and had been in touch with Ms Wilga’s parents — who “couldn’t believe” their daughter had been found.

“We just heard from the news that she was found and alive, which had everyone excited,” Miranda said.

“I was actually in contact with her family every day almost and they’re very happy.

“They almost couldn’t believe it, but yeah, they were just overwhelmed with happiness.”

Gioia Bezemer described Ms Wilga as a “surf chick” who loves adventure.

“She is very outgoing, she likes sports, she’s a surf chick,” she said.

“She likes adventure . . . she’s definitely very friendly as well, she talks a lot, she’s really nice, a very nice person.”

The last time Ms Bezemer heard from Ms Wilga was on June 28 via text message.

“She texted me at seven in the morning that she had to give me a book back,” she said.

“And then she never replied back.

“That was the point that we started to worry.

“We were wondering where she had gone, why she had taken that route.” Jules Briand was eager to catch up with his friend and share a meal outside of hospital.

“I can’t wait to hug her and tell her that she got us worried . . . and have good food and drink with her.”