Nationwide search for missing German backpacker
Carolina Wilga was last seen in the general store in the WA wheatbelt town of Beacon about noon on June 29, 310km northeast of Perth.
The 26-year-old, who had been travelling and working in Australia for about two years, told friends she intended to explore regional WA.
Police say Ms Wilga's disappearance is concerning, but don't yet believe she is the victim of a crime.
"It's certainly unexplained her disappearance and we are taking it very seriously," Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn told reporters on Thursday.
"Her family are understandably distraught, very worried, as any of us would be with a young family member the other side of the world, missing in such unusual circumstances."
An air search is underway around Beacon, which Det Snr Sgt Venn described as "very remote".
"The actual town site is very small and when you travel out there are some very picturesque spots and some quite inhospitable, rocky terrain," she said.
Investigators haven't ruled out that Ms Wilga could be on the road and unaware that authorities are searching for her.
"She could be off grid, not have access to her phone, and she certainly had capacity in the vehicle she was travelling in to be self-sufficient for quite some time," Det Snr Sgt Venn said.
Investigators are also exploring reports Ms Wilga could have headed to northern Australia or the east coast, "so therefore our search area is vast", Det Snr Sgt Venn said.
"All jurisdictions are aware and there are alerts on her vehicle, and we're considering information from any state or territory.
"There's lots of variables in terms of the terrain, how wild it can be and how dangerous it can be in parts of WA, availability of fuel."
Ms Wilga is described as having a slim build, with frizzy or curly long, dark blonde hair and brown eyes, with several tattoos, including symbols on her left arm.
She last had contact with friends on June 29 and had travelled through the towns of Toodyay and Dowerin, southwest of Beacon, earlier in the day.
Ms Wilga's mother previously pleaded for anyone with information about her daughter to contact authorities.
"Carolina is still sorely missed. If anyone has any information, please contact the police. Please keep your eyes open!!!", Katja Will said on a WA Police Facebook post.
A Facebook page named 'Help Find Carolina Wilga' has been set up.
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