In 1999, Carla auditioned for the role of Stephanie, eldest daughter of new Neighbours family, the Scullys, missing out on the role to Emma Roche. However, three weeks into filming, Carla was brought in to take over the role, having to re-record all scenes previously featuring Emma.

2002 saw Carla make a brief appearance in Celebrity Big Brother and also end her long term relationship with her childhood sweetheart & father to her children. Three years later she began a relationship with actor, Sullivan Stapleton, brother of former Neighbours co-star, Jacinta who played Amy Greenwood. Their relationship lasted for six years before breaking up in early 2008. Carla has since been romantically linked with personal trainer, Jason Shepherd.

2007 saw Carla hit the headlines as she was involved in a car crash at Knox City shopping centre, having reversed into another car, giving the name and address of a friend, having been driving with an expired driver's licence. Having pled guilty by letter and paying for the damage, magistrate Fiona Stewart took these actions into account, fining her $1,000.

A strong supporter of AIDS charities, in particular YEAH, a charity dealing with the illness in young Australians, Carla has spoken about the pain she suffered as a child, having lost her father, Peter to the illness when she was just 13 after he contracted the HIV virus during a blood transfusion following a kidney transplant.