Dotted all around Australia, you may catch sight of something that seems almost fantastical: a pink lake or several! Australia is known for its natural wonders, but some of the most mesmerising of Australia’s natural wonders are its extraordinary pink lakes.
In fact, Australia is home to more than a dozen pink lakes, all with their own unique look and charm.
Keep reading to learn about what makes these pink lakes so special and which ones you should consider for your next trip to or around Australia!
1. Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia
Just off the coast of the Indian Ocean in Western Australia, you’ll find Hutt Lagoon, a bright pink lake near the town of Gregory. You can visit this gorgeous pink lake by driving along the Coral Coast Highway, a tourist attraction in its own right.
Hutt Lagoon stretches approximately 70 kilometres. There are several ways to see the lake, such as taking a buggy tour from Port Gregory, a scenic flight over the lagoon, or a car tour to the lagoon’s edge.
The best part of this lagoon is the fluctuation of the lagoon’s colour throughout the year. Depending on the unique weather conditions, time of year, and cloud cover, the lagoon’s colour ranges from a bubblegum style pink or nearly red tone to an almost lilac hue.
No matter when you visit this lake, you’re guaranteed to have a special experience!
2. Lake Hillier, Middle Island
If you make it out to Middle Island, located off of the southern coast of the country, you may see Lake Hillier! And, we promise, it’s worth the visit!
The bubblegum pink lake sits on the edge of the island, creating a beautiful contrast against the bright green of the land and blue of the sea. The lake is around 600 metres long and 250 metres wide, making an impressive vision of the land.
If you want to see Lake Hillier, the best way is to take a touristic flight over the island. This allows you to see the bright colour, as well as the contrast compared to the rest of Middle Island.
There are also cruise options, which take tourists closer to the lake’s surface. If you choose this option, you’ll find that the colour is not as bright as you’d expect, due to the perspective. This is one of the best pink lakes to visit in Australia since its colour tends to stay constant throughout the year.
No matter how you choose to visit Lake Hillier, it is definitely worth the trip!
4. Lake Eyre, South Australia
Arguably, Lake Eyre captures the spirit of South Australia perfectly with its incredible pink lakes. Lake Eyre is a stunning combination of yellow, orange, and pink hues. At certain times of the year, Lake Eyre collects enough water from the rainfall to the north to cut a striking pink colour against the desert background. The excess salt even creates a white border separating Lake Eyre from the sandy scenery.
The best way to witness Lake Eyre is from overhead with a scenic flight!
Lake Eyre is known to flux in colour from day to day, sometimes even displaying different colours on the same day. Make sure you put this on your list of places to see in South Australia!
5. Lake Bumbunga, Clare Valley, South Australia
If you take the time to visit Adelaide, make sure you plan a detour to see the vibrant pink lakes of Lake Bumbunga in Clare Valley!
Lake Bumbunga is one of the most iconic pink lakes in Australia, with its bright colours. This is one of the most variable of Australia’s pink lakes, changing colours throughout the year depending on the salinity of the water. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Lake Bumbunga, you’re bound to have an incredible time!
Plus, you can spend extra time in the area, appreciating the locally cultivated wines of the Clare Valley.
Key Information About Australia’s Pink Lakes
What Makes the Pink Lakes in Australia Pink?
The pink lakes derive their unique colours from the unique conditions of their water. It all comes down to the algae and the salt content. Since the lakes are extremely salinated, they are perfect breeding grounds for single-celled algae, which are particularly well-evolved for salty conditions.
Since this algae is one of the only organisms suited to grow in this environment, it tends to thrive.
Although the algae is there all the time, at certain points in the year, when the weather and water hit the right conditions, the algae produces pink or red carotenoids. These carotenoids help the algae protect their chlorophyll cells, which are in charge of photosynthesis, and create the magical pink colour seen on the lakes.
It truly is a special sight to see, which all visitors to Australia should put on their list to witness the bright pink lake!
Why is Australia the Perfect Place for Pink Lakes?
As we’ve discussed, it is the special conditions, including weather and salinity, that creates the pink lakes.
However, this doesn’t explain why Australia is home to so many of them. Australia’s geological history, including hydrology, has made it one of the most fertile places on Earth for pink lakes.
This is owing to the drying climate paired with the saline water tables. Over time, these conditions created the unique conditions required for the pink lakes and the evolution of the algae that gives them their colour.
In addition to pink lakes, Australia also boasts a variety of pink and rainbow lakes, particularly in regions like Cape Le Grand National Park, where the vibrant colours and beauty are best appreciated from scenic flights.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Pink Lakes?
If the weather and water conditions can alter the appearance of the pink lakes, when is the best time to visit?
The answer will vary slightly depending on the lake you want to visit, as each reacts to its specific conditions. However, in general, it is best to visit the pink lakes of Western Australia in the summer months, roughly from December to February. The salinity tends to be best during the summer, allowing for optimal algae growth and pink pigment saturation.
If you plan to visit one or several of the lakes, make sure you check on current weather conditions and the condition of the lake, as it can change throughout the year. Sometimes in dry seasons, the lakes can shrink and become less impressive, due to lower water levels.
For those interested in visiting the pink lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park, the best time to witness the colour shift is also during the summer months.
Different Ways to Visit the Best Pink Lakes in Australia
As you can tell from the descriptions above, there are several ways to experience the pink lakes in Australia. Scenic flights are among the most popular ways to see the pink lakes, since the altitude gives a beautiful perspective to the colour contrast.
Driving to the lakes is another wonderful option, as this allows you to get up close to the edge. The colour experience tends to be different from the side of the lakes, owing to the perspective. If you don’t want to organise your own tour, there are also tour companies that can plan the whole day out for you!
One of the pink lakes you can visit is Lake MacDonnell, known for its striking pink, blue, and green colours and scenic views along Watermelon Avenue and Cactus Beach.
Exploring Australia: 5 Best Pink Lakes in Australia
Although Australia is full of natural phenomena, perhaps one of the most spectacular are the pink lakes of Australia. The conditions required for the pink lakes to thrive are extremely rare, so it’s especially notable that you have several Australian pink lakes to choose from!
Whether you choose just one or decide to take a pink lake tour, make sure that you make the pink lakes part of your Australian adventure.
They are an unforgettable part of any trip to Australia, which you’ll have to see to believe!
