10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (2023)

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Did you know there are more than 10 pink lakes in Australia? Australia is home to so many incredible natural wonders, and the extraordinary pink lakes happens to be one of them!

It’s funny to think that we nearly went to visit a pink lake in another country, and unbeknown to us Australia is home to loads! The pink lakes in Australia is such a phenomenon, we’ve found 10 places with pink water in Australia.

The famous pink lagoons in Australia include many pink lakes in Western Australia such as; Lake Hillier and Hutt Lagoon. There’s even a pink lake in Melbourne and in Canberra too! You’ll be surprised to see your Australia bucket list will be growing after you’ve read this post.

Find out why you need to put the pink lakes in Australia on your bucket list right now!

Table of Contents

How We Discovered The Pink Lakes In Australia

Then we remembered whenGary Pepper Girldid that Lancôme campaign right in the middle of one of Australia’s pink lakes.So, we did a bit of research into the pink lake phenomenon and it turns out there are over10 pink lakes in Australiaworth visiting.

There aren’t that many pink lakes in the world, but it turns out most of them are right here in Australia!

Find out why the pink lakes in Australia are a must visit!

Why Are There Pink Lakes In Australia?

Lake Eyre in South Australia

Just a quick one if you’re wondering how a pink lake is formed:

⇒Firstly, it has to be a salt lake

(Video) Pink Lakes In Australia You Won't Believe Exist!

⇒During the hot weather, the algae in the water mixes with the salts to turn the lake pink. It’s as simple as that.

⇒Most pink lakes don’t stay pink permanently, they change colour all the time mostly from a lilac to a bright bubblegum pink colour throughout the day and in certain times of the year.

⇒If you’re wondering whether you can swim in a pink lake, there’s no reason why you can’t but most pink lakes in Australia are off limits as the locals are trying to protect them. If you find a pink lake you can swim in, make sure you don’t have any open wounds as they’ll be seeing a lot of salt in them once you take a dip.

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1. Lake Hillier In WA

Starting with the most famous pink lake is Lake Hillier in Australia, located on Middle Islandin WA. Unlike other pink lakes, Lake Hillier stays the same vibrant bubblegum pink all year round.

It’s not that easy to get to the 6km island, you can only view the pink Lake Hillier by a scenic flight or by boat. If you’re going via a boat tour, you’ll be dropped off on the island to explore the camp ruins of Australia’s only ever pirate called Jack Anderson from the 1830’s. Pretty cool hey?

Although it’s totally safe to swim in, swimming is actually off bounds to protect this natural phenomenon. We’d imagine you’d be floating as much as you would in the Dead Sea due to this amount of salt in this water.

How to get to Lake Hillier:
Lake Hillier is located just off Cape Arid National Park near Esperance in Western Australia.

Boat tours start from with Esperance Cruises and start from 7am – 4pm. They don’t run often and the next available cruise will take place in April 2019. It costs around $290 per person and includes lunch.

Helicopter tours start from $370 for adults and $310 for kids and last for 1h40m from Esperance with Goldfield Air Services.

2. Pink Lake & Lake Warden, Western Australia

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Lake Hillier’s neighbour is the infamous Pink Lake. Apparently many people get completely confused with the two lakes because of the names.

Unfortunately the Pink Lake has lost its colour over the years due to many contributing factors such as; the salt mining ceased in 2007, a new construction of a railway and highway nearby caused the loss of the colour. Although it disappoints many tourists, there’s another lake worth visiting next door.

The good news is, just five minutes away from Pink Lake is Lake Warden. Expect a bright pink lake to visit if you’re not up for a helicopter flight or boat over to Lake Hillier.

How to get to Pink Lake and Lake Warden:
The Pink Lake is just an 8 minute drive west of Esperance in Western Australia. Lake Warden is literally next door to the Pink Lake.

3. Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia

10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (6)

5.5hrs north of Perth lies Hutt Lagoon, a pink lake which stretches over a massive 70KM. Hutt Lagoon is also a favourite set location for fashion brands likeLancôme and Myer.

As mentioned, Gary Pepper Girl made headlines with the beautiful read dress she wore on this lake as well as Aussie model Jennifer Hawkins shot a fashion shoot for a Myer campaign here as well.

Depending on the weather, Hutt Lagoon’s colour can vary from lilac to bright pink and can even turn silver, it just depends on the cloud cover and the time of the day.

Hutt Lagoon isn’t just a fashion set, it’s actually farmed to make cosmetics and supplements as well as used as a natural food dye. If you’re wondering how, Hutt Lagoon’s pink colour lake is formed due to the algae in the water that produces beta-carotene. You might know beta-carotene is also found in vegetables like carrots and is used to farm these products.

Although the water might dry out during Summer and will lose it’s intense pink colour, don’t try and drive or walk over it as it’s very salty and soft meaning it can be quite slimy as essentially it is still a salt bed.

How to get to Hutt Lagoon:
Hutt Lagoon is a 5h30m drive from Perth located near to the main hub of Geraldton nearly half way up the WA coast.

Book a flight over Hutt Lagoon right here >

Read the reviews and book at tour over Hutt Lagoon on Trip Advisor here >

4. Quairading Pink Lake, Western Australia

10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (7)

Quairading Pink Lake is just a two hour drive out of Perth and what makes it unique is the fact that there’s a road that runs right in the middle of it. This road actually determines that there’s two different shades of pink throughout the year.

How to get to Quairading Pink Lake:

It’s just over a 2 hour drive west of Perth to get to Quairading Pink Lake!

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5. Westgate Lake Melbourne

In 2017, Westgate Lake near the Westgate Bridge made global headlines as it changed colour overnight to a bright bubblegum shade of pink.

There were many theories about why Westgate Lake changed colour but it’s actually due to the warmer weather. The mixture of high salt levels and high temperatures caused the salt lake to turn pink. During the winter months it returns to its normal cooler colour.

And there was us thinking you had to travel far to see the pink phenomenon and you can see it right in the middle of Melbourne!

How to get there:

Westgate Lake is located in Port Melbourne, just an 18 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

6. Pink Lakes, Victoria

10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (9)

Located in the far North West of Victoria, 50km south of Mildura, lies four pink lakes in the Murray-Sunset National Park called; Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking, Lake Kenyon and Lake Hardy.

Although they aren’t as well known as some of famous pink lakes in Western Australia and South Australia, Victoria still has some awesome pink lakes worth mentioning.

The colours range from mauve to the classic bubblegum pink after rainfall and get whiter throughout the day.

There are walking tracks between the four lakes and you can camp at either Lake Crosbie or Lake Becking.

10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (10)

How to get to pink lakes Victoria:

Murray-Sunset National Park is a 5h30m drive North East of Melbourne and is actually closer to Adelaide by a whole 1h45m!

If you’re looking to camp at Murray-Sunset National Park, check outthis post by Parks Victoria.

7. Lake Eyre, South Australia

It might not be as easy to visit the other lakes as Lake Eyre actually only sees water every 3-10 years. When the lake fills up, the beautiful wildlife bring the lake alive and it’s a sight to be seen.

How to get to Lake Eyre:

Lake Eyre is a good 8h drive north from Adelaide.

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8. Lake Bumbunga, Clare Valley, South Australia

Easy to get to, Lake Bumbunga is only a 1h40m drive north west of Adelaide near the famous wine region of Clare Valley. The lake is actually really shallow so it’s a popular spot for instagrammers and photographers.

How to get to Lake Bumbunga:

Located near the town of Lochiel, Lake Bumbunga is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive north west from Adelaide.

9. Lake Albert, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Lake Albert is just a 1h40m drive south east of Adelaide and is named after Prince Albert. The lake sits as the gateway to the Coorong National park which has salt pans, sand dunes, wild beaches and wetlands which stretches over 150km.

How to get to Lake Albert:

Lake Albert is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive south east from Adelaide.

10. Lake MacDonnell, South Australia

10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (14)

One of the most popular pink lakes in Australia is Lake MacDonnell. Although it’s becoming a popular Instagram spot, it actually takes a good nine hour drive west of Adelaide to get there.

Previously a salt mine, Lake MacDonnell is the largest gypsum mine in the southern hemisphere and can produce more than one million tonnes of gypsum a year.

How to get there:

It’s a 9 hour drive west of Adelaide to reach this insta-famous pink lake!

Best Pink Lakes In Australia

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10 Best Pink Lakes In Australia You Won’t Believe Exist! (15)
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FAQs

Is there really a pink lake in Australia? ›

Contrasting colours of pink, blue and green create the striking scene that is Lake MacDonnell. Located in South Australia's breathtaking Eyre Peninsula, Lake MacDonnell is one of the country's most intensely pink lakes, owing to its high salt concentration.

How many pink lakes are there in Australia? ›

There are over 10 pink lakes in Australia, There are four rose beaches in Victoria's Murray-Sunset National Park, Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking, Lake Kenyon and Lake Hardy, as well as a purple inlet in Western Australia, called Hutt Lagoon, between Geraldton and Kalbarri.

Why can't you visit the Pink Lake in Australia? ›

Lake Hillier is accessible mostly by air tours and boat cruises, but landing on Middle Island is a no-go. Although you theoretically could swim in a pink lake at Murray-Sunset National Park, it's not advisable due to the high percentage of salt in the water.

What is the mystery about the Pink Lake? ›

Microbiology. Pink lake mystery solved. THE reason for the bubblegum pink colour of a remote lake in Western Australia has long been a mystery, but new research suggests it is caused by a mix of colourful microbes. Lake Hillier on Middle Island in Australia is about eight times saltier than the ocean.

Is there a pink lake in USA? ›

There are actually two pink lakes in Utah! They are both a part of the Great Salt Lake, but one is found at Stansbury Island and the other one is in the northern bay by the Spiral Jetty.

Can you touch the pink lake in Australia? ›

Algae growing in the salt crust at the bottom of the lake produces the red pigment (beta carotene) as part of its photosynthesis process and in response to the extremely high salt levels. Enjoy the views, but we recommend you don't come into contact with the water.

Can you swim in Pink Lake Australia? ›

Despite bacteria being the reason for the strawberry milk color, Lake Hillier is totally safe to swim in. In fact, the lake's high salt content likely makes the water so dense that you'd float incredibly easily, the way you would in the Dead Sea.

Are you allowed to swim in Pink Lake Australia? ›

Can you swim in Hutt Lagoon? You can swim in the pink lake, although the water is very salty and it isn't the most pleasant experience.

What is the biggest Pink Lake in Australia? ›

Lake Hillier is a saline lake on the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago in the Goldfields-Esperance region, off the south coast of Western Australia. It is particularly notable for its pink colour.

Is pink lake real or not? ›

Pink Lake (previously known as Lake Spencer) is a salt lake in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. Although historically the water in the lake was visibly pink, as of 2017 it had not been pink for over ten years.

What happens if you jump in the pink lake in senegal? ›

The algae that makes the lake pink is completely harmless to humans. However you will want to shower off with fresh water quickly after as the salt will dry out your skin. Alternatively, you can apply shea butter to your skin before going in – like the locals that harvest salt in the lake do.

Can you swim in pink lake Victoria? ›

Many visitors want to know if you can swim in a pink lake. Locals will advise against it due to the uncertainty of the water quality, the high levels of salt making it risky if you have any abrasions, and in most areas, pink lakes are considered protected zones or a “look but please don't pollute” attraction.

Why is pink lake not pink anymore? ›

Esperance's Pink Lake has lost its pink colour due to a number of contributing factors. With the construction of the railway line and South Coast Highway, Lake Warden and the eastern lakes no longer flush into Pink Lake during heavy rains, this flushing brought in accumulated salts from other lakes into Pink Lake.

What caused pink lake? ›

The lake's unique pink hue comes from a pigment secreted by microscopic algae found in Loch Iel's extra salty wetlands. This reserve is a beautiful spot to unwind.

How many pink lakes are there in the world? ›

13 Pink Lakes in the World That Are Definitely Worth Visiting | Veena World.

Which lake is red color in USA? ›

A railroad causeway built in 1959 cut Utah's Great Salt Lake into two very different lakes, ecologically speaking, as seen in this striking drone footage posted by ABC News on Wednesday. The water north of the causeway is a deep red, reflecting its highly saline chemistry.

Is there a pink ocean? ›

“Los Coloradas” Means “The Colored”

A collection of lakes tucked into a paradisiacal part of the Yucatan Peninsula are often called the pink ocean.

How deep is pink lake? ›

Pink Lake is thought to be a meromictic lake which is one that lacks complete cirrculation. The lake is approximately 162m above sea level. It has a maximum depth of 20m, which is very deep for its small size of 9 hectares.

Is the pink lake in Australia man made? ›

It might look human-made, but Australia's pink Lake Hillier is entirely natural.

Why is it called pink lake? ›

Despite having the name “Pink,” the lake is actually green. It is named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826.

Does the pink lake have fish? ›

The fish in the lake have adapted to its high salt content by evolving ways to pump out extra salt and keep their water levels balanced. The fish are approximately four times smaller than those living in a normal environment, as a result of fish dwarfism.

Can you drink pink lake water? ›

Despite the coloration, the water is clear and will not cause any harm to you or your skin. Just like most seas and ocean around the world with the distinct exception of not having any macro-organisms like fish to worry about. The algae are completely harmless but drinking hypersaline water is a no-no.

Does pink lake have sharks? ›

The view is spectacular, aside from a view on Lake Hillier, you will also get a great view of the coastal line and might even see a shark roaming the shores.

What would happen if you swam in the pink lake? ›

Named for its hot pink “Pepto-Bismol-like hue,” The Pink Lake is located in the Middle Island area of Lake Hillier. Some people are afraid to swim in the pink water due to its strange color, but the water is perfectly safe to swim in.

Can dogs go to pink lake? ›

Pink Lake is pet friendly! If you need help to decide where to stay, play, or eat with Fido, you've come to the right place.

Can you swim in Lake Hillier? ›

The water of the lake is otherwise clear and it causes no harm to the human skin and the Dunaliella salina alga is completely harmless as well. In fact, swimming in the lake's water is safe and fun but impossible to do for normal tourists as the lake can't be visited.

Why is it called Pink Lake in Australia? ›

It's all about the algae

Hutt Lagoon's striking pink colour is thanks to algae that live in the water, Dunaliella salina. When exposed to sunlight, the algae produces beta-carotene, the red pigment found in carrots and other vegies.

What lake in Australia is Pepto Bismol colored? ›

Lake Hillier is notable for its high salt content and its Pepto Bismol shade of pink, reports Ken Jennings. The big idea behind these "Maphead" posts—the raison d'etre, if you will—is to sniff out geographical oddities.

Can you swim in the pink lake in Australia? ›

Despite bacteria being the reason for the strawberry milk color, Lake Hillier is totally safe to swim in. In fact, the lake's high salt content likely makes the water so dense that you'd float incredibly easily, the way you would in the Dead Sea.

Are you allowed to swim in pink lake Australia? ›

Can you swim in Hutt Lagoon? You can swim in the pink lake, although the water is very salty and it isn't the most pleasant experience.

How did the pink lake turn pink? ›

The lake's unique pink hue comes from a pigment secreted by microscopic algae found in Loch Iel's extra salty wetlands. This reserve is a beautiful spot to unwind.

Is the pink lake drinkable? ›

The pink lake's bubble gum resembling pink water looks alluring to drink. But it has exceptionally high salt content. You can't drink it.

What lives in the pink lake in Australia? ›

The only living organisms in Lake Hillier are microorganisms including Dunaliella salina, red algae which cause the salt content in the lake to create a red dye which helps produce the colour, as well as red halophilic bacteria, bacterioruberin, present in the salt crusts.

Why is Pink Lake not pink anymore? ›

Esperance's Pink Lake has lost its pink colour due to a number of contributing factors. With the construction of the railway line and South Coast Highway, Lake Warden and the eastern lakes no longer flush into Pink Lake during heavy rains, this flushing brought in accumulated salts from other lakes into Pink Lake.

How deep is the Pink Lake in Australia? ›

The lake is within a wetlands nature reserve called the Esperance Nature Reserve. It has a pinkish hue, although it's not quite as bright as Lake Hillier or other pink lakes around Australia. The lake has a depth of about 2 metres and has been getting shallower throughout the years due to deforestation.

What does the pink lake do to you? ›

Additionally, this body of water is extremely salty—just as salty as the Dead Sea. It's harmless to swim in, but you can't just hop in for a quick lap. Lake Hillier is only viewable from the sky by a helicopter or plane ride over the island.

Does the pink lake still exist? ›

Since its discovery in 1802, Lake Hillier has drawn in curious visitors from all over the world. Located on an island in Western Australia, this pink lake is 1,968 feet long and 820 feet wide. The lake's pink hue is most vivid when viewed from above, and there are plenty of helicopter services available.

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