If you want to see an incredible natural phenomenon first-hand, the pink lakes in Australia should be at the top of your list. With beautifully tinted waters, ranging from dusky lilac to bright flamingo pink, these saltwater lakes are a breath-taking sight and offer some amazing holiday photo opportunities. While pink lakes do exist in other parts of the world, Australia is blessed with an unusually high number. We’ve compiled the top pink lakes to add to your future travel plans.
What makes the pink lakes in Australia pink?
Pink lakes are one of nature’s most eye-catching wonders, but the way that they form is surprisingly simple. Pink lakes in Australia, and around the world, have an extremely high salt content. When the salt in the water interacts with green algae in the lake, a vibrant pink tinge develops. The color also changes throughout the day, depending on the light outside and conditions in the water, creating beautiful visual effects that will stun visitors.
Australia also has an unusually high concentration of pink lakes due to large quantities of prawn brine in the water. Most of the pink lakes in Australia are situated in Western or South Australia, although there are also a couple of spectacular examples in Victoria, near Melbourne. This list features some particularly striking favorites that will take your breath away.
Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia
If you’re visiting Perth, in Western Australia, a trip to Hutt Lagoon pink lake near Port Gregory is definitely worth planning. Port Gregory is located just under a 6h drive from Perth, so it’s a good idea to book accommodation in the town and stay overnight. From Port Gregory, Hutt Lagoon – one of Australia’s most iconic pink lakes – is just a 10min drive away. Visitors to Hutt Lagoon will find themselves face to face with an immense body of bubble-gum pink water that changes to deep red at certain times of day.
The water is usually at its most vivid pink around midday, between around 10am and 2pm. There’s no official entry fee and visitors can park and camp around the lake, although there are no amenities or services for campers. Swimming is also allowed; however, you should be aware that the lake is often quite shallow, and that the high salt content can make the lake-bed sharp. Probably a good choice if you want to stick to paddling with shoes on.
Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Located just off the south coast of Western Australia on Middle Island, Lake Hillier is one of the continent’s most remote and most beautiful pink lakes. If you plan to visit Lake Hillier, your best option is to stay nearby in Esperance. From here, you can take a boat to Middle Island. You can also experience Lake Hillier from the air by flying out of Esperance Airport.
Flights depart regularly and offer passengers incredible views over Lake Hillier and the surrounding Cape Arid National Park. If you’re visiting the island by boat, be aware that swimming is prohibited for conservation reasons. You also won’t be able to camp overnight at the lake as you’ll need to catch your boat back to the mainland.
Murray-Sunset National Park Pink Lakes, Victoria
If you’re looking for the full outdoor experience, with camping and hiking included, the Murray-Sunset National Park is the perfect spot to see pink lakes in Australia. Located around a 6h drive from Melbourne, the Murray-Sunset National Park features stunning hiking trails, camping facilities, and a network of incredible pink lakes.
The area is also home to numerous rare bird species, including parrots, emus, and hummingbirds, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing and boat tours of the surrounding floodplains. To see the Murray-Sunset pink lakes at their most vibrant, it’s a good idea to head out on a cloudy day. The overhead cover creates a dramatic pink colour, which can appear silver or white in bright sunshine.
Lake Hart, South Australia
Situated in the heart of the South Australian outback, Lake Hart has an incredibly peaceful atmosphere and a magical pink colouring that transforms to a shimmering lilac at nightfall. Campers can set up by the lakeside for an unforgettable night under the stars. There are no camping services available, but the area is free to park in. The lake is generally shallow and has an extremely high salt content, so it’s not a great option for swimming.
Given Lake Hart’s remote location, anyone visiting without camping gear should arrange to stay nearby. The lake is located around a 6h drive from Adelaide and around a 4h drive from Port Pirie. You can also get great views of Lake Hart from the Indian Pacific Railway, which runs right past the lake on its way between Sydney and Perth.
Lake Eyre, South Australia
Another remote option, Lake Eyre is one of Australia’s largest pink lakes. Lake Eyre’s location, right in the midst of the South Australian desert, around 700km from Adelaide, means that it is usually seen from the air. Lake Eyre is also unusual in that the lake only fills up with water every decade or so. The rest of the time, a dazzling salt crust covers the area and it is still an impressive sight from a plane.
When the water levels do rise at Lake Eyre, the result is a spectacular display of colours brought on by the high salinity in the lakebed. Lake Eyre’s surface can be seen to turn hot pink, deep turquoise, and burnt orange, sometimes all within the same day. The lake waters also draw native wildlife populations, meaning Lake Eyre is a great place for nature lovers to visit. To see the lake at its best, consider booking a private flight from William Creek to take in the unbelievable views.
Lake MacDonnell, South Australia
If you want to enjoy some time at the beach while visiting pink lakes in Australia, Lake MacDonnell on the South Australian coast is an ideal choice for you. Visitors with cars can enjoy the breath-taking views from the road that runs right through Lake MacDonnell, dividing the water into bubble-gum pink on one side and ocean green on the other.
The lake is a little shallow for swimmers, but you can always stop by the roadside to take some shots then dive into the surf at the coastal beaches nearby. The lake is just a short drive from the Point Sinclair campsite and the immaculate white sands of Cactus Beach.
Lake Bumbunga, Clare Valley
If you’re on a city visit to Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga is your best chance to see one of Australia’s famous pink lakes. Lake Bumbunga is located less than a 2h car ride from Adelaide, making it an excellent spot for a day trip. This idyllic lake is incredibly photogenic and is an amazing place to snap some truly Insta-worthy content. The lake is generally shallow, so it’s easy to get out and pose in its luscious-looking pink wavelets.
Bright, sunny days will show Lake Bumbunga up at its most vibrant pink; however, cloud cover can also produce some visually stunning effects. The lake can also look blue or white, depending on how the salt levels shift. You can visit for free and camp in the surrounding area if you’ve got the equipment. If you’re in the area for a couple of days, it’s also a great idea to visit some of the famous Clare Valley vineyards in the surrounding region.
These pink lakes in Australia are some of the most beautiful and unique sites that you will see anywhere. From gorgeous holiday snap potential to magical aerial views, visiting these lakes will help you create unforgettable memories. Perfect for a truly inspiring Australian adventure.
