Seven Stunning Pink Lakes in Australia

For an unforgettable natural wonder, the pink lakes in Australia should top your travel bucket list. With waters that range from soft lilac to vibrant flamingo pink, these salt lakes provide breathtaking views and incredible photo ops. While pink lakes can be found worldwide, Australia boasts an exceptional number. Here’s a curated list of the must-see pink lakes for your next adventure.

What causes the pink hue in Australia’s lakes?

Pink lakes are among nature's most captivating sights, and their formation is surprisingly straightforward. In Australia and beyond, these lakes have high salt levels. When salt interacts with green algae in the water, a striking pink coloration emerges. The hue shifts throughout the day, influenced by light and water conditions, offering stunning visuals for onlookers.

Australia's remarkable concentration of pink lakes is largely due to high levels of prawn brine. Most of these enchanting lakes are found in Western or South Australia, but there are also notable ones in Victoria, near Melbourne. This list highlights some particularly breathtaking examples that are sure to amaze you.

Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia

If you’re planning a visit to Perth in Western Australia, don’t miss the chance to see Hutt Lagoon, a stunning pink lake near Port Gregory. Located just under a six-hour drive from Perth, it’s wise to book accommodations in Port Gregory for an overnight stay. Hutt Lagoon, one of Australia’s most iconic pink lakes, is only a 10-minute drive from the town. Here, you’ll encounter a vast expanse of bubble-gum pink water that transforms into a deep red at certain times of the day.

The lake is typically at its brightest pink around midday, specifically between 10 AM and 2 PM. There’s no official entry fee, and visitors can park and camp around the lake, although amenities are limited. Swimming is permitted, but be cautious as the lake is often shallow and the high salt content can make the lake bed quite sharp. It’s advisable to wear shoes if you plan to wade in.

Lake Hillier, Western Australia

Situated just off the southern coast of Western Australia on Middle Island, Lake Hillier is one of the most remote and stunning pink lakes in the country. If you wish to visit, your best bet is to stay in nearby Esperance. From there, you can take a boat to Middle Island or experience Lake Hillier from above with a flight from Esperance Airport.

Flights regularly depart, providing passengers with breathtaking aerial views of Lake Hillier and the adjacent Cape Arid National Park. If you're arriving at the island by boat, please note that swimming is not allowed due to conservation efforts. Additionally, overnight camping by the lake is prohibited, as you'll need to return to the mainland on your boat.

Murray-Sunset National Park Pink Lakes, Victoria

For those seeking a complete outdoor adventure that includes both camping and hiking, Murray-Sunset National Park is the ideal destination for experiencing pink lakes in Australia. Located about a six-hour drive from Melbourne, this park boasts beautiful hiking trails, camping facilities, and a network of stunning pink lakes.

The park is also a sanctuary for various rare bird species, including parrots, emus, and hummingbirds, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and boat tours through the surrounding floodplains. To witness the Murray-Sunset pink lakes at their most vivid, it’s best to visit on a cloudy day, as the overhead cover enhances the pink hues, which can appear silver or white in bright sunlight.

Lake Hart, South Australia

Nestled in the heart of the South Australian outback, Lake Hart exudes tranquility with its enchanting pink hues that shift to a shimmering lilac at dusk. Campers can pitch their tents by the lakeside for a memorable night under the stars. While there are no camping services available, parking is free in the area. The lake is generally shallow and boasts a very high salt content, making it unsuitable for swimming.

Due to Lake Hart’s remote setting, visitors without camping gear should plan to stay nearby. It is approximately a six-hour drive from Adelaide and about a four-hour drive from Port Pirie. Additionally, breathtaking views of Lake Hart can be enjoyed from the Indian Pacific Railway, which travels past the lake en route from Sydney to Perth.

Lake Eyre, South Australia

Another remote gem, Lake Eyre is one of Australia’s largest pink lakes. Positioned in the heart of the South Australian desert, about 700 km from Adelaide, it is often best viewed from the air. Uniquely, Lake Eyre fills with water only about every decade, leaving a stunning salt crust that remains captivating from a plane.

When water levels rise at Lake Eyre, they create a breathtaking spectacle of colors, thanks to the lakebed's high salinity. The surface can display vibrant shades of hot pink, deep turquoise, and burnt orange, sometimes all in the same day. The lake’s waters also attract a variety of native wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts. For the best views, consider booking a private flight from William Creek to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Lake MacDonnell, South Australia

For those wanting a beach experience alongside stunning pink lakes, Lake MacDonnell on the South Australian coast is the perfect destination. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the road that runs through the lake, separating the bubble-gum pink water on one side from the ocean green on the other.

While the lake may be too shallow for swimming, you can easily pull over to capture some photos before heading to the nearby coastal beaches for a swim. Lake MacDonnell is just a short drive from the Point Sinclair campsite and the pristine white sands of Cactus Beach.

Lake Bumbunga, Clare Valley

If you're exploring Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga offers a fantastic opportunity to see one of Australia’s renowned pink lakes. Located less than two hours by car from Adelaide, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip. This picturesque lake is incredibly photogenic, making it a perfect place to capture some stunning Instagram shots. With its generally shallow waters, you can easily wade in and pose amid its delightful pink waves.

On bright, sunny days, Lake Bumbunga displays its most vibrant pink hues; however, under cloud cover, the lake can present some stunning visual effects. Depending on shifts in salt levels, the water can also appear blue or white. Visiting the lake is free, and camping is permitted in the surrounding area if you have the necessary gear. If you're in the region for a few days, consider exploring some of the renowned vineyards in Clare Valley nearby.

These pink lakes in Australia rank among the most beautiful and unique sites you'll encounter anywhere. With fantastic opportunities for holiday photos and breathtaking aerial views, visiting these lakes will create unforgettable memories, making it a perfect choice for an inspiring Australian adventure.