Hurry to see Australia's pink lakes before it's too late!

In Australia, there lies a breathtaking natural wonder – pink lakes. These lakes have been a unique landscape feature for thousands of years, appearing not only in Aboriginal myths but also frequently in family vacation photos. Jay Chou's song "Pink Ocean" was filmed here. The pink color comes from Dunaliella salina algae in the lakes, whose carotenoids create the enchanting pink hue. However, due to climate change and resource extraction, two of the most iconic pink lakes have gradually faded over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, experts believe that with proper intervention and natural recovery, these lakes may regain their former glory. If you want to witness the beauty of pink lakes firsthand, save this guide and set off soon!

Western Australia
📍Lake Hillier
Located in the pristine environment of an island in the Southern Ocean, it appears as a solid "bubblegum pink" from the air, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding forest and blue sea. Due to its remote location, you'll need to charter a plane or take a boat from Esperance, then transfer to a helicopter to reach it.
📍Hutt Lagoon
About 520 km from Perth, along the Coral Coast of the Indian Ocean, its color changes from pink to purple or even red depending on the season, sunlight, and cloud cover. Early morning and sunset are the best times to view it, accessible by driving along George Grey Drive or taking a scenic flight.
📍Lake Bumbunga
Less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide, it's the "easiest pink lake to visit." Variations in salinity along the shore cause the lake to shift between pink, white, and light blue, making it perfect for photos and picnics.

South Australia
📍Lake MacDonnell
Located on the Eyre Peninsula, it became famous for its "Watermelon Avenue" causeway that separates the pink lake water from the green seawater on the other side. The colors are most vibrant in spring (September–November), but the pink fades when water levels rise in summer.
📍Pink Lakes, Murray-Sunset National Park (Victoria)
Comprising four salt lakes, including Lake Crosbie and Lake Becking, they can display gradients from white to deep pink year-round, offering a unique charm under moonlight at night.

💡Tips: The color of pink lakes is significantly affected by season, rainfall, and evaporation. If you're making a special trip, it's best to visit in late spring to early summer (September–December in the Southern Hemisphere) and check local salinity and water level reports in advance to avoid disappointment.

Post by Trip.Pulse | Jul 22, 2025