Lexi Webster
Australia is home to numerous pink lakes, which vary in size. These lakes are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon, attracting tourists and scientists alike. The colour of these lakes is often linked to rainfall, with warmer weather and lower rainfall contributing to their pink hue. The salinity of the water, caused by evaporation, is a key factor in their colouration. One of the most famous pink lakes, Lake Hillier in Western Australia, is known for its year-round bubblegum pink colour, which contrasts with the deep blue of the ocean. Hutt Lagoon, also in Western Australia, covers a whopping 70 square kilometres and showcases a range of colours from pink to purple. Lake Bumbunga in South Australia is another notable pink lake, known for its photogenic magenta shores. These lakes provide a stunning spectacle, offering both scenic flights and ground-level experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Hillier, Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia |
| Size | Covers 70 square kilometres |
| Colour | Bubblegum pink |
| Colouring agent | High salt concentration, Dunaliella salina (a red algae), carotenoid red pigments, Halobacterium salinarum, Salinibacter ruber |
| Accessibility | Accessible mostly by air tours and boat cruises |
| Best time to visit | Mid-morning or sunset |
| Other attractions | Clare Valley, one of the major wine regions in South Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Lake Hillier, Middle Island
Lake Hillier, located on Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia, is a salt lake well known for its bright bubblegum pink hue. The lake covers a massive 70 square kilometres and is best known for maintaining its vibrant shade all year round. The colour is thought to be caused by the presence of halophilic (salt-tolerant) algae, Dunaliella salina, and specific bacteria and archaea, which thrive in high-saline environments. The carotenoid red pigments secreted by these organisms are responsible for the colour of the lake.
The lake was first sighted by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802, who described it as "a small lake of a rose colour". However, the exact reason for its distinct colour remained a mystery for years, baffling tourists and scientists alike. Molecular biologist Ken McGrath led research on Lake Hillier in 2015, which found that while Dunaliella salina was present in tiny quantities, the red bacterium Salinibacter ruber formed 20 to 33% of the DNA recovered from the lake. McGrath theorised that all pink lakes might be caused by S. ruber, as it produces a pigment called bacterioruberin, which helps the bacterium trap and use light for energy.
Lake Hillier is accessible by boat and air, with cruises and helicopter tours available from Esperance, the nearest town. However, getting off on Middle Island is not allowed. The lake is a popular attraction for tourists, with its bright pink waters contrasting against the deep blue of the ocean, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The best time to visit is during the morning, when the lake is at its pinkest, with the colour intensity deepening as the sun rises.
The salinity of Lake Hillier is extremely high, up to ten times saltier than seawater. This high salt concentration creates a unique environment where only microorganisms can survive. While it is safe to swim in the lake, it is not advisable to drink the water due to the potential presence of harmful microorganisms and the high salinity levels.
The colour of the lake can vary due to natural changes, and scenic flights operating in the area may divert to other pink lakes in the region if Lake Hillier's colour changes. The dynamics of why a lake turns pink are complex, influenced by factors such as rainfall, sediment, sunlight exposure, and the organisms living in the lake.
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Hutt Lagoon, Coral Coast
Hutt Lagoon, located on the Coral Coast in Western Australia, is a stunning natural wonder that has attracted visitors from all over the world. The lagoon is famous for its striking pink colour, which is a result of the algae Dunaliella salina that lives in the water. When exposed to sunlight, this algae produces beta-carotene, the same red pigment found in carrots and other vegetables. The lagoon covers approximately 70 square kilometres, and its colour can vary from pink to red or purple, depending on the season, time of day, and cloud coverage.
Hutt Lagoon is located about five to six hours' drive north of Perth and is easily accessible by car. Visitors can cruise along George Grey Drive to take in the breathtaking views of the lagoon and the surrounding Coral Coast. The best time to visit is during mid-morning or sunset when the lagoon displays its most vibrant colours. For an even more spectacular view, visitors can opt for a scenic flight with Shine Aviation or Kalbarri Scenic Flights, which offer a bird's-eye perspective of the lagoon's mesmerising hues.
The ever-changing nature of Hutt Lagoon makes it a unique and captivating destination. Unlike some other pink lakes, such as Lake Hillier, which maintain their pink shade year-round, Hutt Lagoon transforms with the weather and seasons. On overcast days, the lagoon might appear grey or silver, while on other days, the clouds themselves may reflect the pink hues of the water. This dynamic character adds to the allure of the lagoon, providing visitors with a unique experience each time they visit.
The Coral Coast of Western Australia is renowned for its vividly hued nature, and Hutt Lagoon is undoubtedly one of its highlights. The region boasts World Heritage wonders, vibrant landscapes, and an array of wildlife encounters. Visitors can explore the red cliffs and bright blue waters of the coast, discovering new breathtaking experiences around every corner. Hutt Lagoon, with its awe-inspiring beauty, has become a popular destination for photographers, fashion shoots, and even car advertisements, showcasing the unique and otherworldly setting that nature has created.
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Lake Bumbunga, near Adelaide
Lake Bumbunga, located in South Australia, is a pink lake that is approximately a 2-hour drive from Adelaide. It is a popular tourist destination, with its magenta shores attracting both amateur and professional photographers who come to capture the unique hues of pink and white created by the lake's high salinity. The lake covers an area of 15 square kilometres (5.8 square miles) and is easily visible from Highway 1 for a distance of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
The colour of Lake Bumbunga is due to the presence of salt-tolerant algae, specifically Dunaliella salina, which produces a pink pigment. The lake's colour changes seasonally, with higher concentrations of freshwater and more sunlight during the spring leading to a more pinkish hue. In addition to the algae, specific bacteria and archaea may also contribute to the pink colouration, with molecular biologist Ken McGrath suggesting that the bacterium Salinibacter ruber may be primarily responsible for the colour of pink lakes.
Lake Bumbunga has a rich history, with salt having been mined from its shallow waters almost continuously since 1881. The lake played a significant role during World War II when salt was needed for munitions manufacture, and at one point, South Australia was producing 80% of the country's salt. Today, the lake continues to be a source of salt for various purposes, including swimming pools, water softeners, and food production.
The lake is also known for its unique "Loch Eel Monster" sculpture, which pays homage to a local legend. According to the story, bullocks walking over the lake were spooked by a monster and gradually got sucked under. The original version of the monster was made from piles of old tyres, and after the head was stolen in 2017, it was replaced with a fibreglass sculpture. Lake Bumbunga has served as a filming location for various advertisements and fashion shoots, as well as for the TV series "Upright" by Tim Minchin.
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Lake MacDonnell, Eyre Peninsula
Lake MacDonnell, located in South Australia's breathtaking Eyre Peninsula, is one of the country's most intensely pink lakes. The lake stands out for its striking combination of pink, blue, and green hues. Its vibrant colour is a result of a high salt concentration, which creates a captivating spectacle for visitors.
The size of Lake MacDonnell is not explicitly mentioned, however, it is described as one of Australia's most intensely pink lakes, indicating that it is relatively large compared to other pink lakes in the region. The lake's colour intensity and size make it a notable natural attraction.
The Eyre Peninsula, where Lake MacDonnell is located, is a rugged and beautiful part of South Australia. It boasts a diverse landscape, including pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and vast expanses of Outback. The peninsula is known for its natural wonders and outdoor adventures, attracting visitors seeking unique experiences.
Lake MacDonnell has a unique history as the site of a former salt mine and the largest gypsum mine in Australia. The lake's high salt concentration, which contributes to its distinct colour, is likely related to its past as a salt mine. Today, the lake stands as a testament to the region's geological significance and provides a visually stunning experience for those who visit.
The pink hue of Lake MacDonnell, and other pink lakes in Australia, is primarily attributed to the presence of specific algae and bacteria. Dunaliella salina, a type of salt-tolerant algae, and Halobacterium salinarum, a common archaeon, are often found in these lakes. The interaction of these microorganisms with factors like salinity, climate, and hydrology gives rise to the distinctive pink colouration.
The best time to witness the pink colour of Lake MacDonnell is during late summer, similar to other pink lakes in Australia. The colour intensity can vary depending on factors such as rainfall, temperature, and the presence of microorganisms. Visitors are advised to check the conditions before planning a trip to maximise the chances of witnessing the lake's vibrant pink display.
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Lake Hart, South Australia
Lake Hart is a salt lake located in South Australia's seemingly endless outback. It is known for its beautiful pastel pink colour, which is caused by a high salt concentration that creates salt crystals under the water. The lake is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning panoramic views and a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Australian outback.
The lake is accessible via the Stuart Highway, which runs between Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. It is a popular stop for travellers along this route, as it is just a short walk from the car park to the lake. The sun shining on the white salt and the surrounding dusty orange desert make for a striking contrast and a beautiful sight. The lake is also a great place to camp for the night, offering incredible star-gazing opportunities.
The colour of Lake Hart, like many other pink lakes in Australia, is influenced by various factors such as rainfall, salinity, sediment, and the organisms living in the lake. These lakes get their colour from a combination of specific bacteria, archaea, and salt-tolerant algae that produce carotenoids. While some believe that the colour is primarily due to the presence of Dunaliella salina, a red algae that thrives in salty environments, others argue that it is caused by the bacterium Salinibacter ruber.
Lake Hart is not the only pink lake in South Australia. Lake Bumbunga, located less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide, is known for its photogenic magenta shores that change colour with the salinity of the water. Lake MacDonnell, situated in the breathtaking Eyre Peninsula, is another intensely pink lake in South Australia due to its high salt concentration. These pink lakes offer a unique and captivating experience for visitors to the region.
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Frequently asked questions
There is not just one pink lake in Australia, but dozens, and their sizes vary. Here are the sizes of some of the most well-known pink lakes in Australia:
- Hutt Lagoon: 70 square kilometres
- Lake Bumbunga: Australia's largest lake
- Lake Hillier: Unknown size, but it is accessible mostly by air tours and boat cruises.
The pink colour of the lakes is caused by a combination of factors, including high salinity levels, the presence of salt-tolerant algae, and specific bacteria and archaea.
The best time to visit depends on the specific lake. For example, Lake Hillier maintains its pink colour all year round, whereas the best time to witness the colour shift of other pink lakes is during late summer.
