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Lake Hillier – Pink Lake in Western Australia

Lake Hillier - Pink Lake in Western Australia

Lake Hillier is a beautiful and mysterious lake located on Middle Island in Western Australia. It is located in the southern part of Western Australia and is a saltwater lake also known as the Pink Lake. It resembles a small pink diamond dropped in Western Australia!

The colour of the lake water varies from light green to deep red, depending on the salinity, creating different shades on the palette. As the salinity increases, the Dunaliella salina algae in the lake produce beta-carotene, giving the water its enchanting pink hue.

Where is Lake Hillier in Australia

Lake Hillier is located on an island near Esperance in Western Australia. The town of Esperance is located over 700 kilometres south of Perth. Although the journey may be long, the scenery is definitely worth a visit!

What’s the best time to visit and What’s special about Lake Hillier?

Lake Hillier maintains its pink colour throughout the year, while the other two lakes have seasonal variations, sometimes appearing more pink and other times lighter. Additionally, the pink hues of the other two lakes may appear slightly reddish to the naked eye.

Getting to Lake Hillier

To protect this precious natural wonder, Lake Hillier has been designated as a protected area. Therefore, the only way to view it is by taking a scenic flight that flies over the lake.

Experiencing Lake Hillier

These scenic flights are typically done in small planes accommodating 3 to 7 people and can be arranged at the Esperance airport. It is important to make reservations in advance. While on the scenic flight, you can also get a glimpse of Cape Le Grand National Park, especially its stunning coastal beaches.

One of the most famous beaches is Lucky Bay, known as one of the whitest beaches in the world, with fine and soft sand and uniquely clear blue seawater. It feels like being in a paradise.

Why is the Lake Hillier pink?

The colour of Lake Hillier is caused by a specific type of algae and bacteria. These organisms create a pink-coloured band in the lake, transforming the water into a stunning shade of pink. This colour is highly visible throughout the lake and can even be observed from an aeroplane when overlooking it.

Can you swim in pink lake Hillier in Australia?

The surrounding environment of Lake Hillier is dry, which adds to its mystique and distinctiveness. To protect this precious natural wonder, Lake Hillier has been designated as a protected area. Visitors can appreciate this marvel by taking a flight or a boat tour, but swimming or engaging in other activities in the lake is not permitted.

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