Western Australia’s Lake Hillier will take your breath away
Western Australia is known for its pink lakes and Lake Hillier, with its vibrant bubblegum-coloured waters, is one of the most spectacular. The lake is around 600 metres long and is fringed by a narrow strip of sand leading onto thick forest of eucalypts and paperbark trees. This is then separated by a row of sand dunes from the and deep blue waters of the Southern Ocean, making for a remarkable contrast.
Why is it pink?
Strangely enough, no one really knows why the water is this eye-catching colour. It could be the combination of high salinity and a specific species of algae, which creates a similar effect in other lakes around the world. However, Lake Hillier behaves differently – the water doesn’t change colour with temperature fluctuations and even retains its pink hue when bottled.
Where is it?
Lake Hillier is on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago off the southern coast of Western Australia. There are 105 islands sitting around 50 kilometres offshore and stretching 230 kilometres from the town of Esperance to Israelite Bay. Middle Island is the largest in the Recherche Archipelago, covering almost 11 square kilometres. Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802.
Can I visit it?
Yes! You can join a tour from the town of Esperance, which will involve a short cruise out to Middle Island and then a walk around the lake. There are special walkways built along the shore so that you don’t damage the fragile ecosystem. Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the lake as it is used only for scientific research. For the best views of the lake, and to fully appreciate the contrasting colours of the surroundings, you’ll need to see it from the air on a scenic flight.
Have you ever been to Lake Hillier?