Lake Hillier, or as most people know it, 'oh my god that lake is freaking pink, that's insane', is a pink-coloured lake on Middle Island, in Western Australia, off the coast of Esperance.
From above, the lake water looks bubble gum pink, with a strip of vegetation, dunes and glorious golden sands separating it from the blue Southern Ocean.
But wait – did you think there was only one pink lake? Why, no! There is in fact a second pink lake in the vicinity, with the aptly (though not very creatively) named Pink Lake being seven kilometres from Esperance.
From above, the lake water looks bubble gum pink, with a strip of vegetation, dunes and glorious golden sands separating it from the blue Southern Ocean.
But wait – did you think there was only one pink lake? Why, no! There is in fact a second pink lake in the vicinity, with the aptly (though not very creatively) named Pink Lake being seven kilometres from Esperance.
But Why Are TheY Pink?
According to Australia.com, in the right weather conditions, Lake Hellier turns this vibrant pink colour due to the high concentration of algae in the water. Though the site also states that 'scientists speculate that the colour [of Pink Lake] comes from a dye created by bacteria that lives in the salt crusts.' So it seems the jury's still out on the cause of the incredible colouring. I distinctly remember being taught that the sea was blue due to reflection of the sky...
There's More to Do Here Than Marvel at the Coloured WAters
There are a ton of beach activities to take part in around Lake Hellier and Pink Lake, such as horse riding, walking and cycling, fishing, scuba diving, whale-watching, windsurfing, abseiling, kayaking, plus dune buggying and 4WD drive tours.The area is also rich in Aboriginal and pioneer history, found in the Esperance Museum, and Pink Lake has also been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the sheer number of native and migratory birds here.
One day.
I can't wait.
One day.
I can't wait.