Last Updated on 23 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson

Western Australia is home to extraordinary pink lakes that will delight you with their distinct pink hue.  Imagine dipping your toes into a bubblegum-pink lake surrounded by dunes and a vast salt crust.  The pink lakes of Western Australia are definitely places to put on your Western Australian Bucket List.

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What is a Pink Lake Western Australia?

A “pink lake” is a lake that looks pink!  This happens because of a specific kind of algae that makes a red or pink colour when it gets a lot of sun.

When there are a lot of this algae in a lake, the whole lake can look pink.  There are many pink lakes Western Australia, and also a good number of  pink lakes all around the world!

Some Geography: How Did the Pink Lakes in Western Australia Form?

The pink lakes Western Australia are a natural phenomenon, but they almost look like a food colouring agent has been added!  They turn pink because of several factors, including algae, bacteria and high salt concentrations.

The colour of Australia’s pink lakes can vary from light pink to vivid bubblegum pink depending on factors like cloud cover, temperature, and the concentration of the organisms.

Tips for Visiting a Pink Lake Western Australia:

• Make sure you bring lots of water, your camera, bathers (if you’d like to take a dip!), floatie, a drone and anything else you need to capture the stunning pink hues.
• Reef booties to protect your feet from the sharp salt crystals when wading in to the lake.
• If you do decide to go in, make sure you have a towel to wipe yourself down after before getting back in the car.

The Best Pink Lakes of Western Australia to Visit on Your Next Trip

Welcome to the captivating world of Western Australia’s pink lakes!  From the famous Lake Hillier to the hidden gems like Pink Lake Spencer, the pink lakes Western Australia offer a truly mesmerizing experience.

Here are our best tips and guidance on visiting the best pink lakes in Western Australia.

Lake Hillier, Western Australia

Located on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, Lake Hillier is one of Australia’s most famous pink lakes.  It’s vibrant pink colour can be seen year-round, meaning that no one will be disappointed when visiting!

The pink color of Lake Hillier is entirely natural.  It comes from 10 species of bacteria, some archaea, and several species of Dunaliella Algae.  They are all pink in color giving the lake its vibrant hue.

Kids will love that this 600 m-long lake is shaped like a footprint.  A scenic flight is the best way to appreciate this lake’s beauty, offering a bird’s eye view of the contrasting pink lake and the sea.

Lake Hillier is one of the many attractions we list in Things to do in Esperance. Feel free to read more about the top accommodations in Esperance, places to stay in Esperance, and the Great Ocean Drive Esperance.

How to Get to Lake Hillier

If you’re staying in Esperance, the lake is just 70km away “as the crow flies” (haha – from there you have to fly or take a boat).  However, if you’re in the Perth area, it’s a long 8-hour drive away.  It is best to be done on a Perth to Esperance Road Trip.

Goldfield’s Air Services run flights and offer an unforgettable aerial experience.  You can also book a scenic flight from Esperance.  This is a great way to see Lake Hillier with kids.

Another option (if you don’t like flying – and a want to take an adventure) is to take a boat to Middle Island and Lake Hillier.  Esperance Island Cruises operates cruises to Middle Island and Lake Hillier.  Along the way you can experience wildlife such as dolphins playing beside the boat, as well as a stop at the former campground of Black Jack Anderson (Australia’s only known pirate).

Hutt Lagoon (Port Gregory Pink Lake)

Port Gregory Pink Lake, also known as Pink Lake Hutt Lagoon, Pink Lake Kalbarri or Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, is situated along the Coral Coast near the small town of Port Gregory.

This lake is famous for its accessibility and stunning views from the George Grey Drive lookout.  Kids will love the contrast between the pink lake, the dunes, and the sea.

We visited on a cold windy day and unfortunately our photos are not as spectacular as you see on the ‘gram.  So be prepared its not always amazing!

How to Port Gregory Pink Lake

Hutt Lagoon is located at Yallabatharra.  It is located  a 1 hour drive north from Geraldton or 40 minutes south from Kalbarri; not far from Northampton.

A visit to Hutt Lagoon is free.  Park on Port Gregory Drive at the Pink Lake Lookout for the best views and access to the lake.  From there, go to the left to leave the crowds.  This is also a wonderful area for Hutt Lagoon photos ops.

Perth to Hutt Lagoon is 515km.  The drive takes nearly 6 hours, and you can enjoy the scenic views along the Indian Ocean Drive or the Brand Highway.  The lake is also the perfect stop on a Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary.

Quairading Pink Lake Western Australia

Quairading Pink Lake Western Australia is a lesser-known but equally stunning pink lake in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.  The lake turns a gorgeous shade of pink during the warmer months.

Located near the town of Quairading, the lake offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for families seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

How to Get to Quarading Pink Lake Western Australia

Quairading Pink Lake is approximately 173 KM (108 miles) east of Perth.  The drive takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  You can enjoy the scenic views along the Great Eastern Highway and the Quairading-York Road.

You can visit the Quairading Pink Lake as part of a Perth to Wave Rock itinerary (you can see part here).  From Quairading to Hyden is another 2 hours driving.  You can see our suggestions of where to stay in Hyden in our post Best Things to do in Wave Rock WA & Hyden Accommodation.

Pink Lake Esperance (Lake Spencer)

Pink Lake Esperance is another pink lake near Esperance in Western Australia.

However, be forewarned that this “pink lake” is no longer pink.  Pink Lake (previously Lake Spencer) is a salt lake located in the Goldfields region near Esperance. Historically this lake was pink, but the lake has not been pink for over 18 years.  Many visitors are disappointed upon arriving and finding out this pink lake Western Australia is indeed, not pink.  They are working on a new signage for the lake that explains why it is no longer pink.  However, many internet photos mistakingly refer to Pink Lake Esperance when in fact it is photos of Lake Hillier.

So why is Pink Lake no longer pink?  Well, the full answer is very complex.  The short answer is that the lake has lost its pink hue due to changes in salinity levels of the lake caused by human activity.

Nearby to Lake Spencer (Pink Lake), Lake Warden boasts a beautiful pink hue surrounded by a diverse ecosystem.  This lake, part of the Lake Warden System Nature Reserve, offers a chance to explore the unique plants and animals of the region.  There are even many species of birds, if you enjoy bird watching.  In fact Lake Warden has been named as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International because it supports over 1% of the worlds population of Hooded Plovers, Musk Ducks, and Banded Stilts.  So if you are visiting the area, make sure to check out Lake Warden.

How to Get to Lake Warden

Lake Warden is easily accessible by car from Esperance.  The drive takes around 10 minutes from West Beach.

If you’re planning a trip to Esperance, why not discover the Best Esperance Beaches or the Best Things to do in Esperance?

Pink Lake Rottnest Island

There are several small pink lakes on Rottnest Island, an idyllic island paradise just off the Perth coast.  The lakes creates a striking contrast against the azure blue waters of the sea.  While you’re on the island, you can explore more of Rottnest Island’s natural beauty and enjoy its pristine beaches.

Rottnest Island is well-worth visiting and its the perfect Weekend Getaway From Perth.

How to Get to Rottnest Island

The pink lakes on Rottnest Island are accessible by ferry from Fremantle, Perth City, or Hillarys Boat Harbour.  The ferry ride takes approximately 25-45 minutes, depending on the departure point.

The Best Time to Visit the Pink Lakes Western Australia

The pink lakes Western Australia can be visited year-round.  However, the most vivid hues can be observed during hot weather and under clear skies.  The best time to visit is typical during the Australian summer (December to February), when the lakes’ colours are most vibrant.  The best time of day to visit a pink lake is the middle of the day when the sun is high.

One pink lake Western Australia that is best to visit at sunset is Wadjemup’s

Keep in mind that some pink lakes can dry out over the summer.  These included Lake Sirius, Lake Negri, and Twin Pearse Lakes.  Make sure you do you research before heading out.

Visiting the Pink Lakes in Western Australia with Kids

Visiting the Pink Lakes in Western Australia with kids offers a variety of activities, from wildlife and bird watching to scenic flights or drives and lookouts.

The stunning pink lakes provide a memorable backdrop for family adventures and unforgettable memories.

Map of Pink Lakes Western Australia

List of Pink Lakes Western Australia

Lake Hillier Western Australia

Port Gregory Pink Lake

Pink Lake Esperance (Lake Spencer)

Quairading Pink Lake

Lake Warden

Pink Lake Rottnest Island

 The Verdict – The Best Pink Lake in Western Australia

Visiting the pink lakes of Western Australia is a remarkable experience that offers a glimpse into the region’s natural wonders.  We hope that from the isolated Lake Hillier, off the coast of Esperance, to the famous pink lake near Kalbarri, we have given you some ideas to add to your bucket list!

These pink lakes will leave you and your children in awe of their beauty and vibrant colours.  There are also other pink lakes located in New South Wales. So what are you waiting for?

FAQs: Pink Lakes Western Australia

Are there any health benefits to visiting a Western Australia pink lake?

While there are no proven health benefits to visiting pink lakes, the high salt concentration in some lakes is thought to have therapeutic properties similar to those of the Dead Sea.

Why is the pink lake in Western Australia still pink?

The pink lakes in Western Australia maintain their pink colour because the conditions that cause the colouration remain constant.  The high salt concentration and specific algae and bacteria create a distinct pink hue.  These microorganisms continue to thrive in the saline environment, ensuring the lakes remain pink.

What is the largest pink lake in Australia?

The largest pink lake in Australia is Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Pink Lake at Port Gregory.  Hutt Lagoon spans over 14 kilometres long and 2.3 kilometres wide.

Can I take a boat tour of the pink lakes in WA?

Boat tours are sometimes available for Lake Hillier but are less common for many other pink lakes due to their nature, location, and the need to preserve the landscape.

Can you swim in the pink lakes in WA?

Swimming is not generally recommended in the pink lakes.  Some of these lakes have high salinity levels, which can be harsh on the skin.  Also, several pink lakes are in protected areas or inaccessible.  Also, some have a not so nice smell!

Is there a pink lake in Perth?

There is a lake known as Pink Lake in Perth, Western Australia, but it’s important to note that its pink colour is not always visible.

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