Australia’s pink lakes aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they’re a balm for the spirit. These surreal blush-hued waters seem to slow time itself, inviting you to breathe deeper, wander slower, and notice the quiet beauty around you. Their delicate colours shift with the light, creating a natural meditation in motion. And while they’re undeniably Instagram-worthy, these lakes also offer something deeper: a rare chance to reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
From Western Australia’s shimmering bubblegum bays to South Australia’s dreamy, rose-tinted flats, these pink-hued escapes combine the visual thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime view with the restorative benefits of being outdoors.
Here are the five destinations where pink water meets wide skies, plus tips for making your visit as nourishing as it is memorable.
1. Hutt Lagoon, WA – Pink Horizons & Algae Magic
Fringed by sand dunes and just a stone’s throw from the laid-back fishing village of Port Gregory, Hutt Lagoon is where nature plays with a painter’s palette. Depending on the time of day and the season, the water shifts from soft strawberry milkshake to deep lilac, thanks to its population of Dunaliella salina algae—rich in beta-carotene and prized for its antioxidant properties.
Visiting around midday, when the sun is high and the sky is clear, will give you the most vivid and photogenic tones. But beyond the lens, there’s a gentle magic in simply standing at the water’s edge, letting the salty breeze and soft lap of waves work their quiet reset on your mind.
Wellness Tip: Follow the shoreline on a slow, mindful walk to take in the colour changes from different angles. Afterwards, wander into Port Gregory to pick up locally caught seafood—think fresh prawns or snapper—perfect for a picnic overlooking the lagoon. Pair it with a reusable water bottle and a moment to simply sit and watch the colours shift with the afternoon light.
2. Lake Bumbunga, SA – Farm-Country Serenity Meets Rosy Shores
Tucked into South Australia’s wheat belt, Lake Bumbunga serves up a different kind of pink-lake experience. Its salt flats are bordered by rolling farmland, creating a striking contrast between soft blush water and golden crop fields. This is the kind of place where you feel the pace of life drop to a gentle hum.
The lake’s colour shifts with the season, from icy blue to delicate pink, and even a pale lilac—making return visits just as rewarding. The surrounding town of Lochiel adds a touch of whimsy, with its quirky “Loch-Eel” sculpture peeking from the shallows.
Wellness Tip: Pack a lightweight yoga mat for some early-morning stretches on the shore. The stillness, punctuated only by bird calls, makes for a grounding start to your day. Finish with a coffee from a local café before exploring nearby Clare Valley wineries.
3. Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, SA – Vastness, Remoteness & Reflection
Australia’s largest salt lake is a spectacle of extremes. Most of the time, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is a vast, shimmering expanse of white salt crust. But after heavy inland rains, it transforms into a glistening mirror of soft pinks and blues. The sheer scale of the landscape—stretching further than the eye can see—offers a powerful sense of perspective.
This is not a “pop in for an afternoon” destination. The journey to get here is part of the experience, whether you’re driving the Oodnadatta Track or flying in for an aerial view. It’s a place to disconnect from noise, both digital and mental.
Wellness Tip: Book a scenic flight to truly appreciate the lake’s scale and shifting colours. The bird’s-eye view is both humbling and awe-inspiring, offering a rare meditative space above the chaos of daily life.
4. Lake Hillier, WA – Bubblegum-Pink Lake Hugs a National Park
Nestled on Middle Island off WA’s southern coast, Lake Hillier’s bubblegum-pink hue looks almost too perfect to be real. The lake’s vibrant colour comes from the combination of algae, bacteria, and high salt concentration, and unlike many other pink lakes, it keeps its colour year-round.
Getting here is an adventure in itself—you’ll need to take a scenic flight or boat tour from Esperance. The view from above, with the vivid pink lake edged by green forest and turquoise ocean, is an image you’ll carry long after you’ve left.
Wellness Tip: Combine your visit with a stay in Esperance, using the time to explore nearby Cape Le Grand National Park. Beach walks, sunrise swims, and fresh coastal air make for a perfect post-lake wellness escape.
5. Lake MacDonnell, SA – The Pink-and-Blue Wonder
On South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Lake MacDonnell delivers one of the country’s most striking natural contrasts. When conditions are right, its vivid pink water sits side-by-side with a turquoise-blue channel, separated only by a thin road—creating a surreal split-tone landscape that looks straight out of an art installation.
The colour is at its brightest during dry, sunny periods when the high salinity encourages algae growth, so plan your visit for the warmer months. Early mornings or late afternoons give you softer light for photography, while still letting the colours pop.
Wellness Tip: Cycle or walk along the dividing road for a slow, scenic perspective. Pair your lake visit with a beach stroll at nearby Cactus Beach—one of Australia’s most celebrated surfing spots—for a hit of sea air and wide-open horizons.
Newsletter
