Visit this Instagram-famous bubblegum Pink Lake 61km south of Kalbarri.
The Pink Lake near Kalbarri needs to be seen to be believed. This extraordinary natural phenomenon glitters in bright bubblegum hues, making it not only a breathtaking sight but a fantastic photo opportunity! The Pink Lake, also known as Hutt Lagoon, is not the only one to be found in Australia, with many more dotted around Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. However, this is the closest one to Kalbarri and one of the best that can be visited from Perth.
We’ve created this guide to the Pink Lake to help you learn more about this fascinating destination and how to get there. If you’re inspired to visit this stunning region, check out our Kalbarri Trips!
The fact that Pink Lake got its colour naturally makes it all the more fascinating to see in real life. Who knew that lakes could produce such vibrant hues? It’s a phenomenon that occurs worldwide, and Australians are lucky to have so many located just a drive away. The Pink Lake, or Hutt Lagoon, is one of five of these lakes in Western Australia alone!
The pink colour is the result of the high salinity levels of these lakes, which only certain kinds of organisms are able to survive. In the Pink Lake, the algae Dunaliella salina absolutely thrives! This algae produces carotenoids, which are the pigments that give tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and salmon their colour. Dunaliella salina is in fact farmed on the Pink Lake, which is home to the largest microalgae production plant in the world!
The Pink Lake is located 61 kilometres south of Kalbarri Town. It takes just a 45-minute drive to reach the lake from town and you’ll largely travel along the coastline, offering you plenty of points to stop and take some photos.
It’s possible to drive to the Pink Lake from Perth, with the journey taking just over five hours. You can break up the drive and make a road trip of the West Coast, allowing you to see many of the spectacular sites in this region, such as Pinnacles Desert. And if you don’t want to do the drive yourself, you can book our Pink Lake and Coastal Cliffs Tour from Kalbarri!
Of course, most people want to know whether or not you can swim in the Pink Lake. While it may be tempting to dip your feet in, it’s advised not to swim in its waters because of the high salinity levels, which can be harsh on the skin and damage clothing. However, you can still walk right to the water’s edge and get a close-up view of the unbelievable spectacle!
There are a number of viewpoints around the lake where you can park your car and get out for some incredible photos. Bring a picnic along so you can have a snack beside the lake and soak up the scenery!
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can take a buggy tour from Port Gregory around the lake, stopping on large dunes for awesome views of the lagoon. But for the most unbeatable panoramas, you have to fly over Pink Lake. You can take off from Kalbarri Airport as part of a flightseeing tour and see how Pink Lake beautifully contrasts with the surrounding ocean and landscape!
The best time to visit Pink Lake is between 10 am and 2 pm on a cloudless day when the colours of the lake will be at their brightest. Even on a sunny day with partial clouds, the reflection from the Pink Lake will make the clouds appear pink! Depending on the conditions, the hues of the lake can range from subtle coral to vibrant magenta. Sunset also offers a prime viewing time, with a mix of colours in the lake and sky that will create a scene unlike any other.
While a visit to the Pink Lake may not be enough to fill up your day, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth exploring! Right near the lake is the historic Lynton Station, which served as a convict depot and was one of the earliest European settlements in the region.
On your way to Pink Lake from Kalbarri, you can pass by the beautiful Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs and admire the forces of nature. See incredible landmarks like the Natural Bridge, Pot Alley, and Red Bluff, from where you can spot humpback whales between June and November!
To explore more of the Coral Coast, you can take an hour’s drive down south from Pink Lake to the idyllic town of Geraldton. This town is teeming with history and culture, which you can explore at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, the Geraldton Museum, and the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.
The Pink Lake is a highlight of any journey along the West Coast of Australia. We can help you tailor your trip with our Custom Kalbarri Tours, allowing you to do and see everything that you wish in the area, including the Pink Lake, Kalbarri National Park, and more!
Seeing the Pink Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget — in fact, it should be at the top of your bucket list when visiting Kalbarri! Have any questions about our Kalbarri tours and services? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch!
