Where In The World Is ... Pink Lake?

Somewhere in the world, you can visit a place where a perfectly round lake glows bright pink against a backdrop of dense green forest, creating one of nature's most surprising color combinations.

This vivid pink body of water maintains its striking hue year-round, appearing so artificial that many visitors initially assume it must be dyed or digitally enhanced in photographs. Early explorers who came across this lake in the early 1800s were so baffled by its appearance that they named it after one of their crew members, believing such an unusual sight deserved to be commemorated in the historical record.

Can you guess where in the world it is?

One of the most remarkable aspects of this lake is that its pink color remains consistent regardless of weather conditions or seasons. The water is also notably salty, about 10 times saltier than the ocean, yet completely safe to swim in, though its remote location makes access quite challenging. Aerial photographs reveal its perfect contrast with the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The lake's distinctive pink color comes from a combination of salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria that thrive in the highly saline environment. These microorganisms produce carotenoids, the same compounds that give carrots and flamingos their orange and pink colors, creating a natural dye that tints the entire lake.

Located on Middle Island off the coast of Western Australia, Lake Hillier spans about 2,000 feet in length and is surrounded by a ring of white salt and dense eucalyptus forest, creating a dramatic natural border around its pink waters.

What makes this lake particularly special is its isolation and pristine condition. Accessible only by helicopter or boat, it remains largely untouched by human activity, allowing visitors to witness this natural wonder exactly as explorers first found it over two centuries ago.

Would you like to visit Lake Hillier? Let us know in the comments!

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.