Yes, Hutt Lagoon (also known as Pink Lake) in Western Australia is currently pink, as of January 2026 reports. The lake's distinctive color is caused by Dunaliella salina algae producing beta-carotene, often appearing brightest during the middle of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) under sunny, clear conditions.
In recent years, Lake Hillier's iconic pink colour has noticeably faded, partially due to a high volume of rainfall diluting the lake's salt levels. However, scientists believe the change in appearance is only temporary, with the colour expected to return as water levels decrease.
Characteristics. The majority of pink salt lakes change their colour which is often linked to rainfall. A lake in Westgate Park, Melbourne, Australia, was coloured pink in March 2017 and then again in September 2019, but since then and as of January 2022 had taken on a dark green hue.
The best time to visit is between 10am and 2pm on a sunny day, when the lake is at its most vibrant. The intensity of the pink colour changes according to cloud cover and time of day. However, it is always at least a little bit pink.
Increasing salt concentrations combined with decreasing water levels from evaporation during summer trigger the appearance of the pink hue that can be seen in lakes across the country.
A Glimpse of Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake | Kalbarri WA 2025
Is the Hutt Lagoon still pink?
The lake's colour changes through the spectrum of red to bubblegum pink to lilac purple, depending on the time of day, season (time of year) and amount of cloud cover when you visit.
And Yes, it's actually pink. Disclaimer: the colour comes from algae and bacteria, and swimming isn't advised. It can irritate your skin, eyes, and lips.
Less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga is not only one of Australia's most accessible pink lakes but also one of the most photogenic. Its magenta shores draw amateur and professional photographers alike to capture hues of pink and white, which change with the salinity of the water.
Pink Lake is very fragile, and it is important that visitors follow outdoor ethics and be a good guest in nature. Dogs and other pets are not allowed at Pink Lake. Swimming is not permitted.
Hutt Lagoon is an elongate lake, located in a dune swale adjacent to the coast of the Indian Ocean, in the mid west region of Western Australia. Port Gregory is located between the ocean and the lake's southern shore. Hutt Lagoon is a pink lake, due to the presence of an algae that produces beta-carotene.
While pink algae in your pool are unsightly and can cause slippery pool fixtures, they do not pose any actual danger to human health since they are not a pathogen. It is still not advisable to swallow pool water with or without pink algae since under no circumstances is swallowing pool water considered safe!
Pink Lake, located just outside Esperance in Western Australia, once captivated visitors with its bubblegum-pink hue, a natural marvel shaped by unique environmental conditions. This vibrant color made it a favorite destination for many, earning its place as one of Esperance's most iconic landmarks.
Despite this loss, Lake Warden has retained its subtle pink hues. Located in the Goldfields-Esperance region, Lake Warden falls under a protected nature reserve which you can explore on a number of walking trails.
This also means you'll want to visit when the sun is higher up in the sky, usually between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. It's also recommended that you visit around sunset, when the hues of the lake mingle with the soft orange colours of the sky, creating a scene straight out of a painting!
The pink colour in the water and salt of lakes is due commonly, at least in part, to halophilic bacteria, whose colour is controlled by carotenoid pigments (Kushner, 1968).
The pink hue is due to the presence of a carotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella salina, a source of beta carotene. The edges of the lagoon often appear white and crystalized due to its high salt content. The best time of year to view this amazing lake is after the winter rains have filled up the water levels.
You can use it in recipes when you are cooking or sprinkle over dishes when serving just need to be ground for use over your dishes. Pink lake salt is suitable for use in a grinder or mill.
Renowned for its vibrant bubblegum-pink hue, this striking body of water is a spectacle of nature's artistry. The lake's rosy color is caused by the presence of Dunaliella salina algae and halophilic bacteria, which thrive in its salt-rich waters, producing pigments that create its distinctive shade.
The safest place is always between the red and yellow flags. What about crocodiles? In the north of Australia crocodiles are found in rivers and coastal estuaries and move around via the sea. Look for safety signs and do not swim in rivers, estuaries, mangrove shores or deep pools.
They collected water samples, then performed DNA analysis on what they found. In the end, they found 10 species of salt-loving bacteria and several species of Dunaliella algae — all of which are some shade of pink or red. While these are all probable causes, they found something even more surprising.
