Pink Lakes: The Must-Visit Natural Wonder Of South Australia

When you think of Australia, what first comes to your mind?

Beaches, humid tropical jungles, or the outback desert. Most people would never imagine that the land down under is home to some of the utmost unique and beautiful landscapes in the world — including a number of pink lakes.

While there are several pink lakes around the world (counting one in Senegal and another in Spain), the Australian version is definitely one of the most impressive.

Located in South Australia’s Coorong National Park, these pastel-hued lakes are an incredible natural phenomenon.

So how do they get their color?

The water in the Pink Lakes is actually tinted by a type of algae called Dunaliella salina. This algae produces a pigment called beta-carotene, which gives the water its reddish hue.

When combined with the white salt deposits on the lake’s floor, it creates a stunning shade of pink.

Interestingly, this algae is also used as a source of food coloring and nutritional supplements. In fact, it’s responsible for giving carrots their characteristic orange color.

Let’s not dwell on the details anymore. Because now is the time to explore these lakes.

From the MacDonnell to Hart, I’ve put together a list of my top five favorite pink lakes for you to enjoy.

So, whenever you find yourself in South Australia, be sure to give them a visit. It’s an otherworldly experience that you won’t soon forget.

Keeping this in mind, let’s move on to lakes.

1. Lake MacDonnell

If you’re looking for an incredible prodigy of nature to explore in South Australia, look no further than Lake MacDonnell.

This vast and beautiful stretch of water is located on the western Eyre Peninsula near Nullarbor Plain and is just a short drive from Penong, making it the perfect day trip destination.

Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll be mesmerized by its vibrant pink and blue water sides, which is special thanks to the high concentration of salt.

Even on a cloudy day, Lake MacDonnell is an impressive sight to behold.

Moreover, don’t forget to take some time to walk along the beach and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

The site is also home to the largest gypsum mine in Australia, situated atop the world’s largest gypsum deposit, surrounded by some of the most incredible landscapes in the country.

So whether you’re interested in its fascinating history or simply want to take in its natural beauty, there’s no doubt that Lake MacDonnell is well worth a visit.

2. Lake Eyre

The mighty and ever-changing Lake Eyre is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Situated in the remote outback of South Australia, the lake is famed for its dramatic pink hue, which is caused by the presence of beta-carotene.

With an area of 9,500 square kilometers, Lake Eyre is the largest salt lake in Australia and one of the amplest in the world.

It constantly changes, with its size and depth depending on the amount of rainfall in the catchment area.

During times of drought, the lake can completely dry up, leaving behind a vast expanse of white salt flats.

However, when conditions are right, and heavy rains fall in the catchment area, Lake Eyre becomes a heaven for wildlife. Where hundreds of thousands of birds flock to breed and feed.

The pink waters contrast sharply with the red desert landscape, making for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re lucky enough to see it in person or not, Lake Eyre is definitely a place that everyone should know about. It’s a truly special part of our planet, and its beauty is simply breathtaking.

3. Lake Bumbunga

Bumbunga is considered to be the most spectacular pink lake in South Australia because of the number of roads crossing the lake’s surface, creating a beautiful visual effect that varies from pink to white to blue throughout the year, depending on the salinity of the water at the time.

Located about 30 km (19 miles) north of Lochiel, the lake is the largest of the saline lakes formed during the Quaternary Holocene era, which drain a region to the east of the Barunga Range and merges with the Hummock Range.

Every summer, a large portion of the lake dries up due to the amount of salt dissolved in the saline mud produced by winter rains that fill the lake.

So, if you’re hoping to see the lake at its most vibrant, aim to visit during late autumn or early spring.

4. Lake Albert

Albert is a captivating freshwater lake situated near the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia.

It is filled with water from the larger Lake Alexandrina and is a popular destination for people traveling to and from Melbourne, Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge, Limestone Coast, Coorong National Park, and Adelaide.

Visitors to Lake can enjoy a range of activities, from fishing and camping to bushwalking and 4WD tracks.

Plus, plenty of opportunities for bird watching and water sports too.

This place also has a five-and-a-half kilometer circuit walking track for getting some exercise while enjoying the scenery. The eight fitness stations along the track are very popular with users of the lake and offer a great workout.

The water quality of Lake Albert is regularly monitored for blue-green algae and bacterial content, ensuring that it is safe for everyone to enjoy.

So what are you waiting for? Experience the beauty of Lake Albert for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

5. Lake Hart

Lake Hart is one of the smaller lakes in the massive Eyre basin, which covers a whopping 1.2 million square kilometers, which is around 1/6th of the entire country of Australia.

Talking about history, Hart was once the site of a salt mine and the remnants of the old stockpile and wooden infrastructure from the small rail line used to transport the harvesting machinery here.

However, Lake Hart is still a relatively unknown body of water that is located in a remote area and is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting.

In fact, Lake Hart is a stunning example of nature’s beauty which is full of salts and minerals, plus an excellent place for enjoying water sports.

In front of the Lake is a railway track, adding to the uniqueness of this destination.

Moreover, the shallow pink water of the lake is surrounded by red sand dunes, which look like something straight out of a postcard.

I highly recommend visiting this mesmerizing place before you get old.

Final Words

Hopefully, by now, you have got enough details about these magnificient pink lakes.

Armed with this information, you are all set to pack bags and head on down for an unforgettable vacation to South Australia.