Lake Hillier is a pink colored lake on Middle Island, the largest of the islands in Western Australia. From above the lake appears like a solid bubble gum pink.
The lake is about 600 meters long, and is surrounded by a rim of sand and dense woodlands of eucalyptus trees. No one fully knows why the lake is pink. Scientists speculate that the color comes from a dye created by bacteria that lives in the salt crusts. The vibrant color is permanent, and does not change when the water is taken in a container. The only living organisms in Lake Hillier are microorganisms including Dunaliella salina, which causes the salt content in the lake to create a red dye which helps produce the color, as well as red halophilic bacteria present in the salt crusts. Despite the unusual hue, the lake exhibits no known adverse effects upon humans.
Despite the high salt content levels, comparable to those of the Dead Sea, Lake Hillier is also safe to swim in. However, there are very few ways to reach Lake Hillier. Helicopter is one of the most common methods of travel. Cruises are also an option for passengers wanting to visit the isolated lake, and surrounding forest area. This Pink Lake would be an amazing experience to go and visit.
