Pink Lakes, WA: Unknown wonders' of Australia

If you thought the icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Uluru were the pick of the 'to-do' list, then you could be missing out on some hidden gems. Pink Lake and Lake Hillier in Western Australia are two of them.

Source: Wikimedia/Aussie Oc CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pink Lake on Middle Island in Western Australia has been referred to by some as a 'pool of strawberry milkshake' or like someone has gone along and poured pink dye into it.

There are few of their kind around the world, a natural phenomenon which not only attracts the curious visitors but is a source of income for locals.

Source: flickr/Robert Young CC B 2.0

Pink Lake

From the town of Esperance, Pink Lake is around three kilometers. In the right weather conditions, the lake turns a soft shade of pink due to the high concentration of algae in the water. Depending on weather conditions, this lake gets its pink color, and sometimes even purple. It is also suggested that for excellent views and photo opportunities, there is a lookout along Eleven Mile Beach Road. It's only 10 minutes drive from Esperance Visitors Centre. You can have visit Esperance Visitors Centre for more information.

Source: Wikimedia/Kuriositeti123 CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Hillier

Lake Hillier is another incredible pink lake on Middle Island.  It's around 130 kilometers from Esperance. You can go to Middle Island by Esperance Island Cruises have full-day boat cruises. And if you want to have an aerial view, there is helicopter ride available. Middle Island national park is a protected island and visitors need to get permission from Department of Parks and Wildlife to go there. 

Source: flickr/Graeme Churchard CC BY 2.0

How to get there

Pink Lakes are situated near the town of Esperance. This town is approximately 720 kilometers southeast of Perth. It's an eight-hour drive or a two-hour flight from Perth.

Hutt Pink Lagoon at Port Gregory, Western Australia, Australia Source: ullstein bild

Things to do around

There are so many things to see and do around Esperance. The long list includes horse riding, walking, cycling, fishing, scuba diving,  windsurfing, abseiling, kayaking etc. If you visit this place during the month of May to October you can do whale-watching.

The Esperance Museum has the collection of local history, Aboriginal artifacts and pieces of the US Sky Lab, which fell to earth in the Esperance region in 1980.

You can also visit nearby national parks and beautiful white-sand beaches.