A striking salt lake renowned for its vivid pink waters, Hillier Lake sits on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago off Western Australia’s south coast.
At a glance
Hillier Lake measures approximately 600 metres long and 250 metres wide. The lake occupies the north-east section of Middle Island, separated from the northern coast by a narrow vegetated sand dune ridge. Dense eucalyptus and melaleuca forest encircles the water, while surrounding sand dunes complete the isolated landscape.
History
The lake remains a natural feature of the Recherche Archipelago within the Goldfields-Esperance region. Its distinctive pink colouration has long captured attention, making it a notable landmark in this remote coastal area.
What you see
The most striking visual element is the lake’s permanent pink colour—a hue that persists even when water is collected in containers. From above, the body of water resembles pink chewing gum. The lake is bounded by vegetated sand dunes and surrounded by native woodland, creating a sheltered natural basin isolated from the island’s northern shore.
Cultural significance
Hillier Lake represents an extraordinary natural phenomenon, drawing scientific and tourist interest for its unusual hydrology. The pink colouration distinguishes it among Australia’s salt lakes and continues to intrigue researchers studying its precise mechanisms.
Key facts
- Coordinates: −34.0949274, 123.2012476
- Location: Middle Island, Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia 6450
- Dimensions: approximately 600 m long and 250 m wide
Practical information
Access to Middle Island and Hillier Lake requires water transport from the Western Australian mainland. Opening hours and admission details are not specified; check with local tourism operators for current access conditions and tour availability.
Getting there
Hillier Lake is located on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, off the Goldfields-Esperance coast south of Western Australia. The site is accessible only by boat from the mainland.
See the place
Sources & resources
- Cultural Heritage Online: culturalheritageonline.com
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