Western Australia · Attraction
Pink Lake
A lake with a curious past
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Pink Lake sits about three kilometres west of Esperance on the Pink Lake Road, a salt lake that was once a vivid bubblegum pink thanks to salt-loving algae and bacteria in its hypersaline water. The lake has lost its colour in recent decades due to salinity changes linked to nearby road and rail infrastructure, but the site remains a popular stop on the Great Ocean Drive loop and a genuine piece of Esperance natural history.
The lake is easily reached by car from town in under 10 minutes, with a viewing area on the southern shore. Even without the pink hue, the flat white expanse of salt crust framed by low scrub has its own stark appeal, and the surrounding reserve supports a variety of waterbirds including ibis, stilts and pelicans.
The Shire of Esperance has been investigating salt management and water flow restoration as part of efforts to revive the lake's colour. Visitors who want to see an actively pink lake in the region can arrange a scenic flight to Lake Hillier on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, which is accessible only by air or boat and requires booking a licensed tour operator from Esperance Airport.
The reserve around Pink Lake has short walking tracks through coastal heath, and the area connects to the broader Great Ocean Drive cycling and walking path. It is a quick and free stop that rewards curious visitors even in its current form.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Pink Lake.
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