Lake Hillier

Lake Hillier sits on Middle Island, the largest island in the Recherche Archipelago about 130km east of Esperance, and it is one of the most photogenic natural phenomena in Australia: a vivid bubblegum-pink lake separated from the deep blue Southern Ocean by only a thin strip of white sand and eucalyptus forest. The colour is not a trick of light — it is real, consistent, and visible from the ground as well as the air.

Middle Island is not accessible by public transport. The practical options are a scenic flight over the lake from Esperance Airport (several operators run these, lasting 1–2 hours) or a boat tour from the town that includes a landing on the island. The scenic flight gives the better visual experience — the contrast between the pink lake, white sand barrier, and turquoise sea is best appreciated from above. Ground-level access on the island is limited, partly to protect the lake's ecosystem, which includes research into the microorganisms that cause the colouration.

things to do sight
A story
Lake Hillier was first recorded by Matthew Flinders in 1802, who noted its "rose-coloured" water in his journal. For over a century nobody could explain why it was pink. We now know the colour comes from a combination of Dunaliella salina algae, which produces red-orange carotenoid pigments, and halophilic bacteria that thrive in the ultra-saline water. Unlike some other pink lakes, Hillier retains its colour year-round and remains pink even when water is removed and held in a container.