Pink Lake sits just west of Esperance and is one of those Australian place names that needs a little honesty. The lake was historically known for vivid pink water caused by algae and high salinity, but changing conditions mean it often looks pale, grey, or blue rather than pink.
Even without the colour show, it is a worthwhile stop on the Great Ocean Drive loop. The lake, dunes, and coastal scrub give a good sense of the dry edge of Esperance, and the story of its lost colour makes it more interesting than a simple lookout.