Lake Hillier on Middle Island in Western Australia is known for its brilliant pink hue. The lake is many times saltier than the ocean. But what lends the lake its bubblegum colour? It is said to be due to the presence of algae Dunaliella salina, which causes the lake’s high salt content to produce carotenoids (red pigments), and halobacteria which thrive in such salty environments.
From above, the lake appears a solid bubble gum pink, but from the shoreline it appears more of a clear pink hue. The shoreline is also covered in salt crust deposits. In 2016 scientists from the Extreme Microbiome Project conducted extensive microbiome and metagenomic DNA sequencing and detected Haloquadratum, Haloferax, Salinibacter, Halobacterium, Halogeometricum, and several other halophilic organisms. Culturing from the water revealed a low concentration of Psychroflexus as well.
Despite the high salt content levels (comparable to those of the Dead Sea), Lake Hillier is safe to swim in. However, it is not advisable nor allowed without previous approval by the Western Australia Dept of Environment Conservation.
There are very few ways to reach Lake Hillier. Aeroplane scenic flights are the most common method, with six flights a day departing Esperance Airport, flying over Lake Hillier via the nearby Cape Le Grand National Park. Cruises are also an option for passengers wanting to visit the isolated lake, and surrounding forest area.
Picture Credit : Google
