We’re all familiar with the enchanting sight of delicate clouds mirrored in the pristine blues of lakes such as Pangong Tso and Chilika in India. However, if you believe that these bodies of water only display shades of blue, prepare for a delightful surprise with the existence of pink lakes.
These captivating lakes are scattered worldwide, each possessing its unique allure. Among them, Lake MacDonnell in Australia stands out as one of the most breathtaking ‘pink’ lakes you’ll ever encounter.
Imagine driving along a road with a blue lake on one side and a pink lake on the other. That’s Lake MacDonnell for you. Situated on the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory, this lake lies amid the rugged beauty of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Its striking pink hue is due to a specific type of algae, Dunaliella salina, which flourishes in the lake’s high saline content and produces a reddish pigment. The intensity of the pink color varies with the season, light conditions, and algae concentration. Once a salt mine, the lake is now used for gypsum mining.
Swimming in Lake MacDonnell is not recommended due to its high salinity, but it is not entirely prohibited. However, be aware that there are no facilities to rinse off the salt, which can be very harsh on your skin. Additionally, the salt deposits on the lake floor can be quite sharp. If you wish to swim, there is a designated swimming area at Point Sinclair, which is less than 10 kilometers away.
