Why Is Lake Hillier Pink?

For a long time, people believed the color was almost magical. Today,
scientists have a clearer explanation. The pink color of Lake Hillier
comes from a type of micro-algae that thrives in very salty water.

This microscopic plant produces a natural pigment called
beta-carotene — the same pigment that gives carrots their
orange color. In high concentration, this pigment tints the water a
bright, bubblegum pink.

These algae are specially adapted to survive in extreme salt conditions,
and the more they grow, the more intense the color appears.

Salt, Extremes, and Invisible Life

Lake Hillier contains a very high amount of salt in fact,
it has even more salt than seawater.
Despite this harsh environment, several types of
micro-organisms are able to live in the lake.
This shows how life can adapt, even in places where it seems almost
impossible to survive.

For scientists, Lake Hillier is a natural laboratory that helps them
study how life responds to extreme conditions, from high salinity
to intense light and heat.

A Natural Painting: Pink Lake, Blue Sea, Green Forest

Lake Hillier is not only special because of its chemistry it is also
visually spectacular. The lake is surrounded by a
green forest and sits very close to the
deep blue ocean. When you look at it from above,
you see three strong colors side by side:
pink lake, green trees, and blue sea.

The contrast is so beautiful that it looks like a
natural painting.
From the air, Lake Hillier appears as a solid pink patch outlined by
white salt and dark green vegetation, right next to the coastline.

Even when a small amount of water is taken from the lake, such as in a
glass or bottle, the water