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Pink lakes are a kind of salt lake. A salt lake is simply a body of water that has a high concentration of salt.
Many salt lakes around the world are famous for their healing properties as well as for making swimmers pleasantly buoyant!
So, what makes a salt lake turn pink?
Pink lakes were a mystery for many years, but scientists now understand how the incredible colors are created.
Pink lakes contain algae and bacteria that release red pigments into the water in such quantities that the color changes completely.
Pink lakes generally contain a bacteria called Halobacteria.
They also contain the algae known as Dunaliella salina. This is an algae commonly found in the Dead Sea.
Both of these bacteria and algae thrive in a salty environment.
They don't all stay pink all year round.
Some, such as Lake Hillier, are best seen in late summer when the color changes. This one lake can range from a pale salmon pink to deep fuchsia.
Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island, just off the coast of Western Australia.
It's a stunning sight to behold, particularly due to the contrast with the blue lagoon on the coast.
Ironically, the one lake officially named "Pink Lake" in Australia is no longer pink due to diminished salt levels in the water.
The change has resulted in many disappointed tourists, and locals are petitioning to change the name back to "Lake Spencer," as it was originally called.
While it's not so Instagram-friendly anymore, Pink Lake is still an important local resource.
Salt is harvested from the lake by hand every year, creating income for local Aboriginal people.
This lake in the middle of Melbourne's Westgate Park shocked locals when it turned pink for the first time in 2012.
Since then, it has turned pink every summer. The ideal conditions seem to be high temperatures, lots of sunlight, and little rainfall.
Lake Bumbunga is another gem situated in South Australia, less than two hours drive from Adelaide.
It's also conveniently located close to the Clare Valley wine region. Sounds like an ideal trip!
Further down the coast from Adelaide is the Coorong National Park.
It's home to another stunning pink lake which lucky drivers on the Princess Highway get to pass by.
The waters of the famous Hutt Lagoon range from lilac to deep red depending on the season and the time of day.
It's recommended to enjoy the sunset over Hutt Lagoon and watch the changing colors.
It's located on the Indian Ocean Drive, an incredible coastal road trip route.
Lake MacDonnell is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in South Australia.
Lake MacDonnell went viral in 2018 when a couple of travel bloggers uploaded these incredible drone shots on Instagram.
Sources: (How Stuff Works) (ABC)
See also: Australia's rainforests: A haven of biodiversity and heritage
Australia is a country known for its natural wonders, but there are few more unique than the pink lakes. A pink lake is a rare find anywhere in the world, and Australia's are some of the most beautiful.
This natural phenomenon is caused by a combination of the perfect conditions: high temperatures, low rainfall, salt, and specific algae and bacteria that produce beta-carotene. When all of these factors come together at the right moment, you have a pink lake. The stunning hues can come and go depending on the time of year, or disappear forever if environmental factors change.
Click through the gallery to learn more about these incredible treasures and enjoy some of the most spectacular photos ever taken.
Why are Australian lakes pink?
You'll think you're on another planet!
TRAVEL Remembrance
Australia is a country known for its natural wonders, but there are few more unique than the pink lakes. A pink lake is a rare find anywhere in the world, and Australia's are some of the most beautiful.
This natural phenomenon is caused by a combination of the perfect conditions: high temperatures, low rainfall, salt, and specific algae and bacteria that produce beta-carotene. When all of these factors come together at the right moment, you have a pink lake. The stunning hues can come and go depending on the time of year, or disappear forever if environmental factors change.
Click through the gallery to learn more about these incredible treasures and enjoy some of the most spectacular photos ever taken.