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Salt lakes -

Pink lakes are a kind of salt lake. A salt lake is simply a body of water that has a high concentration of salt. 

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Salt lakes -

Many salt lakes around the world are famous for their healing properties as well as for making swimmers pleasantly buoyant! 

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Why are they pink? -

So, what makes a salt lake turn pink? 

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Why are they pink? -

Pink lakes were a mystery for many years, but scientists now understand how the incredible colors are created. 

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Pink Lake, WA -

Pink lakes contain algae and bacteria that release red pigments into the water in such quantities that the color changes completely. 

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Why are they pink? -

Pink lakes generally contain a bacteria called Halobacteria.

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Why are they pink? -

They also contain the algae known as Dunaliella salina. This is an algae commonly found in the Dead Sea. 

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Why are they pink? -

Both of these bacteria and algae thrive in a salty environment. 

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Changing colors -

They don't all stay pink all year round. 

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Time of the year -

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. 

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Lake Hillier -

Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island, just off the coast of Western Australia. 

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Lake Hillier -

It's a stunning sight to behold, particularly due to the contrast with the blue lagoon on the coast. 

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Pink Lake -

Ironically, the one lake officially named "Pink Lake" in Australia is no longer pink due to diminished salt levels in the water. 

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Pink Lake -

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. 

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Pink Lake -

While it's not so Instagram-friendly anymore, Pink Lake is still an important local resource. 

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Pink Lake -

Salt is harvested from the lake by hand every year, creating income for local Aboriginal people. 

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Westgate Park Lake -

This lake in the middle of Melbourne's Westgate Park shocked locals when it turned pink for the first time in 2012. 

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Westgate Park Lake -

Since then, it has turned pink every summer. The ideal conditions seem to be high temperatures, lots of sunlight, and little rainfall. 

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Lake Bumbunga -

Lake Bumbunga is another gem situated in South Australia, less than two hours drive from Adelaide. 

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Lake Bumbunga -

It's also conveniently located close to the Clare Valley wine region. Sounds like an ideal trip! 

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Coorong National Park Pink Lake -

Further down the coast from Adelaide is the Coorong National Park.

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Coorong National Park Pink Lake -

It's home to another stunning pink lake which lucky drivers on the Princess Highway get to pass by. 

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Hutt Lagoon -

The waters of the famous Hutt Lagoon range from lilac to deep red depending on the season and the time of day. 

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Hutt Lagoon -

It's recommended to enjoy the sunset over Hutt Lagoon and watch the changing colors. 

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Hutt Lagoon -

It's located on the Indian Ocean Drive, an incredible coastal road trip route. 

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Lake MacDonnell -

Lake MacDonnell is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in South Australia. 

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Lake MacDonnell -

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

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