Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake in Western Australia is a sight that will stop even the most seasoned traveller in their tracks. Tucked beside Port Gregory on the edge of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, this salty spectacle can shine neon pink, burn copper red or fade to a pale lavender-grey depending on the day. I’ve driven along George Grey Drive more times than I can count, and every pass by the shimmering shoreline still makes me smile.
This post will cover where Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake is, why it changes colour, how to time your visit and how to fit it into a Coral Coast road trip. I’ll throw in some quick facts, nearby attractions like Kalbarri National Park and the Pinnacles Desert, and practical tips on gear, tours and scenic flights.
Where This Natural Wonder Is Found and How to Reach It
Hutt Lagoon is just outside Port Gregory, a small fishing village between Geraldton and Kalbarri. From Perth, it’s about 500km north via Indian Ocean Drive, or a straight shot up the Brand Highway. If you’re hugging the coast, you’ll pass dunes on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, with the lake glowing like spilled cordial in between.
- From Perth: 6–7 hours
- From Geraldton: under an hour
- From Kalbarri: 30 minutes south
The pink waters stretch beside the fishing town of Port Gregory, a great spot to refuel, grab a pie or check into Port Gregory Caravan Park. The Port Gregory Road loop delivers lake views and connects back to George Grey Drive, making it an easy detour.
If you’d rather someone else take the wheel, the 4 Day Monkey Mia Tour from Perth is a great way to tick off Hutt Lagoon, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia in one go. It’s a no-fuss option for travellers short on time but keen to see WA’s top coastal sights.
Why Is the Water Pink (and Sometimes Not)
The colour is due to carotenoid-producing algae, specifically Dunaliella salina, that thrives in the salty environment. Under high salinity and full sun, these microalgae produce beta carotene, the same pigment found in carrots. The byproduct of this is a lake that looks like it’s been filled with raspberry cordial.
But don’t expect it to always be pink. Cloudy days, cooler temperatures and fresh rain can turn it grey, lilac or even brown. Sometimes the pink is strongest at midday, other times it glows at sunset. Local microalgae production plants even farm the lake for beta-carotene, which is used in health supplements and cosmetics. Along with the algae, brine shrimp, and layers of salt crystals, gypsum deposits and salt crust add to the lake’s colour palette.
Quick Facts and Fascinating Stats About This Natural Wonder
- Size: ~70 square km
- Salinity: 30% higher than seawater
- Depth: Shallow, mostly 0.5–1 m
- Industry: Major micro algae production plant for beta carotene
- Wildlife: Brine shrimp, microalgae, migratory birds
- Distance From Perth: ~515 km via Indian Ocean Drive
- Traditional Owners: Nanda people
Best Time to Witness Its Colour Change
Summer through autumn (Nov–Apr) is the most reliable time to see Hutt Lagoon glow when evaporation is highest and the sun is brutal. Midday sun usually gives the lake its brightest bubblegum colours, and late afternoon can throw up purples and oranges.
Winter has its moments. After good rains, the colour can deepen, but you’ll risk overcast skies. My advice? Plan for a clear day and aim for midday if you’re after that postcard-perfect pink.
Local Experiences and Attractions Nearby
Stopping by the side of the road for a quick snap doesn’t do this place justice. Here’s how to make a day of it:
- Scenic Flight: Operators like Nationwest Aviation and Nexus Airlines run flights from Geraldton and Kalbarri Airport. Seeing the pink against the Indian Ocean is worth every dollar.
- Buggy Tour: Jump on a guided buggy tour with locals such as D’Guy Journeys. It’s an activity experience that gets you onto the lake’s salt crust safely while learning the science behind the pink.
- Pink Lake Tours: Several companies offer dedicated Pink Lake tours combining the lagoon with Kalbarri National Park highlights like Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk.
- Fishing in Port Gregory: Throw a line off the jetty for tailor or whiting while the lake glows nearby.
- Day Trips: Tie it in with Murchison River walks or a lazy afternoon at Chinamans Beach in Kalbarri.
Other Lakes In Australia
Hutt Lagoon isn’t the only lake that’s pink. Compare it with:
- Lake Hillier (WA): Near Esperance, it’s pink all year round due to a stable ecosystem of algae and bacteria.
- Lake Macdonnell (SA): Often called “Rainbow Lake” thanks to its striped shorelines.
- Lake Bumbunga (SA): Near Clare Valley, famous for its seasonal colour changes.
- Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park (SA): Australia’s largest salt lake, which sometimes turns pink after rain.
Each lake has its own chemistry, but they all show how many pink lakes Australia has.
Road Trip Connections: Building It Into Your Journey
Hutt Lagoon fits into bigger WA adventures.
- One-Day Dash: Perth → Pinnacles Desert → Geraldton → Hutt Lagoon → Kalbarri.
- Four-Day Run: Works with the 4 Day Monkey Mia Tour from Perth, often stops at the Coral Coast icons.
- Extended Drive: Go past Kalbarri to Shark Bay, Abrolhos Islands, and eventually Ningaloo Reef.
Accommodation is plentiful in Kalbarri, with favourites like Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park and Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park for lagoon-side trips.
Gear Checklist for the Scenic Run
The edges of the lake can be crusty, the flies can be rough as guts, and the WA sun doesn’t muck around. Pack smart:
- Camera/phone with a polarising filter (to sharpen colours).
- Drone (check CASA rules; don’t fly over people or wildlife).
- Hat, sunnies, sunscreen.
- Water and snacks (nearest shops are Geraldton or Kalbarri).
- Bug spray or mozzie net.
- Closed shoes (the salt crust can cut bare feet).
FAQ
Is Hutt Lagoon always pink?
No — it changes with weather, algae activity, and light. Some days it glows bright pink; other days it’s pale or grey.
Can you swim in Hutt Lagoon?
Not recommended. The water is extremely salty, and the lake edges are muddy and sharp with salt deposits.
Is Hutt Lagoon the same as Lake Hillier?
No — Lake Hillier is on Middle Island in WA’s Recherche Archipelago, off Esperance. Both are pink, but Hutt Lagoon is easier to get to.
What other pink lakes are in Australia?
In WA: Lake Hillier, Hutt Lagoon. In SA: Lake MacDonnell, Lake Bumbunga, Rainbow Lakes, and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park.
How do I get the best photo of Hutt Lagoon?
Go on a sunny day around midday. Use a polarising filter or take a scenic flight for the full contrast of the lake against the ocean.
