Travel Guide: Lake Hillier, Western Australia

Have you heard of “that pink lake”? Whether you have or haven’t, you’re in luck! Lake Hillier has long been on my bucket list and I was very lucky to see this renowned natural pink lake with my very own eyes thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback and Goldfields Air Services. Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island, the largest island in the Recherche Archipelago, off the south coast of Western Australia. The spectacular colour is due to the presence of dunaliella salina, a micro-algae especially found in highly saline water. And best of all? The vibrant colour of Lake Hillier is permanent.

Getting There

This spectacular land locked pink lake is only accessible by sea or air and thanks to Australia’s Golden Outback, I was able to explore Lake Hillier by air with Goldfields Air Services, who have a base in Esperance, Western Australia. While I can’t speak about experiencing Lake Hillier via sea, I highly recommend seeing by air.

The flight tour takes about about two hours and along the way you’ll see Esperance town and the new Jetty, Woody Island, Cape Le Grand National Park, Frenchman Peak, Lucky Bay, Duke of Orleans Bay, Wharton Beach, Yokinup Bay, Cape Arid, the beautiful Lake Hillier and migrating Whales usually between July and October.

Every passenger gets a window seat and as soon as you take off you’ll be struck by the stunning beauty of the region. Certified by Geoscience Australia, Lucky Bay boasts the whitest sand in Australia and contrasted with the stunningly clear Turquoise waters, you can see every reef, sandbar, turtle, sting ray and shark from the plane.

And finally, that pink lake. Would you believe it, the vibrant colour of the lake is does not alter even when the water is taken in a container. How incredible is that!

Where To Stay

Goldfields Air Services is based in Esperance, Western Australia. You can take Rex flight from Perth to Esperance, and I recommend staying at Esperance Chalet Village. There is lots to see and do in and around Esperance, so I recommend staying for at least 5 days and organising a hire car prior to arriving, which you will pick up and drop off at the airport.

Goldfields Air Services: Esperance

Lake Hillier & Cape Le Grand National Park Tour

Cost: Starting from $450 pp

Duration: 2 hours

For more information about Esperance in Western Australia, take a look at my Esperance Travel Guide.