Discover Hillier Lake: Australia’s Pinkest Gem
If you needed any more evidence that Australia is a magical land of extraordinary sights and features, then may we present Hillier Lake! Located in the Recherche Archipelago, just off the south-west coast of Western Australia—this pastel-hued lake is like no other.
Hillier Lake might look like any other lake from a distance; but one step closer reveals the pinkest gem of Australia. Hillier Lake is known for its rare and beautiful pink color, which can be seen from a great distance as you approach this unique destination.
Although the exact source of Hillier Lake’s hue has yet to be determined by scientists, it continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world and locals alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Hillier Lake; exploring its origin, its nearby attractions and facilities, as well as ways to experience this unique Australian treasure up close and personal.
Exploring the History of Hillier Lake
There’s no denying that Hillier Lake, situated on the largest island in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, commands attention with its distinctive rosy hue. But the lake’s story goes much deeper than its vibrant color.
Long before this naturally-occurring phenomenon became known as one of Australia’s most iconic attractions, it was an ancestral home of the Noongar people. The Indigenous Australians lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years before Europeans explored and settled in the area.
In 1802, Nicolas Baudin, a French explorer, discovered the lake and gave it its name of Lake Hillier – though he did not notice its unique coloring due to overcast skies during his visit. It was not until decades later that salt manufacturer Edward Galton revisited the area and noticed the lake’s unique hue – a discovery that would propel Hillier Lake into global fame.
Today, visitors can explore both Hillier Lake’s modern and ancestral history by setting sail on a tour around this picturesque and beloved sight. They can admire its undisturbed natural beauty while being reminded of its long-standing place in Australian culture and history.
Taking in the Breathtaking Views at Hillier Lake
One of the most breathtaking views in Australia can be found at Hillier Lake, located on Middle Island off the southern coast of Western Australia. The lake’s pristine, crystal blue waters are home to the ‘Pink Lake’ phenomenon, where the lake’s pink color is a result of high salinity levels combined with its high concentration of a type of algae called Dunaliella Salina.
The lake’s best view is from the top of nearby Mount Hillier, an extinct volcano that towers above the island – from here you can take in views of the entire panorama. On a clear day, visitors will be able to see across Middle Island and even as far as Esperance on mainland Australia.
The surrounding bushland provides an ideal habitat for native animals such as wallabies and kangaroos, making it a prime spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. With its rare natural beauty and unique ecosystem, Hillier Lake is not just one of Australia’s pinkest gems, but one of its most beautiful destinations – one that definitely belongs at the top of your bucket list!
Enjoy Activities and Wildlife Around the Lake
Hillier Lake is an idyllic spot that offers plenty of activities to enjoy and sights to see, both on and off the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping, bird-watching, picnicking—the list goes on. The lake also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area from its lookout points.
If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of some native wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot kangaroos, wallabies and koalas near the lake banks and shorelines. And if you’re an avid bird-watcher, then Hillier Lake will be a real treat—it’s home to over one hundred species of birds!
Fun fact: Hillier Lake is also a great spot for night sky watching when it’s dark out. This is thanks to its remote location away from light pollution—allowing you to clearly see stars and constellations in the night sky.
Uncovering the Mystery Behind Hillier Lake’s Color
The mystery behind Hillier Lake’s pink color is still relatively unexplained, but we have some theories.
The Halophilic Algae
One popular theory is that the pink-colored water is due to the halophilic bacteria, or salt-loving bacteria, found in the lake. This type of bacteria has a reddish-pink hue that provides the lake with its distinctive color.
The White Salt Flakes
Another theory is that the pink color is a combination of white salt flakes– which are often found on Lake Hillier– and the red halophilic bacteria. The combination of these two elements cause a unique hue of pink to be seen in Lake Hillier’s waters.
Microorganisms
A third theory suggests that other microorganisms found in the lake could also be what gives it it’s distinctive hue of pink. These microorganisms love salty environments like those found on Hillier Lake, and they can produce a range of colors depending on their type and how much sunlight they receive during the day. Of course, only further research can confirm this theory as true or not!
Practicing Responsible Tourism When Visiting Hillier Lake
Visiting Hillier Lake is a must-do when traveling to Western Australia, and it’s important to do your part to help preserve its beauty. Practicing responsible tourism when visiting Hillier Lake will ensure that this rare gem will be around for many more generations to come.
Here are some tips for responsible tourism when visiting Hillier Lake:
- Follow the path: Sticking to designated paths is important so as not to damage the local environment or disturb animals.
- Respect wildlife: Make sure to keep your distance from any native animals, as they can be easily scared away or hurt if disturbed too closely.
- Leave no trace: Pack all of your litter before leaving and make sure that what you brought in leaves with you so as not to disturb the local area or leave lasting impact on the lake’s unique beauty.
- Respect local culture: Learn about the area before you go, and make sure you understand and respect local customs and traditions, especially if you’re visiting Indigenous sites of cultural and historical importance.
- Shop local: When buying souvenirs or food items, it’s important to shop with local businesses in order to support their communities as well as preserving their unique culture and traditions for future generations.
By following these simple rules, every traveler can help ensure that Hillier Lake remains one ofAustralia’s most amazing sights for many years to come!