Despite the incredible advances of modern science, Mother Nature never fails to present the world with unsolvable mysteries. In Australia lies one such mystery: a peculiarly pink body of water known as Lake Hillier. 

If one were to draft a list of things that are pink, surely the list would include bubble gum, lipstick and maybe a flock of flamingos. However, at the very bottom of the list, one just might include a lake. Specifically, Lake Hillier in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago tops that list as perhaps one of nature’s pinkest creations. Although relatively small, standing at less than 2,000 feet in length and less than half as wide, the lake still stands out among the area’s serene landscape. 

The lake was first discovered by Royal Navy Capt. Matthew Flinders in 1802, and he named the lake after a recently deceased colleague. Upon arrival at the lake, Flinders was surprised with the vibrancy of the water, making note of the lake’s rosy shade in his travel journal. 

The surrounding landscape is marvelous in and of itself, but the addition of Lake Hillier offers an unparalleled artistic touch to the breezy coastline. The vast greenery surrounding Lake Hillier boasts bushy foliage and mighty eucalyptus trees. Not far over the patch of nearby forest lies the Southern Ocean, whose opaque cobalt waves contrast beautifully with Lake Hillier’s Barbie-pink surface. 

The lake is almost always observed by visitors through a helicopter ride, allowing an inclusive aerial view of the tremendous landscape. Although the calm water of Lake Hillier may magnetize eager travelers hoping to take a dip, the lake is closed to recreational use; it is limited to scientific research and formal inquiry. In addition, the dense vegetation around the lake makes the stop inaccessible to the average visitor. 

Beyond its charming presence, Lake Hillier finds most of its beauty in its mystery; to this day, there has been no solidified scientific explanation for why the lake is so vibrantly pink. Although there exist many other pink lakes in the world, Lake Hillier stands as an oddity among the bunch. Its bubble gum-pink waters never fade, presenting an enchanting rosy hue year-round; the water also stays just as pink when sampled, although the water is notably more pink the farther away one views it from. 

The most widely accepted theory explaining the persistent strawberry-smoothie color describes a presence of microalgae. The microalgae, named Dunaliella salina, is said to thrive off the immensely salty conditions of the lake; they then produce the carotenoid pigment which is responsible for the pinkness. No evidence supports this theory specifically for Lake Hillier, though, leaving yet another partial mystery lingering.

Other pink lakes around the world boast a similar hue, but none come close to the persistence or resilience of this lake’s pinkness. Beyond sitting as a gorgeous spot for adventurous travelers, Lake Hillier stands as a symbol—a reminder that regardless of science’s continual achievement, Mother Nature will always be one step ahead.

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Ella is an undergraduate student at Vassar College pursuing a degree in Hispanic Studies. She wants to assist in the field of immigration law and hopes to utilize Spanish in her future projects. In her free time she enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and learning about cosmetics.