Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
Port Gregory, Western Australia, Australia
Hutt Lagoon is a bright pink salt lake in Western Australia, near Port Gregory, where vibrant algae creates one of the country's most striking natural colours.…
What it's like here
Hutt Lagoon is a bright pink salt lake in Western Australia, near Port Gregory, where vibrant algae creates one of the country's most striking natural colours. The intensity of the pink shifts with the light and time of day, making it a popular photography stop on coastal road trips. The colour comes from Dunaliella salina, an algae that thrives in the lake's high salinity. Ground-level viewing points offer good vantage, though aerial views showcase the full dramatic contrast between the pink water and the surrounding blue ocean.
Visitors often spend 1–2 hours here, and the best time to see the colour is on a sunny day during late morning to early afternoon when the pink is most vivid. The lake also functions as a salt production site, which means some areas have limited access. Parking is available on-site.
The location is fairly remote—about 6 hours north of Perth—so it works well as a stop on a longer road trip rather than a day trip from the city. Bring supplies before you arrive. The experience suits solo travellers, couples, families and groups, and photography is welcome.
Highlights
- Bright pink water caused by Dunaliella salina algae
- Dramatic contrast with the blue ocean and sky
- Best viewed on sunny days in late morning to early afternoon
- Popular photography destination and social media hotspot
- Free entry with ground-level and aerial viewing options
Good to know
The lake is remote, so bring supplies before visiting. The colour is most intense on sunny days around midday. Ground-level viewing points are available, though the lake is also best appreciated from the air. Access is limited in some areas due to salt production operations.
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Questions people ask
Why is Hutt Lagoon pink?
The colour comes from the algae Dunaliella salina, which produces carotenoids in response to the lake's high salinity.
When is the best time to visit?
On a sunny day around midday, when the pink colour is most vivid.
How far is it from Perth?
Hutt Lagoon is about a 6-hour drive north of Perth, near Port Gregory.
Attributes & facilities
Facilities
Experience
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Last verified: August 22, 2026