Hutt Lagoon is one of Australia’s most famous and most photographed pink lakes. And it’s pretty easy to see why! At around 70 square km, and only a maximum of 65cm deep, it has insta-opportunities aplenty.
Check out this handy travel guide to make planning your trip a piece of (strawberry-coloured) cake.
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Why is Hutt Lagoon Pink?
The pink colour comes from the presence of carotenoid-producing algae; Dunaliella salina, a source of ß-carotene (think carrots and other bright veg), that reacts to sunlight.
However, the lake is not always pink! Depending on the time of year, time of day, amount of cloud cover, and water levels, the lake will change through pink, purple, and even red hues.
In the hot, dry summer months from December to February, much of the water can dry up from the lake, leaving white crystal-like salt deposits behind. The remaining water will likely be pale pink – still beautiful, but worth considering if you’re going for the intense pink lake experience.
Where is Hutt Lagoon?
Hutt Lagoon is 528km north of Perth in Western Australia in the Coral Coast region.
The pink lake of Hutt Lagoon is surrounded by Kalbarri National Park, a bucket list destination in itself!
How to See Hutt Lagoon
Car is the easiest way to visit Hutt Lagoon, with several stop-off points around the lake. The best of these is Pink Lake Lookout, conveniently close to the tiny village of Port Gregory, where you’ll find a general store, some public toilets (with a 5-star Google rating – fancy), and a caravan park.
Car rental from Perth is easy, with lots of locations to choose from (including the airport), and is a good option for adventurous types who want to see the sights en route at their own pace.
Pink Lake Buggy Tours also run from here, where you can get taken for some gentle off-roading around the lake and Port Gregory. Ideal if you want to learn a bit more about the area and see the best spots that most cars can’t access. Suitable for all ages!
If you don’t fancy the drive from Perth there are plenty of guided tour options available, from 2-day trips or longer. The routes usually include Lancellin Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park and of course, Pink Hutt Lagoon! A great option to see some of the most popular destinations that Western Australia has to offer.
By far the best (and yes, most expensive) way to see Hutt Lagoon is by air, where you really get to see the full vibrancy of the water and the awesome shapes of the salt ponds in the lake.
When is the Best Time to Go?
The absolute best time to go is between July and September, not only do you get mild, comfortable temperatures, but this is also wildflower season when the whole area comes alive with colour.
The lake will be pink the rest of the year, but there will be less water in summer, and more cloud cover in winter, both resulting in less dramatic colours.
The best time of the day to visit will usually be when the sun is at its highest around midday, but other factors like cloud cover will also make a difference so it can be tricky to predict.
Can You Swim in Hutt Lagoon?
Yes. But you may not want to for too long.
The water is very salty and any cuts or scrapes will stiiiiiing. The bottom of the lake is also covered in salt crystals which can be pretty nasty to stand on.
Fortunately, the high salinity means you’ll be fairly buoyant in the water so overhead drone shots of you suspended in a strawberry-pink mega-bath are absolutely on the cards.
Where To Stay Around Hutt Lagoon
The closest place to stay is Port Gregory Caravan Park, only a stone’s throw away from the lake. Choose from different types of accommodation from tent sites to deluxe cabins.
For more options look towards Geraldton (1 hour 10 minutes south of the lake) or Kalbarri (35 minutes north of the lake).
Geraldton (WA’s seafood capital) is the closest city with plenty to see and do, including a museum, art trails, and beaches.
Accommodation in Geraldton
Kalbarri town is nestled right next to the national park, where you can experience some of the most jaw-dropping views in Australia, like Nature’s Window and the Skywalk.
Accommodation in Kalbarri
So as you can see, a trip to the Coral Coast can be the adventure of a lifetime and is absolutely worth the trip. To Hutt Lagoon and beyond, the journey from Perth should be on your road trip bucket list!
