Hillier is one of the most unusual lakes on the planet. It is located on Middle Island off the southern coast of Western Australia and is known for its intense pink color, which looks unreal even in person, not just in photographs.
Hillier LakeAnd this is not an optical effect: if you put water in a bottle, it will remain pink.
Why is the water pink
For a long time, it was believed that the origin of color remains a mystery. Today, scientists already understand the mechanism quite accurately.
The pink hue is created by an entire ecosystem of extreme microorganisms, not just one species.:
- microalgae Dunaliella salina produces beta-carotene
- Haloarchae (Halobacteria) produce red-purple pigments
- salt-loving bacteria enhance the shade
The high salinity of the lake (it is higher than the sea) makes the water an ideal environment for them — and practically unsuitable for other life.It is the combination of salinity + microorganisms that creates a stable “chewy pink” color.
Unlike many pink lakes in the world, Hiller retains its shade all year round and does not fade with temperature changes.
The story of the discovery
In 1802, British navigator Matthew Flinders landed on Middle Island while traveling along the southern coast of Australia. Climbing the hill, he saw a bright pink lake next to the ocean and described it in the ship’s log.
In the 19th century, whalers and seal hunters worked on the island, and later attempts were made to extract salt. But the production turned out to be unprofitable — the logistics were too complicated.
Legend of the lake
There is a local story about a shipwreck off the coast of Middle Island.The only surviving sailor, exhausted by pain and hunger, met a stranger with two jugs — “blood” and “milk”. He ordered them to pour them into the lake and take a dip.
After bathing, the sailor stopped feeling pain and hunger. Later, the pirates considered him cursed and threw him into the ocean.
Interestingly, the name Hillier is often associated with the word healer — “healer”.
Is it possible to visit the lake
And here’s the unexpected thing: it’s easy to see the lake, but it’s almost impossible to get to it.
The lake is located in the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve, and:
- there are no roads
- boats are almost not allowed
- there are no hiking trails
- swimming is prohibited
Therefore, tourists usually see the Hillier only from the air.
Hillier Lake helicopter view
Lake Hillier view from afar
Hillier Lake helicopter view of the island
Hillier, top view
The most popular option is a short sightseeing flight from Esperance. From above, the contrast of pink water, white salt, and blue ocean looks especially unreal.
Interesting fact
There are dozens of “pink” lakes in the world, but Hiller is one of the few where:
- the color is stable
- the water remains pink in the tank
- the shade does not depend on the season
That is why it is considered the most “real” pink lake on the planet.
Hillier, top view of the lake and the beach
Hillier Lake View
Hillier, walking on the beach
View of Lake Hiller
Hillier
Later, pirates landed on Middle Island and captured a sailor. They were alarmed by the fact that the prisoner does not feel pain, and he does not need food. They considered this a bad sign and soon threw the prisoner into the ocean.
By the way, the name “Hiller” is consonant with the word “Healer”, which translates from English as “Healer”.
