Lake Hillier is a pink saline lake on Middle Island, Western Australia. It is separated from the Southern Ocean by a long and thin shore.
It’s surrounded by sand and a dense woodland of paperbark and eucalyptus trees and is notable for its vibrant pink color. It is believed that the pink color is due to the presence of Dunaliella salina.
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Lake Hillier Facts for Kids
- Hillier Lake is a pink lake on Middle Island, Western Australia.
- It was visited by the Matthew Flinders’ expedition on 15 January 1802.
- The lake is about 600 meters long by about 250 meters wide.
- The surface area is 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres).
- Scientists and the public alike are attracted to Lake Hillier’s pink color.
- It’s about 10 times saltier than the ocean
What is so special about Lake Hillier?
Lake Hillier on Middle Island, Australia. Recent research found that algae, halobacteria, and other microbes cause the lake’s unique color. This body of water is also extremely salty.
Who Discovered lake hillier
Matthew Flinders, captain of HMS Investigator, was the first to map the islands. The highest peak on the island is named after Flinders. He came across this remarkable pink lake in January 1802.
Why can you not swim in Lake Hillier?
It’s completely safe to swim at Lake Hillier. It’s safer than many other water sources since it doesn’t contain large fish or predators.
Why does Lake Hillier appear pink?
It’s actually a salt lake. The algae (dunaliella salina) and pink bacteria (halobacteria) are suspected of having caused the color by saltwater reacting with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Why is it called Lake Hillier?
The lake is named after William Hillier, who was a crew member who had died before the expedition’s departure in May 1803.
Any life in Lake Hillier
The only living organisms in Lake Hillier are Dunaliella salina and bacterioruberin, which produce the unusual pink color. Humans exhibit no adverse effects from the lake, despite its unusual hue.
Can you drink Lake Hillier water?
The water is salty, so it shouldn’t be drunk. Salty water can cause serious health problems.
Other interesting Facts
A recreational walking trail circumnavigates the shoreline of the lake, which is part of a protected area known as the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve.
Lake Hillier is difficult to reach. Many people travel by helicopter. Passengers wishing to see the lake and surrounding forest can also take a cruise.
It’s the most visited pink lake in Western Australia and is located in the Cape Le Grand National Park. It is best seen from the air and is surrounded by lush green vegetation and the Southern Ocean.
It’s a pink lake rimmed on salt crust layers and is ten times saltier than the adjacent ocean.
