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Hillier, also famously known as the Pink Lake, is a stunning natural phenomenon located on Middle Island, part of the Recherche Archipelago in Western Australia.
Hillier spans approximately 600 meters in length and 250 meters in width.
The depth of the lake is relatively shallow, with depths ranging from just a few meters to around ten meters at its deepest points.
This lake attracts visitors from around the world eager to witness its vibrant pink waters.
Surrounding Hillier Lake off the southern coast of Western Australia are dense eucalyptus and paperback trees, adding to its secluded and mystifying allure.
Hillier was first discovered in 1802 by British explorer Matthew Flinders.
However, it wasn’t until aerial surveys in the 1950s that its distinctive pink coloration gained widespread attention.
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The Pink Mystery Unveiled in Hillier
What sets Hillier apart from other bodies of water is its surreal pink hue, which remains a subject of fascination and scientific inquiry.
Additionally, Hillier’s coloration does not change with variations in temperature or sunlight, unlike other pink lakes around the world, such as Lake Retba in Senegal.
A unique microorganism called dunaliella salina is responsible for the enduring pink hue, which is also influenced by a halophilic bacteria known as salinibacter ruber.
Furthermore, dunaliella salina is a type of single-celled algae that thrives in highly saline environments.
When exposed to intense sunlight, dunaliella produces a reddish pigment known as beta-carotene as a protective measure against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
This pigment, along with the presence of salinibacter ruber, creates the distinctive pink coloration that saturates the waters of Hillier.
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Experience Swimming in the Pink-Colored Lake
Despite its striking appearance, Hillier remains safe for swimming due to its high salinity levels, which discourage the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Moreover, during the summer months, the vibrant pink color of Hillier is most pronounced as the water temperature rises and the concentration of salt and microorganisms reaches its peak.
Accessing Hillier Lake can indeed be challenging due to its remote location on Middle Island, part of the Recherche Archipelago in Western Australia.
The island is situated off the southern coast of Western Australia and is not easily accessible by conventional means such as roads or bridges.
Traveling to Middle Island typically requires taking a boat or a helicopter from nearby towns or cities.
The nearest major town is Esperance, located approximately 150 kilometers to the northwest.
From Esperance, visitors can arrange boat tours or helicopter flights to Middle Island, where they can catch a glimpse of Hillier Lake.
Alternatively, another option for passengers desiring to visit the isolated lake and surrounding forest area is to take cruises.