If you’re plotting a road trip north from Perth, do yourself a favour and pin Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Kalbarri Pink Lake, on your map. About five hours out, near the beloved town of Kalbarri, this lake is a full-on spectacle you need to see to believe.
And it’s pink.
Not just any pink, though, but a vivid, almost electric pink that feels like it’s leaping out to grab your attention. On a sunny day, it’s dazzling; on cloudy days, it has a mysterious, soft glow to it that’s equally mesmerising.
Can you tell I’m a fan?
Having made the drive north of Perth more times than I can count, I’ve gotten to know this pink lake near Kalbarri pretty well, and, in my opinion, it’s right up there with the must-see spots in Western Australia.
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your visit to this extraordinary pink lake as memorable as mine.
When to Visit Hutt Lagoon
When it comes to experiencing Hutt Lagoon in all its glory, timing really is key. For the full effect, hit the lake between 10 am and 2 pm on a sunny day. That’s when the sun is just right for turning the lake into a vivid pink wonder.
Questionable weather? No worries. Even when the skies are overcast, there’s a certain magic to the scene, with the moody skies reflecting off the subdued pink waters, creating a scene so dreamy it feels like another world.
Seasonal changes transform the lake too. In summer, as the water levels drop, the lake morphs into a sprawling salt flat, dotted with intricate salt patterns that are nothing short of a drone photographer’s paradise.
Getting to Hutt Lagoon
The journey is part of the adventure when it comes to Hutt Lagoon. From Perth, you’re looking at a scenic five-hour drive along the Indian Ocean Drive, with endless blue on one side and wild, windswept landscapes on the other.
If you’re not up for a long drive, consider flying to Geraldton and renting a car for a quick hour’s drive to the lake. While flights can be a bit pricey, the time saved could be worth it if you’re short on days but have funds to work with.
What It’s Like Visiting Hutt Lagoon
I’ve hit Hutt Lagoon during both the end of winter and the mellow days of autumn, always tagging it onto our road trips. If I had to pick, winter wins for visiting – it’s when the lagoon fills up and really shows off those vibrant pinks that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a painter’s palette.
Autumn is still pretty, don’t get me wrong, but it can’t compete with how the winter rains transform the lake into a true spectacle.
Capturing this place in a photo that does it justice isn’t easy, but it’s worth trying from every angle. For the best shots, I recommend checking out the viewpoints along the northern shore. It’s less crowded and gives you wide, open views of the lake, framed by the subtle red of the surrounding soil.
Of course, if you have a drone, you’ll get far better shots and will be able to properly capture just how “pink” the lake is. I saw plenty of people flying theirs on my most recent visit, so if you do own a drone, don’t forget to pack it!
What to Expect at Hutt Lagoon
Arriving at Hutt Lagoon, you might just feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Depending on the season and the sunlight, the lake shifts from a soft pink to a deep, almost surreal magenta.
But why is the Hutt Lagoon pink?
It’s all thanks to dunaliella salina, an algae that thrives in the lake’s salty water, churning out beta-carotene, which gives the lake its colour. The lake isn’t just a pretty sight – it’s actually also a working lake, utilised for harvesting algae used in everything from cosmetics to dietary supplements.
While Hutt Lagoon has plenty of parking, it has no other visitor facilities – its natural beauty is more than enough to make up for it, though. Just be sure to take out whatever you bring in to keep this place as pristine as you found it.
Can You Swim in Hutt Lagoon?
Standing on the edge of Hutt Lagoon, with its surreal pink waters stretching out before you, you might find yourself wondering if you can swim in it. While it’s technically possible, don’t expect the refreshing dip you’d find in a typical lake.
I personally wouldn’t swim in it, but there are no rules saying you can’t, and it’s generally been cleared as safe to swim in.
Bear in mind, though, that the water here is intensely salty, which means you’ll float easily but might feel more like you’re bobbing in a giant salt shaker. Plus, the vibrant pink from the algae, while harmless, makes the water opaque, obscuring the bottom and giving the whole experience an unsettling vibe.
FAQs About Visiting the Hutt Lagoon
How far is Hutt Lagoon from Perth?
It’s about a five-hour drive north of Perth, perfect for a cheeky weekend escape.
How far is the Pink Lake from Kalbarri?
The pink lake is just a quick 35-minute drive south of Kalbarri. It’s a breezy and beautiful ride, ideal for a spontaneous side trip.
Is there an entry fee to Hutt Lagoon?
Nope, visiting Hutt Lagoon is completely free. Just show up and enjoy the views!
Are there facilities at Hutt Lagoon?
Facilities are pretty bare-bones up here, so come prepared with whatever you might need for the day.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
The colours are most vivid from late morning to early afternoon, especially on sunny days.
Where Next?
Captured all the pink you can handle at Hutt Lagoon? Great! Let’s keep the wheels rolling. Just a short 35-minute drive north and you’ll find yourself in Kalbarri, a place where stunning river gorges and dramatic coastal cliffs await to take your breath away yet again.
But if you have the time on your hands, why stop there? Drive further up the coast to Monkey Mia, Coral Bay and Exmouth, where the oh-so-clear waters and thriving marine life offer a stark contrast to the arid beauty back at the lagoon.
Or, if you’re truly bitten by the wanderlust bug, push on all the way to Broome, where red dirt meets white sand and turquoise waters. WA is just the gift that keeps on giving!
