Pink Lake

On the edge of the NSW town of Griffith, Pink Lake is a surreal natural wonder that shifts from soft pastel to vivid bubblegum depending on the season and light. This shallow salt lake gets its rosy hue from the algae Dunaliella salina and bacteria in the water, which produce a red pigment when conditions are right. It's a photographer's dream and a perfect quick stop to marvel at something genuinely unusual.

Highlights & What to See

• Pink Lake itself: Walk the easy shoreline trail to see the colour up close; bring polarised sunglasses to cut glare and enhance the pink.
• Birdwatching: The lake attracts swans, pelicans and migratory waders – bring binoculars for the best views.
• Lake View Lookout: A short climb offers a panoramic perspective of the lake against the surrounding farmland and distant hills.
• Griffith Pioneer Park Museum: Nearby, this open-air museum tells the story of the region's Italian migrant heritage and agricultural history.

Suggested Time to Spend

An hour is plenty to walk the loop, snap photos and take in the view. Aim for late afternoon when the light is golden and the pink is most intense. If you're driving the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, it's an easy 15-minute detour from Griffith's centre.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Griffith: Explore the town's Italian cafes, bakeries and the Catania Fruit Salad Farm for a taste of local produce.
• Leeton: A charming Art Deco town with the Fivebough Wetlands, a Ramsar-listed bird habitat.
• Narrandera: Riverside town with the Koala Reserve and historic buildings along the Murrumbidgee River.
• Yoogali: Visit the Yoogali Club and the Italian Museum to dive deeper into the area's migration story.
• Murrumbidgee Valley National Park: For river red gum forests, canoeing and camping along the Murrumbidgee River.

Please check official sources for current details.