Hutt Lagoon

Hutt Lagoon, a surreal pink lake on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, is a natural phenomenon that looks more like a giant strawberry milkshake than a body of water. The vivid rose hue, caused by the algae Dunaliella salina and high salt content, shifts in intensity with the time of day, cloud cover, and season. Located a short drive north of Geraldton, this otherworldly lagoon is a must-see for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a truly unique Australian landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Pink Lake Viewpoints – The best views are from the air (scenic flights from Geraldton or Kalbarri) or from the ground at the Port Gregory picnic area, where the colour is most striking in the late morning or early afternoon.
• Port Gregory & the Hutt River – The nearby fishing village offers a quiet escape, and the Hutt River mouth is a great spot for birdwatching and a contrast to the pink lagoon.
• Salt Harvesting Operations – The lagoon is a working salt mine; you can see the evaporation ponds and salt piles, which add a stark white contrast to the pink water.
• Wildflowers in Season – From August to October, the surrounding heathlands burst with colourful wildflowers, making the drive to the lagoon even more scenic.
• Sunset Photography – As the sun dips, the pink intensifies and the sky turns orange – a dream for any photographer.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Hutt Lagoon, which is enough to take in the views, snap photos, and enjoy the picnic area. If you're combining it with a scenic flight (highly recommended), budget half a day. The lagoon is a perfect stop on a road trip between Geraldton and Kalbarri, so you can easily slot it into a longer itinerary without dedicating a full day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kalbarri National Park – Known for dramatic coastal cliffs, the Nature's Window rock formation, and the Murchison River gorge, it's about 1.5 hours north of Hutt Lagoon.
• Geraldton – The regional hub offers the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, excellent museums, and a lively waterfront precinct; it's a 45-minute drive south.
• The Pinnacles Desert – Part of Nambung National Park, these ancient limestone pillars rise from the sand like alien structures; about 2.5 hours south, near Cervantes.
• Abrolhos Islands – A group of islands off Geraldton offering incredible snorkelling, diving, and birdlife; accessible by scenic flight or boat tour.
• Murchison Region – For those craving outback landscapes, the wildflower-rich Murchison region and the historic town of Northampton are a short drive inland.

Please check official sources for current details.