Hutt Lagoon, The Breathtaking Pink Lake of Australia

Hutt Lagoon, The Breathtaking Pink Lake of Australia

Australia truly boasts some mesmerizing natural phenomena. One of these is the pink-hued lakes that are scattered across many regions in Australia. These lakes appear stunning with their unique water colors, one of which is Hutt Lagoon, a pink lake resembling syrup located along the Coral Coast, Western Australia.

Hutt Lagoon, A Popular Destination for Tourists and Photographers

The captivating pink hue of Hutt Lagoon is indeed a beautiful sight, making it a popular destination for tourists and photographers. The unique geography of the lake, with its undulating sand dunes contrasting with its red-colored waters, creates a stunning spectacle. This view is further enhanced by the clear blue sky and coastal vegetation surrounding it, offering a visually indulgent experience.

Hutt Lagoon, Enchanting Pink Lake

Location and Geography of Hutt Lagoon

Hutt Lagoon is a saltwater lake situated in the Mid West region of Western Australia. This shallow pink lake is located near the Indian Ocean, around 2 km from the mouth of the Hutt River, a 60 km long river flowing through the Mid West region of Western Australia. Most of Hutt Lagoon lies several meters below sea level. This elongated saltwater lake located in sand dunes runs parallel to the coast, stretching 14 km long and 2.3 km wide.

Water Source and Salinity of Hutt Lagoon

The pink lake is separated from the Indian Ocean by a sand dune ridge. Hutt Lagoon receives water supply from the sea seeping through the hills. Additionally, rainfall and snow also contribute to supplying water to the lake. The continuous flow of seawater throughout the year serves as the main water source for Hutt Lagoon. It is no surprise that this lake is rich in salt.

Hutt Lagoon

Climate and Evaporation at Hutt Lagoon

The area where Hutt Lagoon is located receives an average rainfall of 449 mm per year, with the rainy season typically occurring between May and August. Hutt Lagoon experiences high evaporation, averaging at 2,445 mm per year. This high evaporation rate leads to the deposition of large amounts of salt, especially during summer, where about 95% of the lake's surface transforms into a dry salt pan.

The Cause of Hutt Lagoon's Pink Color

The pink color of the lake is due to the activities of Dunaliella salina, a type of green algae that produces carotenoids, a substance that produces vitamin A and gives food its red color. This single-celled organism thrives in high-salt environments such as lakes or saltwater pools. The shallow depth of the lake and its high salinity create perfect conditions for the growth of Dunaliella salina.

Hutt Lagoon

Dunaliella Salina and Beta-Carotene

High-salt water bodies are typically found in hot environments with high sun exposure, which is why Dunaliella salina produces large amounts of beta-carotene as a form of protection against ultraviolet radiation. It is this beta-carotene that causes Hutt Lagoon's water to appear pink like syrup, presenting a mesmerizing natural wonder.

Origin of the Name Hutt Lagoon

The name Hutt Lagoon was given by Sir George Gray, a soldier, writer, and explorer from Great Britain. This name was bestowed in honor of Sir William Hutt, a British Liberal politician heavily involved in the colonization of Western Australia, South Australia, and New Zealand.

Gray, who served as the governor of South Australia, New Zealand, and Cape Colony (South Africa), was indeed an adventurer. During his explorations, Gray stumbled upon Hutt Lagoon by accident while camping on the eastern side of the lake on April 4, 1839.

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