Breathtaking Pink Lakes That Look Too Magical to Be Real

12. Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda), Australia: The Ephemeral Pink Wonder

Deep in the South Australian Outback, Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) is a breathtaking natural spectacle that transforms into a pink-hued paradise under the right conditions. This intermittent salt lake, the largest in Australia, remains mostly dry for years, only filling with water a few times per decade. When it does, a magical transformation occurs—algae blooms in the salty waters, turning the vast expanse into a vivid pink and orange mirror reflecting the sky. One of the most intriguing aspects of Lake Eyre is its ever-changing palette. Depending on water levels, it can shift from shimmering white salt flats to deep crimson or pastel pink. It also becomes a temporary oasis for birds, drawing in thousands of pelicans, gulls, and other waterfowl that arrive seemingly out of nowhere. For the ultimate experience, scenic flights from William Creek or Marree offer a spectacular aerial perspective, where the lake’s mesmerizing pink hues stretch to the horizon. If you're lucky enough to visit during a flood year, Lake Eyre offers one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth—a secret wonderland in the heart of the Outback.