pink lake westgate Page 131

Yes, the Pink Lake near the Westgate Bridge is real, and it turns fairy-floss pink when hot, dry weather boosts salinity and the sun turns the dial to “sizzle.”

The colour comes from algae and salt-loving bacteria pumping out pigments—nature’s highlighter pen, not a chemical mishap.

Best viewing is usually late summer after a dry spell; rain and cooler temps send it back to plain old blue-green.

Admire it, snap your photos, but don’t swim, sip, or let the dog taste-test—Parks Victoria advises hands and paws off.

It’s in Westgate Park, Port Melbourne, an easy wander from the Yarra trails, and its pink phase is gloriously temporary—like Melbourne sunshine.