This Pink and Orange Lake in the Australian Outback Only Appears Once in a Lifetime—and You Can See It Now

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

Most of the time, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre isn't a lake at all—rather, it's a desolate expanse, flat, blindingly white, and silent. But every few years, after heavy rains swell distant rivers, the lake comes to life, bringing flora and fauna with it. Birds arrive in the thousands, wildflowers bloom, and travelers come to see the surreal pink-and-orange-colored lake that only forms once in a generation.
And that once-in-a-generation occurrence is happening right now.
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre started filling in early May 2025 following record-breaking floods, making it the fourth time in 160 years that Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is flowing with water. It is expected to be the most water the lake has seen in six years.
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is located within Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park in South Australia. It's the country's lowest geographical point and largest salt lake, and measures in at a mind-blowing 89 by 48 miles in size. When the lake's water levels are low or non-existent, it is a glittering crystallized salt pan that stretches for miles in all directions. But when it floods, as it is now, the lake becomes a breed­ing site for species that are tol­er­ant of salty waters, such as waterbirds, fish, and shrimp. As the cherry on top, wildflowers also blanket the floodplains.
The most spectacular visual occurs as the water begins to evaporate and the lake turns a soft, pink-and-orange color caused by a pigment found within a specific type of salt-loving algae.
But seeing the pink waters of the once-in-a-lifetime Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre isn't easy. It is best to fly from Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Coober Pedy Airport (CPD). From there, there are two routes that lead to the park (you'll need a vehicle with four-wheel drive) and both take over five hours from Coober Pedy. Due to the rough and remote roads and harsh, arid conditions, it is best to book a tour. You can also see the pink hue of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre from above by arranging a scenic flight tour.
The best time to vis­it Kati Than­da-Lake Eyre Nation­al Park is between April and Octo­ber (in Australia's winter), when there's more likely to be water in the lake, the weather is cooler, and wildlife are in abundance.
Before you make the journey to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, research the lake's current water level so you know what to expect. And if you plan to drive yourself into the park, check road conditions and closures before you leave.