Scenic Lakes of Australia Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

By Farhana Ghafar

Australia is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse natural wonders, and its lakes are no exception. From vibrant pink hues to deep freshwater marvels, these lakes offer unique experiences for travellers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or road trip enthusiast, these lake destinations deserve a spot on your bucket list. Let’s explore some of the most unmissable lake destinations across the country.

1. Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia – Australia’s Most Iconic Pink Lake

Hutt Lagoon, located near Port Gregory in Western Australia, is arguably Australia’s most famous pink lake, renowned worldwide for its surreal beauty. Situated about six hours north of Perth, this expansive saltwater lagoon gleams with vibrant shades of pink, red, and purple that change depending on the sunlight, season, and algae blooms. The striking colour is caused by the Dunaliella salina algae, which produce beta-carotene, a natural pigment also used in food colouring and cosmetics. Its vivid colour creates perfect photo opportunities especially for drone photography or social media content.

An aerial shot at sunset shows the vibrant pink waters of Hutt Lagoon stretching alongside a dusty, light-colored road. Two white cars are visible on the road, which runs parallel to the lake's shore. Golden sunlight illuminates the dry, brush-covered land next to the road.

An aerial shot captures the striking pink waters of Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory, Australia. The lake's vivid color, likely due to algae, contrasts sharply with the light-colored, textured shoreline where long shadows suggest tall, slender objects or people.

Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory | © Tourism Western Australia

The lagoon’s accessibility makes it an easy roadside stop with no entry fee required – making it a popular destination for travellers exploring Western Australia’s coast. Tourists often combine their visit with other nearby attractions such as Kalbarri National Park, known for its rugged gorges, or Geraldton’s vibrant arts scene. The scenic coastal drive from Perth along the Coral Coast offers stunning views and numerous scenic stops, making Hutt Lagoon an unforgettable highlight of any Western Australian Road trip.

2. Blue Lake, South Australia – A Colour-Changing Crater Lake

Nestled within the volcanic landscape of Mount Gambier, South Australia, Blue Lake is famous for its dramatic seasonal transformation. The lake’s waters are a striking, clear blue during the winter months, but from November to March, mineral content and temperature shifts cause the water to turn a vivid cobalt blue, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. This natural color change is driven by the lake’s unique mineral composition and the effects of seasonal sunlight, making it one of Australia’s most captivating natural phenomena.

An aerial shot of the intensely blue Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, with lush green trees covering the surrounding slopes. A road winds along the edge of the lake, and a house with a red roof sits prominently on a cliff overlooking the water. Golden sunlight streams from the upper left.

A wide-angle view of The Blue Lake (WarWar) in Mount Gambier, showing its intense turquoise waters filling a volcanic crater. Green and brown trees line the crater's edges, and distant hills are visible under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

The Blue Lake/ WarWar | © South Australia Media Gallery

Accessible via walking trails, scenic lookouts, and boardwalks, Blue Lake is perfect for sightseeing, photography, and leisurely strolls. The surrounding area features other geological marvels, such as the Umpherston Sinkhole – a sunken garden and Engelbrecht Cave, both offering additional exploration opportunities. The charming town of Mount Gambier provides accommodations and amenities for visitors, making it a great base for exploring the volcanic landscape and natural wonders of the region.

3. Lake St Clair, Tasmania – Australia’s Deepest Freshwater Lake

Hidden in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, plunging over 200 meters. Surrounded by towering alpine peaks, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, it offers a pristine retreat into untouched nature. The lake also marks the final point of the iconic Overland Track, a multi-day hiking trail that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

A group of hikers, wearing large backpacks, stand on a wooden pier with yellow lines, waiting to board a white ferry boat docked on the left. The pier extends into the clear, blue waters of Lake St Clair, with densely forested mountains rising in the background under a clear sky.

Lake St Clair Ferry Service, Overland Track | © Discover Tasmania

An aerial shot shows Pumphouse Point, a white building at the end of a long pier, extending into the dark blue waters of Lake St Clair. The pier connects to a densely forested landmass where other buildings are visible. In the background, snow-capped mountains and more forested islands rise from the expansive lake under a cloudy sky.

Pumphouse Point | © Discover Tasmania

Easily reachable by well – maintained roads, the visitor centre offers maps and helpful information for bushwalking, kayaking, and fishing. The cold, clear waters reflect the rugged mountain scenery, creating picture-perfect views. Wildlife such as platypuses, wombats, and native bird species are commonly seen here, adding to the wilderness experience. 

4. Lake Eacham, Queensland – A Volcanic Lake Surrounded by Rainforest

Located in the lush Atherton Tablelands, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Cairns, Lake Eacham is a stunning volcanic crater surrounded by ancient, World Heritage-listed rainforest. Formed over 10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, this tranquil, circular freshwater lake with a sandy bottom is known for its calm, clear waters and it was ideal for swimming, relaxing, and wildlife watching.

An aerial shot shows the perfectly circular, deep blue waters of Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake, completely encircled by lush, vibrant green tropical rainforest. Beyond the immediate tree line, agricultural fields and distant mountains are visible under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Lake Eacham | © Tourism and Events Queensland

The area is well-equipped with facilities such as picnic areas, walking trails, and swimming spots, making it a popular day-trip destination for families and outdoor lovers. Visitors often spot wildlife like tree kangaroos, platypus, and various bird species. The nearby Lake Barrine and Millaa Millaa Falls add to the region’s appeal, offering more opportunities for rainforest walks and scenic exploration. Yungaburra village provides charming cafes and local markets, completing the popular rainforest escape.
A man holding a child on his shoulders, standing in a natural pool with a woman beside him, all facing the majestic Millaa Millaa Falls cascading down a basalt cliff, surrounded by dense green rainforest.

Millaa Millaa Falls | © Tourism and Events Queensland

5. Lake Macquarie, New South Wales – Australia’s Largest Coastal Saltwater Lake

Situated between Sydney and Newcastle, Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, surpassing even Sydney Harbour in size. Its extensive shoreline, dotted with charming towns and seaside communities, makes it an ideal location for water-based recreation and relaxation. The lake’s calm waters support a variety of activities including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

An aerial shot capturing Belmont Wharf on Lake Macquarie, showing a ferry docked at a long pier. Several smaller boats are moored nearby, and a flock of white birds flies dynamically across the sky in the foreground. The lake extends to forested hills in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Belmont Wharf, Lake Macquarie | © Destination New South Wales Content Library

The surrounding towns feature family-friendly beaches, scenic drives, and vibrant cafes – perfect for a leisurely day out. Nature lovers can explore nearby natural attractions like Caves Beach, known for its sandstone caves, and Watagans National Park, with its lush rainforests and hiking trails. Wangi Wangi, Belmont, and Toronto offer a mix of cultural events, waterfront parks, and local markets. The lake’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning views make it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

Looking out from the dark, textured entrance of a sea cave onto Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie. Sunlight streams from the upper right, illuminating the wet sand, a large dark rock, and white ocean waves crashing on the shore.

Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie | © Destination New South Wales Content Library

6. Gippsland Lakes, Victoria – Australia’s Largest Inland Waterway System

Covering over 600 square kilometres, the Gippsland Lakes are a vast network of lakes, marshes, and lagoons in eastern Victoria. This extensive inland waterway system is renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and tranquil environment. 

An aerial shot of Lakes Entrance, Victoria, featuring a blue helicopter flying above a long, narrow strip of land that separates a calmer inlet with boats and buildings from the open ocean. Sandy beaches and green vegetation line both sides of the land bridge.

An aerial shot capturing the immense length of Ninety Mile Beach, with turquoise ocean waves breaking on a wide golden sand beach on the left, and a calm, darker blue inland waterway bordered by dense green vegetation on the right.

The lakes are dotted with small towns and villages, each offering a laid-back atmosphere and access to natural parks, beaches, and wetlands. Popular activities include boating, fishing, birdwatching, and exploring diverse ecosystems, with visitors enjoying scenic cruises, kayaking adventures, and spotting wildlife such as pelicans, swans, and migratory birds.  The Gippsland Lakes provide a peaceful escape into Australia’s wetlands, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life.

A sunny view of a sandy spit of land on the Gippsland Lakes, teeming with various water birds. Large gum trees and other green vegetation line the shoreline, with calm blue water in the foreground and stretching to the horizon under a clear sky.

7. Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra – A Man-Made Urban Lake

In the heart of Australia’s capital, Lake Burley Griffin is a stunning man-made lake that forms the centrepiece of Canberra’s cityscape. Built in the 1960s, it was designed to integrate the city’s major cultural and political landmarks, including Parliament House, the National Gallery, and the Australian War Memorial. The lake is surrounded by parks, walking and cycling paths, and open spaces perfect for outdoor recreation.

An aerial view of Lake Burley Griffin at sunset, with the powerful Captain Cook Memorial Jet sending a tall plume of water into the air. The golden and pink sky reflects on the lake, which is bordered by green parkland and distant buildings and hills.

Tourists and visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply strolling along the shore while taking in views of iconic monuments. The lake also hosts festivals, boat races, and outdoor events throughout the year. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for both relaxation and cultural exploration, offering a scenic and peaceful setting within Australia’s political heart.

A person sits on a grassy bank by Lake Burley Griffin, with two figures walking near the water's edge. In the background, the National Carillon, a white modern tower, stands on an island near a bridge, with hills in the distance under a pale sky.

Australia’s lakes are as diverse as the country itself – each offering a unique window into Australia’s natural beauty and geological history. Whether you’re captivated by the vibrant pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, the seasonal colour changes of Blue Lake, or the wilderness serenity of Lake St Clair, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures and breathtaking scenery. 

While Australia’s lakes are truly something special, they are just the beginning of what this amazing country has to offer. From laid – back beach towns to buzzing cities and wildlife that feels straight out of a documentary, the country is full of surprises – and it is just a flight away. Let our Premier Aussie Specialists at CIT help plan your perfect Aussie getaway. Click HERE to get started!

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