Guide to the Pink Lakes Victoria & Surrounds

If you are planning an adventure in the Sunraysia region, witnessing the spectacular Pink Lakes Victoria has to offer in the Murray-Sunset National Park is likely at the top of your travel list. These unique natural wonders, known for their shifting shades of bubblegum pink, lilac, and bright white, offer some of the most surreal landscapes in the Australian outback. However, because they are located in a remote and arid part of the state, getting the most out of your visit requires a bit of local know-how.

At Wildside Outdoors, we have spent over 25 years guiding visitors, school groups, and active families through the diverse ecosystems of the Murray River and the Mallee. In this guide, we will share our local tips on how to visit the pink lakes, explain why they change colour, and outline the best active adventures you can enjoy nearby to make the absolute most of your trip into the wild country.

Why Do the Pink Lakes Victoria Turn Pink?

The striking colour of these salt lakes is not a trick of the light, nor is it permanent. It is a biological phenomenon driven by a tiny, salt-loving green algae called Dunaliella salina. Under conditions of high salinity, intense sunlight, and warm temperatures, this algae produces beta-carotene (the same red-orange pigment found in carrots) to protect itself from the sun. When combined with the reflective salt crust of the lake bed, the water takes on its iconic pink hue.

Because the colour depends on the concentration of salt and algae, the appearance of the lakes changes constantly throughout the year:

• Spring: This is generally the best season to visit. The mild winter rains have partially filled the lakes, dissolving the salt crust and activating the algae, while the rising spring temperatures trigger the pink pigment.
• Summer: Under the scorching Mallee sun, the water quickly evaporates. By late summer, the lakes often dry out completely, leaving a brilliant white salt pan bordered by soft pink salt crystals.
• Autumn: If there has been early autumn rain, the pink hues can return in dramatic fashion, contrasting beautifully with the clear, cool autumn skies.
• Winter: Heavy rains can dilute the salt concentration, causing the algae to dormant, which turns the lakes back to a more conventional, grey-blue colour.

Interestingly, cloud cover can actually make the pink colour look more vibrant. On an overcast day, the lack of harsh, direct glare allows the deep magenta and pastel pink tones to stand out much more clearly on camera than on a bright, cloudless midday.

Getting to the Pink Lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park

The four primary lakes (Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking, Lake Kenyon, and Lake Crosby) are located in the northern section of Murray-Sunset National Park, roughly 140 kilometres south-west of Mildura. The journey from Mildura takes about an hour and a half to two hours.

To reach them, drive south along the Calder Highway past Ouyen, then turn west onto the Mallee Highway towards the small town of Underbool. Just before Underbool, turn north onto the Pink Lakes Road, which is a well-maintained gravel road leading directly into the national park. While conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles can easily reach the main viewing areas and campgrounds at Lake Crosbie and Lake Becking in dry conditions, wet weather can quickly turn these clay and dirt roads into impassable mud tracks. If you plan to explore the deeper, sandier tracks of the national park, a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is absolutely essential.

Keep in mind that this is a remote outback environment. There is little to no mobile reception once you enter the park. Always travel with a full tank of fuel, plenty of drinking water (allow at least five litres per person per day), food, and a reliable spare tyre.

Top Tips for Visiting the Pink Lakes Victoria

To ensure you have a safe and memorable visit, here are a few practical recommendations from our guiding team:

• Explore the walking tracks: Do not just look at the lakes from the car park. The Kline Loop Nature Trail is an easy, flat walk that takes you past historic salt-mining machinery. Salt was actively harvested here from 1916 until 1979, and you can still see old timber posts, camel pathways, and rust-coloured equipment preserved by the salt. For a slightly longer walk, the Becking Trail offers excellent views from the surrounding sand dunes.
• Do not walk on the salt crust: It can be highly tempting to walk out onto the dry parts of the lake for a photo, but we strongly advise against it. The salt crust can be razor-sharp, and underneath the dry crust lies thick, black, sulfurous mud that can swallow boots and cause deep cuts. Walking on the lake bed also damages the delicate, slow-forming salt formations.
• Be prepared for flies: During the warmer months, the bush flies in the Mallee can be relentless. Pack a fly net for your hat, plenty of insect repellent, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing.
• Camp under the stars: The campgrounds at Lake Crosbie and Lake Becking are fantastic, low-key spots to spend the night. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis with basic facilities like pit toilets, picnic tables, and communal fireplaces. The star-gazing here is world-class, with virtually zero light pollution. Remember to bring your own firewood and drinking water, as none is provided.

What Else to Do Near the Pink Lakes

While the salt lakes are a spectacular highlight, they are only one part of the incredible landscape of Northwest Victoria. To make your journey from Mildura truly rewarding, we recommend pairing your trip with some of the other fantastic outdoor activities the region has to offer.

Experience the Freshwater Oasis of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Just east of the Murray-Sunset wilderness lies Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. This park offers a magnificent contrast to the dry salt country, featuring a system of perennial freshwater lakes fed by the Murray River. It is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers, bushwalkers, and nature lovers, home to giant river red gums, black box forests, and abundant wildlife.

If you want to experience this pristine wilderness without the stress of planning and hauling your own gear, we run fully supported Hattah camp expeditions. These guided trips are designed to let you immerse yourself in the natural heritage of the Mallee while we take care of the logistics.

Unwind at Lake Cullulleraine

If you are travelling with family or looking for a comfortable base with water-based recreation, Lake Cullulleraine is a must-visit. Located west of Mildura along the Sturt Highway, this freshwater lake is a vibrant green oasis surrounded by red sand dunes. It is a popular spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Our beautiful Lake Cullulleraine camp serves as a fantastic base for school groups and community organizations, offering structured outdoor programs in a safe, scenic environment. It is the perfect place to cool off and wash off the Mallee dust after a dry day exploring the salt lakes.

Paddle the Murray River Backwaters

To truly understand the Murray-Sunset and Sunraysia regions, you need to get out on the water. The slow-moving currents of the Murray River and its labyrinth of winding creeks are best explored at a slow, quiet pace. Paddling allows you to drift silently past nesting wedge-tailed eagles, whistling kites, and sleeping carpet pythons in the overhanging branches.

We offer premium kayak, canoe and mountain bike hire directly from Mildura. Our team can supply you with all the necessary safety gear, maps, and local advice for a self-guided day trip or a multi-day paddling camping trip along the river.

Ride the Mallee Tracks

For those who prefer dry land, the network of fire trails and gravel roads surrounding our national parks and waterways offers fantastic off-road cycling. While riding directly on the salt lakes is a no-go, the gravel tracks winding through the mallee scrub, saltbush flats, and along the river banks are ideal for mountain biking. It is a brilliant, active way to cover more distance and spot local wildlife like emus and red kangaroos.

A Recommended Three-Day Active Mallee Itinerary

If you want to experience the full diversity of Northwest Victoria, here is a simple three-day active itinerary starting from Mildura:

1. Day 1: The Salt Lakes. Drive from Mildura down to the pink lakes. Spend the day walking the Kline Loop and photographing the striking pink waters of Lake Crosbie. Set up camp at the lake to watch the sunset turn the salt crust into shades of deep orange and purple.
2. Day 2: The Red Gum Forests. Drive east to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Spend the afternoon walking among the giant river red gums or paddling a canoe through the quiet lake system.
3. Day 3: River Paddling or Cycling. Return towards Mildura or Lake Cullulleraine. Hire a mountain bike to explore the local trail networks, or spend the afternoon on a relaxed kayak trip down a quiet stretch of the Murray River before heading home.

Plan Your Next Outback Adventure

Since 1999, the founders and guides at Wildside Outdoors have been helping people discover the raw, untouched beauty of the Murray River and Mallee wilderness. Whether you are seeking a quiet weekend escape, looking to hire top-quality outdoor gear, or organising a school camp, we are here to help make it happen.

If you would like more tips on exploring the Sunraysia region, feel free to browse our blog for more local guides. When you are ready to secure your gear or discuss a custom itinerary, please contact us to speak with Thomas and our experienced local team.