Australian escapes: Lake MacDonnell and Cactus Beach, South Australia

Hidden within the South Australian outback is one of the most spectacular pink lakes, Lake MacDonnell - an incredible body of water located in the Eyre Peninsula with a natural vibrant pink hue.  The pink colouring is due to high salinity levels combined with a pink-coloured bacteria called halobacteria which thrives in salty waters.  The brightness of the water depends on the volume - the less water in the lake, the more concentrated the salt and the brighter the colour.  

Lake MacDonnell is located 860 kilometres from Adelaide and is easily accessed via plane from Adelaide to Ceduna (1.5 hrs) followed by a 45 minute - 1 hour drive to the Peninsula.  At the end of this road is Cactus Beach, an iconic surf break with large swells. 

Aerial view of Lake MacDonnell and Cactus Beach via our graphic designer, Julia Warnock.