Lakes are different, large and not very deep and shallow, fresh and salty, arctic and thermal, and there are also pink ones. Absolutely unusual color of water attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also many scientists. An example of several such ponds is Australia. Hiller is a pink lake located in the southwestern part of the continent on Middle Island.
The size and depth of the lake
We all remember from school geography lessons that water features on maps are indicated in blue. However, nature likes to ask us difficult riddles, breaking all conceivable laws and rules. One of them is Lake Hiller. With a small surface of water surface and a maximum length of 600 meters, it will not impress with its size or flora and fauna. The eyes and imagination will be delighted with the magnificent pink color reminiscent of strawberry ice cream. In contrast with the blue Pacific Ocean nearby and the greenery of the eucalyptus forest around it, it can rightfully take first place among the wonders of nature that Australia has. Hiller - Pink Lake is not one of a kind. For example, in Senegal there is another one, the area of which is about three square kilometers, and the maximum depth is 3 m. Retba Lake has a wide range of shades - from scarlet to reddish.
Discovery story
The unique Australian lake was discovered in 1802 by the cartographer and navigator Matthew Flinders. He was extremely surprised by the unusual reservoir, the color of its water, so he took it for a test, and also made written notes in his journal.
It would be wrong to say that later this place was empty, many sealers and whalers were swimming on the island of Middle Island (Australia). Hiller is a pink lake that undoubtedly attracts attention, and soon the first settlements began to appear near it, and after some time (at the end of the 20th century) salt production began from its shores, though it did not last long and ended after six years.
Unusual color reason
This question worries many scientists. A similar phenomenon on our planet is a rarity. And if everything is quite clear with Retba Lake in Senegal - halophilic archaea from the genus Halobacterium are the reason for its unusual color , then everything is not so clear with the Australian reservoir. Even having thoroughly studied Lake Hiller (Australia), why the water is pink, scientists can not confidently answer. Most still tend to the version that the dye is secreted by bacteria living in the salt crust. With all the possibilities of modern research methods, the mystery of the lake is still unsolved.
A unique and incredibly picturesque place, it would seem, should become the object of the tourism business. However, remoteness from civilization and the inaccessibility of the lake is a problem for travelers. Water transport cannot get to the area, since there is no navigation, so the only way is by air. Routes are developed, and there are travel agencies providing this service. The only negative is the high cost of tickets, inaccessible to most people who want to look at an unusual reservoir. Perhaps this is for the best, and an exceptional corner of nature will be preserved in its original form.
Can I swim in Lake Hiller?
Rare travelers, despite everything, having reached Lake Hiller, immediately ask themselves the question: "Is it possible to plunge and swim in it?" Returning to the aforementioned Senegalese Retba, it should be said that its waters are dangerous. With the highest salt reserves, the content of which reaches 40%, it is contraindicated for recreation. You can stay in it for no more than 10 minutes, otherwise burns may occur. Since 1970, active extraction of salt has been conducted at Retba, so local residents lubricate the skin with a special composition before starting work.
About Lake Hiller, the depth of which is very small, experts have a common opinion - although the water of the reservoir is not transparent, it is absolutely harmless to human skin. In addition, due to the high level of salt content, it pushes the body to the surface, like the Dead Sea. Therefore, his visit can be one of the most vivid impressions of the holiday. If you look at it from a bird's eye view, then the sight is simply amazing. The rich color of the water is separated by a strip of sandy beach from the emerald green of the forest. Amazing place Australia has. Hiller is a pink lake, the water of which, even after standing for a while in a glass, retains its hue.