westgate pink lake Page 119

Yes, the Westgate Park pink lake goes gloriously bubblegum in hot, dry weather—thank halophilic algae and bacteria pumping out beta-carotene when the salt concentration spikes.

Best viewing is late summer after heatwaves with little rain; a cool change or downpour dilutes the brine and the colour fades fast. It’s generally safe to be near, but don’t swim or sip—it’s a managed urban salt pond, not a mineral spa. You’ll find it under the Westgate Bridge in Port Melbourne, and on a windy day it can smell like a fish-and-chip shop’s mop bucket. Go early for the richest colour and fewer crowds, then brag shamelessly on Instagram like everyone else.