The lake's pink hue is caused by the pigment beta-carotene produced by the algae Dunaliella salina.
The park was created as part of the landscaping requirements following the construction of the West Gate Bridge in the 1970s.
It is situated on land that was formerly part of the Yarra River delta, once dominated by extensive mangrove and saltmarsh systems.
The park contains a specialized nursery that propagates indigenous plants native to the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
The hypersaline conditions of the central lake are rare for an urban park environment.
The park provides critical refuge for migratory birds protected under international environmental treaties.
Westgate Park is a 40-hectare biodiverse site located directly beneath the West Gate Bridge in Port Melbourne. It features a hypersaline pink lake that undergoes a natural color change to vibrant pink during late summer due to high salt levels and sunlight. The park contains a restored salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, and woodlands that attract over 100 species of native birds. Visitors can observe the Melbourne city skyline across the Yarra River from the park's elevated walking tracks. The site operates as a hub for local ecological restoration and volunteer-led environmental stewardship. It provides a unique industrial-meets-nature landscape, contrasting the heavy infrastructure of the bridge with preserved indigenous flora. The park is managed in coordination with the Westgate Biodiversity: Bili Nursery and Landcare group.
The western viewing platform provides a framed shot of the pink lake with the West Gate Bridge structure towering directly overhead.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as many species are shy of human presence.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the unpaved paths around the wetlands.
Check the local weather forecast, as the site is highly exposed with very limited natural shade.
Do not attempt to touch or ingest the lake water; avoid visiting during peak heat hours in mid-summer due to the complete lack of shade.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive wetland flora; do not enter the salt lake as the water chemistry can be harsh; keep dogs on a leash.
