Australian lake turns pink in incredible natural phenomenon

Parks Victoria warns visitors not to come into contact with the water

The Westgate Park's salt lakes in Melbourne (Parks Victoria )

A lake on the outskirts in southern Australia has turned a shade of pink because of a strange natural phenomenon.

Salt lakes in Westgate Park, Melbourne, change colour every year with the season - caused by a combination of very high salt levels in the water, high temperatures, sunlight and a lack of rainfall.

According to Parks Victoria, algae growing in the salt crust at the bottom of the lake produces the red pigment, known as beta carotene, as part of its photosynthesis process.

The phenomenon is exacerbated because of the extremely high levels of salt in the water.

The park authorities recommend that people do not to come into contact with the water.

The lake is expected to return to its normal colour during the Australian winter months, when the weather cools and rainfall increases.