NSW’s First Protected Pink Lakes: Discover the Extraordinary Beauty of Pulgamurtie Station

Pulgamurtie Station

Two spectacular pink lakes are set to become a new highlight of outback tourism in New South Wales following the joint purchase of Pulgamurtie Station by the Australian and NSW Governments. Located in the remote Far West, this remarkable property will protect an immense outback landscape, threatened wildlife and significant Aboriginal cultural heritage while creating exciting possibilities for future visitors.

The acquisition marks the first time pink lakes will be protected within the NSW national parks estate, offering new hope for conservation and the potential for a unique nature-based tourism destination.

A Remarkable Outback Landscape of Pink Lakes

Pulgamurtie Station

Located approximately 235 kilometres north-east of Broken Hill, Pulgamurtie Station covers more than 74,000 hectares of sweeping outback plains, rolling sand dunes, wetlands and lakes.

Its two striking pink lakes are among the property's most extraordinary natural features. Pink lakes are rare in NSW, and their vivid colours can appear seasonally as naturally occurring microorganisms, including algae and bacteria, produce pink pigments in highly salty water.

The changing colours and expansive desert scenery promise to make Pulgamurtie an intriguing destination for travellers interested in Australia's unusual natural landscapes and photography.

The property's larger lakes and wetlands also provide important feeding and breeding habitats for thousands of waterbirds, including migratory species travelling between Australia and countries such as Russia, China and Japan.

Protecting More Than 70 Threatened Species

The purchase will safeguard habitat for more than 70 threatened species, including the iconic brolga, pink cockatoo and slender darling pea.

Protecting Pulgamurtie's wetlands, arid plains and diverse ecosystems will help conserve wildlife and plant species in a part of NSW where these landscapes are under-represented in the national parks reserve system.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake ecological surveys and develop management plans to guide the property's future. Planned conservation work includes feral animal and weed control, alongside measures to protect threatened species and sensitive habitats.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Ancient Connections

Pulgamurtie Station

Pulgamurtie Station is also significant for its Aboriginal cultural heritage. The property forms part of important Dreaming songlines and contains historic stone artefacts, hearths and grinding stones.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will work with members of the Malyangapa Aboriginal Community, neighbouring landholders and other stakeholders as planning progresses.

The Malyangapa community has expressed support for expanding protected areas in Far West NSW, highlighting the importance of safeguarding both representative landscapes and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Future Visitor Experiences in Far West NSW

Situated along the Silver City Highway, Pulgamurtie could eventually offer travellers another reason to explore the Far West and venture beyond the familiar attractions around Broken Hill.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will investigate potential visitor facilities and experiences, including campsites near the larger lakes, day-use areas, walking trails and scenic drives. Birdwatching and views towards the Koonenberry Range may also form part of future visitor opportunities.

These facilities are possibilities under consideration, rather than confirmed attractions. Ecological and cultural heritage assessments will help determine how visitors can experience the property while protecting its sensitive environment.

Travellers planning a future visit should check official NSW National Parks information before making arrangements, as access and facilities will depend on management planning.

Conservation That Supports Regional Communities

Pulgamurtie Station

The acquisition is part of a joint investment by the Australian and NSW Governments to protect high-priority conservation properties through the Australian Bushland Program.

National parks already make a substantial contribution to Western NSW, generating an estimated $433 million for the regional economy annually and supporting nearly 9,000 jobs.

Protecting Pulgamurtie offers an opportunity to strengthen biodiversity conservation while potentially creating new tourism experiences that benefit regional communities, local businesses and visitors.

For travellers seeking distinctive Australian landscapes, abundant birdlife and meaningful nature-based experiences, the future of Pulgamurtie Station is one to watch. Its rare pink lakes and vast outback setting could become an important addition to the attractions of Far West NSW.

Further Information

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
Destination NSW: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
https://www.visitnsw.com/

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