Outback NSW’s Pink Lakes: A New Chapter for the Broken Hill Region
The outback has a way of surprising you. Beyond its red earth and open horizons are landscapes shaped by water, salt and changing seasons.
The purchase of Pulgamurtie Station for conservation has brought two pink lakes into the spotlight. Located approximately 235 kilometres north-east of Broken Hill, the property will protect more than 74,000 hectares and bring pink lakes into the NSW national parks estate for the first time.
At Overland Adventures, we see this as exciting news for our region — both for the protection of these landscapes and for the visitor experiences that may develop in
the future.
A Different View of the NSW Outback
Pulgamurtie is a reminder that outback country is far from uniform.
Across the property, plains and dunes sit alongside lakes and wetlands. These environments support wildlife and reveal how important water is to the region, even in country that appears dry for much of the year.
The pink lakes add another layer to that story. Their colour is produced by naturally occurring microorganisms, including algae and bacteria, that thrive in salty water. Pink lakes are rare in NSW, and some appear only seasonally.
For travellers, the appeal lies in discovering a landscape that changes with natural conditions.
Protecting Wildlife and Connections Across Country
There is much more to Pulgamurtie than its colour.
The property contains known or potential habitat for 77 threatened species. During flood events, its wetlands provide feeding and breeding habitat for thousands of waterbirds, including migratory species.
Its protection will also strengthen ecological connections between conservation areas across western NSW. These connections help animals move across large distances as rainfall changes the availability of water, food and shelter.
Respecting the Cultural Landscape
Pulgamurtie holds significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, with stone artefacts, hearths and grinding stones associated with its waterways and wetlands.
The property is part of a native title claim by the Malyangapa Native Title Claim Group. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has begun consultation with the relevant Traditional Owners about its future management.
Understanding and protecting these cultural connections will be an essential part of planning the property’s future.
What Could Future Visitors Experience?
National Parks and Wildlife Service is considering possibilities such as camping, walking trails, scenic drives and day-use areas.
However, these experiences are still being explored. Ecological and cultural heritage surveys will help determine what is appropriate, and an opening date and public access arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
For now, Pulgamurtie belongs on your list of places to watch. Wait for official access information before including the lakes in a travel itinerary.
What This Means for Outback Travel
From our perspective, the announcement creates an opportunity to introduce more people to the variety of Far West NSW.
Future access could give visitors another reason to spend time in the Broken Hill region and explore its surrounding country. For tour operators and travel partners, it is a development worth following as planning progresses.
The experience will depend on more than reaching a viewpoint. Thoughtful access, local knowledge and respect for Country can help visitors understand what makes a place significant.
Plan Your Journey with Overland Adventures
You don’t need to wait for the pink lakes to open to start planning an outback adventure.
Overland Adventures provides tours, private charters and group transport, helping bring travel plans together around Broken Hill and the surrounding region.
Whether you’re organising a group visit, exploring a charter idea or looking for an outback touring experience, speak with our team about the options currently available.
Contact Overland Adventures to discuss your next outback journey.
Information checked October 2026. Future access to Pulgamurtie Station remains subject to official planning and announcements.
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