Melbourne lake is tickled pink

A lake in Melbourne has turned in an Instagram-worthy shade of pink thanks to salt and a tiny organism.

The inland lake at Westgate Park in the city's west turned into the fairy floss shade colour after perfect conditions.

"(The) small lake that turns a deep, dark pink when algae growing in the salt crust at the bottom produces a red pigment as part of its photosynthesis process," Parks Victoria conservation manager Phil Pegler said.

But while it may look pink the water is actually clear, but very salty.

The pink colour isn't permanent though and those who want to see the brightly-coloured phenomenon should see it while it lasts.

"As the lake is currently pink, grab the kids and take them down so they can better understand and appreciate how fragile and beautiful our environment is," Mr Pegler said.

The water is more likely to turn pink during the warmer months when there is a mix of high salt levels, high temperatures, increased sunlight and low rainfall.

As the temperature cools and rainfall increases the lake will return to a less vibrant colour.