Peter Harlow, Pelican lake (AERIAL 2024)

Almost all salt production in Victoria is now from the semi-arid Mallee and Wimmera regions in the north west of the state. In these areas, the inland lakes are partially filled during winter by rising groundwater rich in sodium chloride and other salts, which are precipitated as the water evaporates during summer. Salt is harvested both in its naturally occurring form, directly from the lake bed, and from specially prepared crystallising areas in which salt from the lake, dissolved by winter rains, is recrystallised during spring and summer. Each of the lakes get their vibrant coloured hues from salt-loving algae that are attracted to the high salinity levels found in the water. These images were captured over Pelican Lake in Victoria, where salt production continues.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.