As the east coast of Australia takes a lot of the limelight regarding things to see and do – think the Great Barrier Reef, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House – South Australia can often get overlooked, but the state is not without its charms. Indeed, there are a great wealth of fascinating sights and sounds in this picturesque region best known for its world-class vineyards, so hire a vehicle from East Coast Car Rentals and set your GPS system to south!

Remarkable Rocks

The Remarkable Rocks are aptly-named, a collection of bizarrely shaped boulders carved by the wind, sea spray and rain over the not-inconsiderable timeframe of 500 million years. Though they appear precariously balanced high above the sea in Flinders Chase National Park, the Remarkable Rocks have stoically stood firm despite nature's gradual reshaping. If you can, attempt to view the rocks at sunset – the lichen that grows on their surface gives off an ephemeral, golden-orange glow, providing an outstanding photo opportunity.

Pool of Siloam

This small lake is found at Beachport, and is South Australia's version of the Dead Sea. That's because its salt content is reportedly seven times higher than that of the ocean, according to Visit South Australia, allowing bathers to float on the pool's glassy, buoyant surface. Though not medically documented, bathing the Pool of Siloam is also reputedly said to give therapeutic benefits. There is only one way to find out!

Umpherston Sinkhole

This incredible collaboration between nature and human is one of the most fascinating sights to be found in South Australia. Known by locals as the Sunken Garden, the Umpherston Sinkhole was a cave many moons ago. It became a sinkhole when its roof naturally collapsed and, after the limestone ruins were removed by James Umpherston in 1886, an elegant garden was planted. It's now one of the most arresting sights in the country, filled with exotic flowers, native trees and cascading flora.

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre is the lowest naturally occurring point in Australia, and is the country's largest lake. However, Eyre is barely ever full – in fact, it's only reached capacity three times in the last 150 years, according to Visit South Australia. When the waters do begin to rise, though, the lake becomes a menagerie of bird and fish life. As the lake deepens, the salt waters react with the algae living on the previously dry rocks, giving Eyre a beautiful, if a little disconcerting, red glow.