South Australia. Where lakes shimmer pink, gardens grow underground and you can dive into a 60-metre deep crater, in the middle of a paddock. Here, summer days are spent at beachside bars with your toes in the sand and the world-class chefs are as much scientists as cooks. In winter, succumb to nature's nurturing embrace in a cosy hidden hamlet or sink into a hot spring in the depths of the outback. Cast away to an island paradise where wildlife reigns supreme or lose yourself down a labyrinth of laneways lined with bars in the boutique metropolis. South Australia rewards wonder.

Image by kwest, Shutterstock