A combination of high salinity levels, salt-adoring algae and pink bacteria are behind the vibrant hue of the following lakes, but the reasoning behind the natural wonder doesn’t make them any less impressive. The most renowned of South Australia‘s pink lakes may well be Lake Eyre, a six hour drive from Adelaide. Typically devoid of water and a giant flat plain, the outback Australia resident occasionally fills with summer rainfall, transforming into a desert oasis.

Lake Albert sits along the Mighty Murray River, just under two hours from Adelaide. The destination itself serves as a gateway for the Coorong National Park that sits behind – a 150km stretch of wetlands, salt pans, dunes and beaches that reaches across from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Limestone Coast.

Lake Hart is a 5 hour and 30 minute drive from Adelaide. The Woomera destination is considered an integral part of the Explorer’s Way road trip, which treks across the Australian outback. While in the 1930s the lake served as one of the country’s most beloved salt deposits, today the landmark has become somewhat of a tourist mecca for those seeking to cross the desert stretching between Adelaide and Darwin.

Lake MacDonnell may not be an easy destination to reach (considering a 1.5 hour flight and 45 minute drive is required) but it is a tourist favourite well worth a visit thanks to its intense colour palette – the Eyre Peninsula resident hosts a high salt concentration which results in its rainbow colour scheme. Visitors who have made the trek can also enjoy the beauty (and surf) of neighbouring Cactus Beach.

Clare Valley may be known for its wine, but its hidden gem is Lake Bumbunga. Sitting pretty under 2 hours drive from Adelaide, the lake has garnered a reputation for its candy coloured water that changes from pink through white to blue depending on the salinity of the water.