Australia travel: See all the best down-under sights on one trip

An all-encompassing trip to Australia is right at the top of most travelers' bucket lists. If you ask them why it ranks so high, they might rattle off a list of the continent's draws, from the Outback to the cosmopolitan cities to the Great Barrier Reef. Australia travel is unique in that you really can see it all - unique natural beauty, complex and fascinating history, vibrant modern cities and, perhaps most important to the traveler, a welcoming spirit that makes exploring those attributes all the more appealing.

With so much to choose from, planning a trip to the country can be a daunting prospect. Companies that offer Australia travel packages take much of the guess work out of planning by compiling an itinerary filled with the top sights. The added benefit is that a tour can help cut costs beyond what you'd pay by planning everything on your own - and in a country as vast and varied as Australia, travel costs can add up quickly. Additionally, some tours, like those organized by Tauck, add experiences in neighboring New Zealand, which has its own lengthy list of attractions.

If you're considering going Down Under for your next travel adventure, make sure that your Australia travel experience covers these highlights:

Natural wonders

* Uluru. What was once referred to as Ayers Rock is now better known by its Aboriginal name, but you'll call it astounding. The great red dome of rock that rises abruptly out of the surrounding flatlands has a mystical quality that imparts a sense of wonder, in addition to simply being arrestingly beautiful. It's truly one of the must-see sights for any comprehensive Australia travel plan.

* The Great Barrier Reef. Few areas on earth are teeming with the variety of sea life that can be found in the famous reef on Australia's north coast. A day spent swimming, snorkeling or viewing the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat at the Low Isles reveals the majesty of this unique ecosystem. Having an expert along for the ride helps to give context to what you're seeing - Tauck tours include a marine biologist who can tell you all about the underwater wonders you're seeing.

Cosmopolitan adventures

* Sydney. It's often mistaken for Australia's capital city, and it's easy to understand why. Though it's not the administrative center of government, it's certainly the epicenter of urban life in Australia. To get to know this great world city, make sure that your Australia travel schedule gives you plenty of time to explore the great shopping, dining and sightseeing, including the famous Opera House and Bondi Beach.

* Melbourne. Bringing together exciting modernity and charming history, Melbourne is another of Australia's most enjoyable cities. Explore its Victorian architecture by visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral and Victoria's Market, and dine on the Colonial Tram Car Restaurant - part of the oldest tram system in the world - as it travels along the city streets.

Visiting these sites as you embark on your Australia travel adventure will guarantee a lifetime of memories. But if you can add even more sites in between, and supplement your visits with one-of-a-kind experiences, your trip will truly be unforgettable. Companies like Tauck, which has over 85 years of experience in planning unique and specialized travel and tours, can help to ensure you get the most out of your visit to the land down under.