From city to coast: What to see on your first trip to Australia

It's the destination of a lifetime, and one that tops the checklists of wanderlust-afflicted travelers: Australia. Country and continent in one, its 2.97 million square miles feature a diversity of landscape and culture that's simply hard to find in other destinations.

When it comes to Australia vacations, there's no better way to get the best of both worlds than by combining a city visit with a wilderness excursion. Starting off in Sydney, Australia's largest city, is easy to do, and a great option because of its accessibility. Flights leave from across the U.S., and with airlines like Delta adding new service to Sydney, it's easy to shop around and find a good ticket price.

There is plenty to keep you busy in Sydney, but if it's your first visit, you should put these items on your must-do list:

* The Harbour. Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, delve into the city's history at Fort Denison, and plan on getting up close and personal with the iconic Sydney Opera House. Adventurous spirits can test their tolerance of heights by doing a Sydney Harbour bridge climb, or get out on the water with boat or kayak tours.

* Shop in style. Sydney's a great shopping city, and it becomes an even more glamorous experience at two particular destinations. The Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building, built in 1892 and 1898 respectively, dazzle with their architectural grandeur. The glass skylights, wrought-iron balconies, beautiful details and bevy of designer shops make either a memorable shopping destination.

* Bondi beach. Hitting the beach is an essential part of Sydney life, so getting the full experience includes a trip to this famous gathering ground of sun worshippers. It's located about 7 kilometers from Sydney's city center, and its popularity ensures that it's easily accessible.

After a visit to cosmopolitan Sydney, getting out into the natural wonders of Australia adds a new dimension to your trip. Intra-Australia flights offered by agencies like Delta Vacations make it simple and affordable to cover a lot of territory - from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef - and see the most spectacular sights of Australia.

An intra-Australia flight from Sydney to Cairns sets you down at the perfect departure point for exploring the legendary reef and nearby rainforests. These are some experiences you shouldn't miss:

* Snorkeling and diving. There's as much to see underwater as there is on dry land, and getting down into the environment of the reef is an unforgettable part of visiting the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is one of the great wonders of the natural world and the largest coral reef - it comprises 3,000 individual reefs and 900 coral islands along 1,400 miles of the Queensland coast. It's the only living organism that can be seen from space and is home to myriad sea creatures, including dolphins, turtles, dugongs (similar to a manatee) and more than 1,500 species of fish.

* Go for a bushwalk. Once you're back on land, head for the lush rainforests that adorn the region. Head to Cape Tribulation -- it's the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage-regions meet; the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef, and the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth.

* Relaxing. The beaches in the area offer the perfect setting for kicking back and letting your cares slip away. For a peaceful change of pace, enjoy Palm Cove, set amidst an idyllic stretch of beach and luxurious spa resorts. Dine on a delicious tropical dinner in Port Douglas, offering a sophisticated tropical village feel. Grab a good book, a beach towel, drinks and snacks, find a spot of idyllic white sand beach and you've got the perfect way to lose yourself in paradise.

After getting a taste of Australia and all it has to offer, one thing is certain: You'll want to come back again. Luckily, you'll never run out of reasons to visit. For more information on intra-Australia flights and Australia packages, visit Delta Vacations.