One of the liveliest, must-see cities of the Pacific Rim, Sydney humbly began life as a British penal colony in 1788. Among the colorful characters in its early history was William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame who was deposed as governor during the Rum Rebellion of 1808. In 1852, with the discovery of gold in the interior, Sydney became a thriving port of the Victorian Empire. Today, Sydney looks to the future, its skyline crowned by the graceful billowing sails of its famed Opera House. Visitors can get a glimpse of the past along the narrow, twisting streets of the Rocks, Sydney’s restored historical district and for the adventurous, the Sydney bridge climb will reward you with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Excursions can reveal the spectacular, untamed beauty of the Blue Mountains with a ride on the worlds steepest perpendicular railway; or get up close and personal with Australia’s charming wildlife at the Koala Park Sanctuary, then end your day with a refreshing stop at a traditional Aussie pub.