Australia is a unique place – the only place in the world that is simultaneously considered an island, a continent, and a country. It’s the world’s largest island, but it’s smallest continent. It’s divided into six states and two territories.

Of these states, Victoria is the smallest in size, but the largest in population, and Melbourne is the capital of Victoria. Not surprisingly, it’s also the second largest city in Australia, after Sidney.

But enough of these comparisons of size. What is there to see in Melbourne, for those who enjoy Upside Living?

The city itself was established in 1835, so it’s over a hundred and seventy years old. When gold was discovered near the city in the 1850s, Melbourne was transformed into a wealthy city — and remains so to this day.

Melbourne has a distinctive blend of Victorian and contemporary architecture, large swathes of park,and and gardens.

Architectural sites to visit in the city were mostly built during and after the Victorian Gold Rush and are still extant today: Parliament House, the Treasury Building and Treasury Reserve, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria Barracks, the State Library, Supreme Court, University, General Post Office, and Government House, the Melbourne Town Hall, St Paul’s, St Patrick’s cathedrals and Queen Victoria Market.

While in Melbourne, don’t forget to take in a game of Australian rules football or cricket (assuming you’re there during the appropriate time of hear).

Just as one of London, England’s toursit attractions is its subway, so is Melbourne’s tram system one of its tourist attractions. Heritage trams operate on the free City Circle route, intended for visitors to Melbourne, and heritage restaurant trams travel through the city during the evening. (Having said that, most of Melbourne’s citizens drive around in cars.)

Victoria has over 21 different wine regions, and five of them are located close to Melbourne. Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, and you’ll be able to find gourmet restaurants representative of cuisines from around the world. Or, you can stop into a pub for Australian eats.

There’s so much to do and see in Melbourne – from sports events to theater to historical buildings, that you’ll want to return again and again to appreciate all it has to offer.