For actors and avid travel enthusiasts, Neha Dhupia and Angad Singh Bedi, Melbourne was a no-brainer while choosing the perfect spot for their next family vacay. Victoria’s capital had it all — food, coffee, wine, sports, art, lifestyle and nature in all its glory that would delight their children. We’ve captured the highlights of their 8-day family vacation in Australia’s most pristine yet buzzing destination, Melbourne.
The best vacation destinations are those that offer the most opportunities to make cherished memories. For Neha and her family, that was Melbourne, where scenic self-drive routes led to Yarra Valley, lined with mountain ash forests and vines; a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park meant spending a day with kangaroos roaming freely; a coffee, wine or food fix resulted in a day well spent. After all, not many cities take their coffee, wildlife and culture as seriously as Melbourne does!
And if you still aren’t convinced why Neha Dhupia and Angad Singh Bedi chose Melbourne as their family vacay spot, then these highlights will convince you otherwise!
1. Experienced Nature at their Fingertips
Victoria’s diverse landscapes offer a seamless blend of natural beauty and adventure, all within easy reach of Melbourne. Neha and Angad explored the lush Dandenong Ranges aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, soaking in the breathtaking forest views. Their journey continued in the picturesque Yarra Valley, where they indulged in a farm-to-table culinary experience, visited a charming orchard, and sampled some of Australia’s finest wines. The couple also enjoyed a spectacular coastal escape, taking in panoramic views of the rugged cliffs along the Great Ocean Road, making their time in Victoria truly unforgettable.
2. Got Up-Close with Wildlife
Melbourne’s wildlife experiences provided endless excitement for Neha and her family. At the historic Melbourne Zoo, they wandered through immersive habitat zones, encountering everything from playful meerkats and majestic giraffes to iconic Australian animals like kangaroos and koalas. Their adventure continued at Ballarat Wildlife Park, where they had the rare opportunity to hand-feed koalas and marvel at the state-of-the-art tiger sanctuary. Every wildlife encounter brought them closer to Australia’s extraordinary fauna, creating cherished memories for the entire family.
3. Tasted the Best Coffee, Wine & Food
Melbourne, known as Australia’s culinary capital, gave the Bedis a taste of its vibrant food scene. The city’s coffee culture, often regarded as one of the best in the world, was a highlight of their journey, with stops at some of Melbourne’s top cafés. As food enthusiasts, Angad and Neha indulged in the city’s finest dining experiences, from savoring modern Australian cuisine at Gimlet to enjoying a relaxed riverside dinner at Taxi Kitchen. Their exploration continued beyond the city, where they ventured into the lush landscapes of the Yarra Valley, visiting Seville Estate for a world-class wine-tasting experience. A stop at Rayner’s Orchard allowed them to handpick fresh seasonal fruits, adding a farm-to-table element to their adventure. Their gastronomic journey truly captured the essence of Melbourne’s diverse and evolving food culture, making their trip a flavorful and unforgettable one.
4. Embraced Street Art & Laneways Culture
The artistic family couldn’t miss out on Hosier Lane, exploring Melbourne’s vibrant laneways was an absolute must. Their journey began at Hosier Lane, the city’s most iconic bluestone laneway, where bold murals, intricate paste-ups, and thought-provoking graffiti tell the cultural stories of Melbourne. Each stroke of paint brought the city’s creative spirit to life, adding a colorful dimension to their adventure. They continued their artistic exploration at AC/DC Lane, a tribute to Australia’s legendary rock band, where electrifying street art and music-inspired murals infused the cobblestone pathways with an unmistakable energy. Every turn through these famous laneways offered a deeper glimpse into Melbourne’s dynamic art scene, making it a truly immersive and inspiring experience.
5. Soaked in the Vibes Of Australia’s Sports Capital
For actor and cricket enthusiast Angad Singh Bedi, a trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without stepping into the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Along with Neha Dhupia, he soaked in the electric atmosphere of the iconic Boxing Day Test and the thrilling Australia vs. India Kabaddi match. Beyond the stadiums, the duo embraced Victoria’s dynamic sports culture—where passion for the game meets an unbeatable lifestyle, making their experience truly unforgettable.
With Victoria being home to Australia’s largest Indian population, it’s a destination that felt like home away from home for Neha, Angad and their little ones. And highlights from their family vacation prove why it could be the perfect spot for you to plan your sojourn too!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria
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