Melbourne : Love at first sight

 

In October 2018, my little girl, just 7 years old at the time and I boarded a Qantas flight from Singapore to Melbourne. The journey took about 7+ hours, long enough to slip into travel mode, but short enough to keep our excitement alive. My husband, Rakesh, was already in Melbourne on work. While he wrapped up his office agenda, the two of us explored a little on our own, waiting eagerly for family time to begin.

Once his work was done, Melbourne became ours to discover, together. What followed was a holiday stitched with laughter, discovery, and the kind of memories that warm you years later. This was October, 2018.

Melbourne, love at First Sight

Melbourne is a city that wins you over instantly. The tram lines make getting around so easy, while the laneways hum with life, cafés brimming with coffee aromas, bookstores you could spend hours in, and colorful bursts of street art around every corner.

Evenings carried their own magic. As the sun dipped, the air turned sharp, cold, and windy, yet the city glowed with warmth. Fireplaces flickered along the sidewalks, cafes buzzed with golden light, and people huddled over steaming cups of coffee and mulled wine. That cozy energy is etched in my memory forever.

Staying at W Melbourne

Our base was the chic W Melbourne, set on Flinders Lane in the heart of the CBD. The location couldn’t have been better, surrounded by Melbourne’s famous laneways, buzzing cafés, nightlife, and some of the most incredible footwear stores. (I love shoes :)

But what I remember most isn’t just the style or convenience, it’s the people.

There was Chanessy, a hostess at the hotel, who left a lasting impression.

• She wore black lipstick. and carried it off with absolute elegance.
• My daughter bonded with her instantly; their little exchanges became daily sparks of joy.
• And above all, she was warm, engaging, always ready with questions and stories to share.

Not many people leave such a lasting impression, but she did. To me, she will always be one of the faces of Melbourne.

Healesville Sanctuary: Meeting Australia’s Wild Side ~

A short drive from the city took us to Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. It was one of the highlights of our holiday, offering close encounters with Australia’s most iconic wildlife.

• Koalas curled into eucalyptus branches.
• Kangaroos hopped lazily across open fields. (I was the most excited) 
• The Spirits of the Sky show filled the air with eagles and owls in flight.
• The shy platypus made a rare appearance.
• And the dingoes, calm yet powerful, embodied the spirit of the bush.

For our daughter, it was discovery at every step; for us, it was the joy of watching her eyes widen with wonder. For me personally, I ticked off a long-standing wish to see a kangaroo carrying the little one in her pouch, AND I DID! 

The Barn: Straight Out of an Enid Blyton Book

One afternoon we stumbled into a barn that felt lifted from an Enid Blyton story. Wooden beams, the smell of hay, and the sound of animals made it feel magical.

There were playful lambs, cows grazing gently, horses with glossy coats, and even tiny guinea pigs, squeaking for attention. My daughter was enchanted, moving from one animal to the next with joy.

It was rustic and wholesome, the kind of memory that stays with you because it feels like a page from a storybook.

The Great Ocean Road Drive

No family trip to Melbourne is complete without the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is 243 Kms along the coast of Victoria. The Road stretches from Torquay to Allansford. It is absolutely unreal & stunning. We set off on a drive that felt cinematic, curves along towering cliffs, the roar of waves crashing into rocks, and lookout points that made you stop in sheer awe. It was wild, dramatic, and breathtakingly beautiful.

A Shopper’s Paradise

Back in the city, Melbourne gave me plenty of reasons to shop. From luxury boutiques on Collins Street to quirky laneway finds, there was always something unique. Add to that the shoe stores around W Hotel, and it became a delight for fashion lovers like me.

Cuisine & Comforts

Food became an essential part of our Melbourne story:

Melbourne coffee ~ crafted to perfection.

• Library cafés, where books and aromas created the perfect retreat.
• My daughter’s happy discovery of fish and chips & filling up on more dumplings along the way (were we bored? :()
• And for me, the ultimate treat, barramundi, grilled or poached, delicate yet rich.

Meals were never just meals, they were conversations, pauses, and laughter shared across the table.

For the Cricket Buffs

And of course, a mention must be made of the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, its sheer scale and history make it worth a visit. But for any Indian, or Kiwis or the English, for the matches and iconic victories, is to feel part of the game’s living history.

A Reunion to Remember

Melbourne also gave me something deeply personal, an unexpected reunion. I met Uncle John, a dear schoolmate I hadn’t seen in 25 years. The moment we sat down, time dissolved. We laughed, reminisced, and slipped right back into the easy bond of school days. It felt like no years had passed at all, and that one meeting became one of the most treasured memories of the trip.

Why October 2018 Lives On

When I look back, this holiday feels special not just for where we went, but how it unfolded.

• A mother-daughter journey that began in the skies.
• A family holiday that bloomed once Rakesh closed his laptop and stepped out of work mode.
• Days filled with wildlife, barns,drives,shopping,books, coffee & fireplaces.
• A heartfelt school reunion after 25 years.
• And faces like Chanessy’s, reminding us how people often become the heart of our travels.

Melbourne is a city that lingers long after you leave. Not just for its sights, but for the warmth, the stories, and the way it makes even ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

 

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