By Divleen Singh Rataul
Australia, a faraway land of Kangaroos, eucalyptus trees and endless coastlines has always stirred my imagination. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, it is a place where nature and human progress seem to dance together in tandem.
My recent trip to Melbourne turned this distant dream into a living reality. Australia is really awesome. Every moment spent has become a page in my own unforgettable travel diary. It is an un-forgetting, learning and soul-stirring experience to walk on sandy beaches, listen the breezy tall trees and snake through picturesque roads.
When my father announced that I had been granted a three-year travel visa to Australia, I could hardly contain my excitement. The thrill of visiting my maternal aunt’s family in Melbourne had me packing bags instantly. But destiny tested my joy when Operation Sindoor flared up along the Indo-Pak border, shutting down the Amritsar airport.
For a moment, the dream seemed shattered. Yet, peace prevailed, and soon I found myself boarding a flight via Singapore, my heart racing with anticipation.
The journey itself felt like an adventure. Hours of flying, breathtaking aerial views, and a short halt at Singapore made the experience memorable. But nothing matched the thrill of landing in Melbourne. Wide highways, glittering cityscapes, and lush green suburbs welcomed me with open arms.
Driving through Werribee-Manor Lakes to my loving aunt’s home was like stepping into a picture postcard where modern architecture stood harmoniously beside vibrant natural beauty.
Melbourne is often called the “education capital of Australia, ” and I soon understood why. My visits to the University of Melbourne, one of the world’s top-ranking institutions, left me in awe of its grand campuses and vibrant student life. Walking through its historic sandstone buildings, I felt the spirit of innovation and learning that defines the city.
Over the next days, the city unfolded its many other charms. I explored buzzing shopping districts, enjoyed the calm of St. Kilda Beach, and marveled at the rugged beauty of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. The grandeur of Werribee Mansion, the tranquility of Point Cook, Divnoor’s school and scenic drives through the countryside added new layers to the journey.
Whether it was watching a movie, sharing meals, or simply enjoying family routines, every day brought something new to cherish.
All too soon, it was time to say goodbye. As I packed my bags again, this time for the journey back home, I realized that Melbourne had given me more than just a holiday — it had gifted me memories stitched together with joy, wonder, and gratitude. Australia is no longer just “Down Under” on a map for me; it is a piece of my heart, a story I will treasure for life.
*Writer is working as Consultant at HighRadius Technologies, Hyderabad