Vibrant Victoria

From world-class sports & wineries, to epic landscapes & precious wildlife, Isha Mayer takes you on a wild ride through Australia's gorgeous state

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It was a scorching summer afternoon in Melbourne, and the atmosphere inside the Rod Laver Arena was tense. The crowd was locked in, heads turning right to left, eyes tracking every rally as Tommy Paul and Alexander Zverev battled it out in a nail-biting final set. Watching the intense game, I felt like Tashi Donaldson, the tennis champ played by Zendaya in the 2024 film 'Challengers'. It was a match point, which would determine who would secure their spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. At last, Paul faltered, Zverev seized the opportunity, and the crowd broke silence with a loud cheer as he clinched the match. The best part? I got to witness it all live.

That's how my first-ever trip to Australia began-in the heart of Victoria, soaking in Melbourne's vibrant sports scene before setting out to explore the state's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Go ahead and steal my itinerary if you're planning to visit.

SERVING UP SPORTS

I had day session access at the Australian Open, which takes place in Melbourne Park, catching the intense final two sets of the women's quarterfinals between Coco Gauff and Paula Badosa, where Badosa emerged victorious. The real highlight, however, was the Behind the Scenes Tour, where I walked the Hall of Fame, the very paths where tennis legends have left their mark. As someone who's grown up watching the sport, this moment was the icing on the cake.