Next time you think Australia, don’t skip Victoria and Melbourne from your itinerary. With scenery and vibrancy all around, this is not just a stop over destination, says celebrity fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar who was on a clicking spree to bring you some exquisite pictures of what he saw. Deebashree Mohanty was in Mumbai to have a peek
It’s easier to shoot a woman with less than 50cm of clothes on her than shooting locales and penguins” celebrity photographer Atul Kasbekar tells you as he walks you down the alley of the Oberoi Trident in Mumbai. The occasionIJ An exclusive photo exhibition of Kasbekar’s journey in Melbourne and Victoria, a marketing assignment that was just too good for him to let go.
“At first, I thought the Australian embassy was pulling a fast one on me. They were wanting to host me for a couple of weeks, wanted me to taste the best of Australian food and wine and were willing to pay me a bomb to click pictures! HelloIJ Does that happen anywhereIJ,” an excited Kasbekar asks you, adding that such things happen only in Australia!
The Australian Tourism Board has got most of its features right in easily one of the most catchy marketing campaigns to have been launched — separate Statewise introduction of tourist attractions, many Trade mission tours across the country with the Tourism Minister herself being present at every gathering to detail what Australia has to offer. Then, the stunning visuals to take your breath away — by none other than India’s ace fashion photographer who has travelled the continent to get you the best of what he saw.
“It is a vibrant place. Australia is full of exciting getaways but Victoria and Melbourne have an added old-world charm. It brings you into the mood immediately. There is a lot to explore — wilderness, romance and adventure, you name it and you got it,” louise Asher, Minister Tourism and Major Events, Australia, says.
As for Kasbekar, he lists Victoria as his second favourite place on Earth. “I could die to live in Cape Town but Victoria comes a close second. Melbourne is a great place for sports buffs,” the avid traveller tells you as he unveils the 3D shot of the overpowering Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Although Kasbekar and Asher are on the same page on most things concerning the beauty of Australia, they have different versions when it comes to determining the cost of living in Victoria.
“It is a niche holiday destination and we are proud to introduce Victoria this way. It is definitely not a place for backpackers. We are trying to influence holidayers to make both Victoria and Melbourne a five-day destination. Even that won’t be enough to explore these States in entirety,” Asher tells you, adding that Australian Tourism would be soon partnering with Singapore Airlines for unbelievable packages.
There are many things to do while in Australia but don’t miss out on the street walks, is one advice Kasbekar wants you to take seriously.
“The scenery is spellbinding but so is the old-world charm. The streets speak of culture,” he concludes.