There are some bonds that grow stronger through shared passions, and for my father and me, that passion has always been cricket. From the time I was little, we spent weekends watching matches together, analyzing scores, and debating players’ form. So when the chance finally came for us to travel together, it felt only right that our destination be Australia, a country where cricket is almost a religion. What made the trip even more meaningful was that this was the first time my father and I were taking a long vacation, just the two of us.
The planning was left to me, but I knew I wanted everything to be seamless so that my father could simply enjoy himself without worrying about logistics. A family friend who had previously booked with Thrillophilia recommended them. After hearing about their smooth experience and reading a plethora of positive Thrillophilia Australia reviews, I decided to go ahead with them. That was one of the best choices I made, because everything from the itinerary to the stadium visits was handled with ease, letting us focus on the joy of travelling together.
Our journey began in Melbourne, the city that is home to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The moment we walked into the MCG, my father’s eyes lit up in a way I had not seen in years. We took a guided tour of the stadium, standing in the players’ dressing rooms, walking down the long corridor leading to the pitch, and even sitting in the press box. My father kept recalling famous matches played here, from India’s epic victories to unforgettable World Cup clashes. We also visited the National Sports Museum, which had memorabilia from cricket legends. I could tell he was reliving decades of memories as he stood there looking at signed bats and jerseys.
After Melbourne, we made our way to Sydney. The Sydney Cricket Ground has its own history and aura. My father and I walked through the members’ pavilion, imagining what it must feel like for players stepping out to a packed crowd. Outside the stadium, we clicked dozens of photos together, grinning like children. That evening, we balanced our cricket obsession with a relaxed ferry ride around Sydney Harbour. Seeing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water gave us a different side of the city, but the highlight of the day was still the SCG.
From Sydney, our itinerary took us to Brisbane, where the Gabba awaited. Known for its fierce atmosphere, the Gabba was a special stop for my father. He recalled countless matches India had played here, some difficult, some triumphant, and he seemed almost emotional while standing in the stands. The Thrillophilia guide helped us get a deeper insight into the stadium’s structure and its place in cricket history. That night, over dinner, my father admitted that this trip was something he had secretly dreamed of but never thought possible. Hearing that made all the planning worth it.
We did not just stick to cricket, of course. Thrillophilia had planned a balanced itinerary for us that included cultural and scenic highlights as well. In between stadium visits, we explored Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, admired Sydney’s coastline, and even took a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. My father particularly enjoyed the peaceful pace of that drive, with the ocean on one side and cliffs on the other. We stopped at small towns, grabbed coffee, and simply talked, something we rarely do at length back home.
In Adelaide, we visited the Adelaide Oval, often described as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. This was the stadium that touched me the most, because of its picturesque setting by the River Torrens and the old scoreboard that felt straight out of history. Walking around the Oval, my father spoke about Don Bradman and how this ground was linked to so many legends. We even visited the Bradman Collection museum nearby, and I could sense his admiration for the man who defined an era of cricket.
By the time we reached Perth for the Optus Stadium, the modernity and scale of the venue felt like the perfect contrast to the history-laden grounds we had seen earlier. Standing inside, I thought about how cricket had evolved over the years, from timeless test matches to electric T20s, and how these stadiums were the stages where the game came alive.
Throughout the trip, the ease of arrangements stood out. Hotels were comfortable, transfers were always on time, and guides at the stadiums were knowledgeable and engaging. Having everything sorted meant that my father and I could truly be in the moment, whether it was discussing strategies over dinner or marvelling at the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef, which we visited as a side trip from Cairns. Once we returned, I decided to pen down this Thrillophilia review; as I want to share our wholesome and delightful experience.
What stayed with me the most was not just the cricket stadiums, though they were incredible. It was the conversations my father and I shared while sitting in stands that had witnessed legends, or the laughter when we tried to mimic commentary voices during long drives. These small, personal moments turned a holiday into a treasure chest of memories.
Looking back, I realize that this trip was not just about cricket or sightseeing. It was about giving my father the joy of reliving a lifetime of passion, and for me, it was about seeing him in a different light. Travelling together stripped away the everyday routines and brought us closer in a way I had not expected.
Australia gave us its beaches, cities, and wildlife, but most importantly, it gave us the chance to celebrate cricket together in the most authentic way possible. For any father and daughter who share a love for the game, I cannot recommend a trip like this enough. It is not just travel; it is an experience that stays with you long after the stadium lights go out.
That is great! I bet you had a whale of a time there!
Hahah yeaaaa