Whatever happened to Vanessa Valladares? Inside the low-key life of Zac Efron’s Australian model ex-girlfriend after her brief time in the spotlight

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In simpler terms, she was a woman who gained significant attention worldwide. This woman, originally an unrecognized waitress and model from Australia, captured the affection of popular actor Zac Efron in the year 2020.

Instead, the short-lived peasant-to-princess dream of Vanessa Valladares was abruptly ended after only 10 months, causing her to retreat back into relative anonymity as a socialite once again.

So what has Vanessa been doing?  

The trendy girls from Byron Bay are all about exploring Europe this summer with their artist beau, Todd Clare.

The brown-haired individual, who typically updates her thoughtfully selected Instagram account once or twice monthly, embarked on global travels beginning in May of this year, starting with a stop in Madrid.

Posting a collection of pictures from my journeys, she expressed: ‘Discovered an unspoken pleasure in the melody of aged church bells echoing down historical alleyways. Their music, worn yet knowledgeable, seems to draw me into the present.'”

This paraphrase maintains the original meaning while using simpler, more conversational language and a slightly different structure.

In a bustling, noisy environment, these tones seem surprisingly soothing and timeless, much like the delightful intricacies of an aged metropolis that one cherishes. As she concluded her writing, she noted: ‘Snippets of Madrid.’

As a lifestyle enthusiast, let me share my recent adventure: In June, I found myself jetting off to Portugal for a delightful getaway. Sun-soaked days were spent lounging on the picturesque beaches, while I wandered through the charming, cobblestone-paved streets, absorbing the rich culture and history that exuded from every corner. Not one to overlook the arts, I also made sure to visit several art galleries, immersing myself in the local creative scene. Portugal, you truly enchanted me!

About a month after, they boarded a flight to Milan. During their trip, Vanessa frequently posted pictures capturing moments of them visiting various art galleries, including an exhibit named NADA, created by the Belgian artist Thierry De Cordier, who is known for his minimalist style.

Before embarking on my recent adventure, I had the pleasure of delving into the world of modeling, gracing a photographic campaign for the esteemed brand Urth, in October of 2024.

She also appeared nude in an art publication called P Magazine in the same month. 

In the month of December 2024, she was featured in photography sessions for the fashion label The Silk, the skincare line The Rest, and a school that teaches manifestation techniques called Uma.

Currently, it seems that Vanessa has returned to Byron Bay, since earlier this week she shared an update on her visit to a nearby breathwork studio, presumably to relax and unwind.

In September 2021, Vanessa parted ways with Zac, and subsequently erased all pictures of them as a couple from her Instagram account.

It is said that Zac met Vanessa for the first time at Byron Bay’s General Store café in June 2020, and they quickly became friends, according to several sources.

Approximately two months after, in August, the Daily Mail disclosed that Zac opted not to board his previously arranged flight back to Los Angeles as he expressed little enthusiasm about returning.

Within weeks, the genetically-blessed couple had moved in together in Byron Bay.

Zac confirmed their relationship in September when they were spotted holding hands in public.

In the latter part of 2020 through early 2021, Vanessa joined her renowned partner on a journey across Australia, where he was involved in multiple professional assignments.

However, it was officially announced in April 2021 that they had ended their relationship. This confirmation came from Zac’s friend, Kyle Sandilands, during his radio show on KIIS FM, where he stated: ‘I can verify [the break-up], as I spoke with him the day before.’

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2025-08-23 13:18