Story: Travel Blogger Travip Phuong
Photos: Hoang Ha, Travip Phuong

Perth is a unique destination that preserves Australia’s raw beauty and rich stories.

Often cited as the most remote major city in the world, Perth sits a remarkable 2,100 kilometers from its nearest big neighbor, Adelaide, as the crow flies. Yet upon arrival in Western Australia’s capital, you’ll never feel far from the world.

Just a six-hour direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Perth greets visitors with the vibrant energy of a modern metropolis, seamlessly blended with the timeless charm of century-old architecture.

An aerial view of Kings Park

Wondrous nature

As the capital of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in the country, Perth was founded in 1829 by British Captain James Stirling, who established it as the administrative center of the Swan River Colony.

Most striking is the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of weathered limestone pillars of varying shapes and sizes lie scattered across some 190 hectares of golden-orange sand. Scientists theorize that these limestone formations originated from ancient deposits of seashells, back when this region lay underwater. As the sea gradually receded, over time, the combined effects of wind and rain sculpted these dramatic limestone structures. On windy days, the swirling sand and dust lend the scene an almost otherworldly, mystical atmosphere.

Not far from the surreal beauty of the Pinnacles Desert lies Lancelin, home to pristine white sand dunes that offer a playground for thrill-seekers. Adventurers can hop into dune buggies to scale steep slopes before racing down to the sounds of joyous screams and laughter. Alternatively, grab a sandboard and glide down the towering dunes as the wind whips across the vast, open landscape.

The blue waters of Cottesloe Beach

The land of marsupials

While kangaroos may be the iconic symbol of Australia, visitors to Perth shouldn’t miss the chance to meet another unique marsupial: the quokka. To see these charming creatures in their natural habitat, take a 30-minute ferry ride to Rottnest Island, famous for its stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches. Quokkas roam the island freely, and while sightings are common, touching or feeding them is prohibited under strict local wildlife protection laws.

Visitors interested in exploring more of Australia’s endemic wildlife should visit Caversham Wildlife Park. Home to over 2,000 animals across 200 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, the park allows guests to get close to kangaroos, watch them hop freely, and encounter rare creatures such as the Southern cassowary, pelicans, black swans, and penguins. A dedicated reptile section showcases native Australian species of snakes, lizards, and goannas.

Tasting lobster delicacies

Sampling the local cuisine is a key part of any journey. Western Australia’s lobster fishing industry dates back to the early 20th century, when lobsters were first harvested, canned, and exported, particularly for military rations.

In Perth, several tours offer guests the opportunity to catch lobsters and cook them fresh on board a luxury boat. Another popular option is the Lobster Shack in Cervantes, about 200 kilometers north of Perth. This seaside eatery serves a variety of lobster dishes against the backdrop of stunning ocean views.

Central Perth

Charming corners of heritage

Many travelers pair their visit to Perth with a trip to nearby Fremantle, located about 19 kilometers southwest at the mouth of the Swan River. Long before British settlement, the area was home to the Noongar people, who have lived here for thousands of years. In 1829, Fremantle became the first settlement founded by pioneers in the Swan River Colony, named after British naval officer Captain Charles Fremantle.

In the years that followed, Fremantle Port flourished as a key commercial hub, becoming a vital gateway and bustling center of trade during Western Australia’s gold rush era. Today, the city still showcases its rich past through well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Back in the heart of Perth, the Blue Boathouse makes for an intriguing stop. Built in the 1930s, this iconic structure sits above the water, connected to the shore by a narrow wooden jetty. Though no longer in use, the boathouse remains a favorite among visitors for its distinctive charm and nostalgic beauty.

Strolling around Elizabeth Quay at sunset is another popular pastime. This vibrant waterfront precinct offers restaurants, parks, scenic lookouts, walking paths, and a striking pedestrian bridge that’s especially captivating in the golden light of twilight. To truly absorb Perth’s urban rhythm, visitors can wander through quiet neighborhoods, relax at a local café, or explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.

Alongside well-known cities like Melbourne and Sydney, Perth undoubtedly earns its place on any traveler’s itinerary to the Land Down Under. While it may not be as bustling or showy, Perth offers a quiet charm that lingers. Every step reveals something memorable – untamed natural beauty, weathered city corners, and a uniquely captivating glimpse of Australia’s far west.

Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Perth.

Please visit www.vietnamairlines.com for more information and special offers.