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Story & Photos VINH GAU
The capital of Western Australia, known as one of the most isolated cities in the world, boasts stunning natural beauty and a modern lifestyle.
After a flight of more than six hours, the wide- body Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 gently landed at Perth Airport in Australia. With its beautiful long coastline, warm Mediterranean climate and year- round blue skies, Perth is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique combination of modernity and untamed nature.
Morning
Perth welcomed me with a sunny day, a light breeze and a slight chill in the morning air. Such weather was perfect for a stroll in Caversham Wildlife Park, located in the Swan Valley area, about 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Perth.
Caversham Wildlife Park is home to many of Australia’s iconic animals. Here, I encountered kangaroos hopping freely across the vast grounds and playfully greeting visitors. The koalas captured my heart with their dreamy eyes, seemingly lost in a eucalyptus leaf haze. And I couldn’t forget about the quokka – dubbed “the happiest animal in the world” due to its always-smiling face.
My visit to Caversham Wildlife Park was not merely a stroll but an opportunity to immerse myself in nature and learn more about the unique wildlife of this country.
Leaving the park, I headed to Swan Valley, famous for lush vineyards and renowned wineries that have thrived in Western Australia for nearly 200 years. Among them, I chose to visit Sandalford Winery, which has a history spanning over 180 years. Neatly aligned grapevines glimmered in the sun, while the fragrance of nature and the exquisite wines made for an unforgettable experience. A lunch here featuring tender steak paired with a glass of signature Sandalford wine was truly memorable.
Afternoon
My journey continued with King’s Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling Swan River, walk along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway or explore over 3,000 rare native plant species. And don’t miss the War Memorial – a solemn site honoring fallen soldiers and an ideal photo spot against the backdrop of the Swan River. Next, I visited Fremantle, a historic port city brimming with old-world charm. Wandering through streets such as High and South Terrace, I admired architectural wonders from the 19th century and felt as if I had stepped back in time. Most houses here are now used as pubs, restaurants, bookstores and boutique hotels.
Nearby is Fremantle Market, with numerous goods ranging from souvenirs to home decor items to clothing to international cuisines. Behind the market lies Henderson Street, lined with limestone cottages where wardens used to live when they oversaw the old Fremantle Prison. Today, these cottages serve as guesthouses for visitors while the prison is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Evening
As the sunlight began to fade, on my way back to downtown Perth I stopped at the Blue Boat House, a famous landmark situated on the Swan River. CNN has described it as the most photographed spot in Perth: a small house over 90 years old, painted in a striking blue and white that creates an interesting focal point amidst the expansive waters of the Swan River.
Next, I visited London Court, a quaint street characterized by classic English architecture located right in the heart of Perth. Established in 1937, this area was once a bustling trading hub for gold miners. Passing through the large clock tower gate at the beginning of the street felt like stepping into another world within Perth. Simply strolling among the shops, enjoying coffee and admiring the historic ambiance along this intersection of Hay Street and St. Georges Terrace was a highlight of my visit.
As the sun gradually set and the sky turned golden, I arrived at Elizabeth Quay to enjoy the cool breeze and vibrant sunset over the Swan River – a perfect way to end the afternoon.
Night
As night fell, I made my way to Forest Place, a lively central square illuminated by bright lights and bustling with activity. It was an ideal spot for taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying street food.
A day in Perth provided me with a harmonious blend of nature, culture and modern life. From exploring wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park in the morning to watching the sunset at Elizabeth Quay in the afternoon and shopping in downtown in the evening, the journey left me with truly unforgettable memories.
Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth, Australia. Please visit www.vietnamairlines.com for more details and promotional offers.
