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Tran Dang Dang Khoa
During my motorcycle journey across Australia on my round-the-world trip, I had the opportunity to explore Perth for a week. Perth is the capital of and largest city in Western Australia, a region that covers Australia’s entire western coast.
It was also the endpoint of my journey across the land of kangaroos, which took me all the way from Brisbane through Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide, to finally reach the Indian Ocean. Along the way, I crossed countless metropolises, quaint small towns, bustling neighborhoods, and tranquil rural areas. Among these, serene Perth, situated by the Swan River, left the strongest impressions on me.
Perth is the fourth largest city in Australia, with just over two million inhabitants. It has been voted as one of the most livable cities in the world, but remains relatively unknown as a tourist hotspot. However, in recent years, thanks to a stellar education system and support for international students, convenient public transportation, a clean environment, and excellent security, Perth has gradually gained more recognition. For a traveler from far away like me, this city, which seems far apart from the rest of Australia, was tourism paradise.
During my first two days in Perth, I used convenient public transportation to visit the bustling downtown and check out city and state museums, including the Maritime Museum, the Aviation Heritage Museum, the Art Gallery, and various monuments established by indigenous people and Western settlers. If you’re in the central area, be sure to take the time to watch the sunset slowly descending over Elizabeth Quay Bridge – where boats traverse the Swan River. Alternatively, stroll through the port city of Fremantle, where the first foreign ships to explore this region docked. A fascinating site that visitors should not miss is the Perth Mint. Here, you can observe precious metal crafting, visit a room full of gold, admire the largest gold coin ever produced, which weighs one ton and is made of 99.99% pure gold, or have the staff calculate how much you would “be worth” if you were made of gold, based on your weight at gold’s current market value.
If you prefer to leave the city and venture further afield to see what the vast and arid Western Australia has to offer, spend a day or two visiting famous vineyards and wineries in the Swan Valley area, home to the oldest grape vines in Western Australia, or explore the town of Margaret River and the Great Southern – a region with a Mediterranean-climate. If time permits, Wave Rock, a rock formation that resembles a breaking wave, is a unique destination that provides fantastic photo opportunities.
Further out, you could visit Esperance – a small, charming coastal town from where you can explore Lake Hillier, which boasts stunning bright pink water. From Esperance, nothing is more enjoyable than driving along Highway 1, which encircles Australia, extending from Esperance through the towns of Albany, Pemberton, and back to Rockingham, before eventually returning to Perth. Occasionally, with some luck, you might spot whales off the coast. For those with driving experience, cars or motorcycles are available for rent in Perth to cross the arid Nullarbor Plain, before taking the challenging Eyre Highway to Adelaide and then driving to Melbourne to continue exploring the land of kangaroos before flying back from the East coast.
However, my favorite place in Perth, which is undoubtedly a favorite for many others, is the tiny Rottnest Island, home to the Quokka species, often referred to as the “happiest animal in the world”. It takes just over 30 minutes by ferry from the city center to reach Rottnest, where you are greeted by the cheerful and always smiling Quokkas. The only ways to get around this small island is by bicycle or on foot. The Australian government wishes to preserve the pristine and tranquil environment of this beautiful island. Before heading here, make sure that you’re physically fit enough to cycle more than 20km around the island, and bring sunscreen plus swimming and snorkeling gear. Snorkeling equipment can be rented along with bicycles. Rottnest is also a paradise for couples with many romantic restaurants offering views of the sea and the city of Perth, illuminated at night across the bay. The island offers various activities like skydiving, whale watching, golfing, fishing, or simply surrendering to the wind and waves of this serene seaside paradise. If possible, spend at least three days on Rottnest like I did. They will surely be your most memorable days in Perth.
With its unique and beautiful landscapes, an array of entertaining and engaging activities, diverse cuisine, colorful culture, and a mild, pleasant climate year-round, Perth is undoubtedly a fantastic choice for travelers seeking something fresh and exciting in Australia.
