Wild West

Article: Travel Blogger Travip Phuong
Photo: Hoang Ha, Travip Phuong

Perth is not only a unique destination, but also a place that preserves the wild beauty and interesting stories of Australia.

Many people consider Perth to be the most remote metropolis in the world , with the nearest city, Adelaide, 2,100km away as the crow flies. However, you won’t feel out of place in the capital of Western Australia.

Just a 6-hour direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Perth welcomes visitors with a modern urban atmosphere mixed with the ancient features of buildings that have existed here for over 100 years.

Amazing nature

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. This land was discovered by British Captain James Stirling in 1829 and the administrative center of the Swan River Colony was established here. Perth is also the gateway for tourists to explore the natural wonders of Western Australia.

The most prominent is The Pinnacles complex, which consists of thousands of weathered limestone columns of various sizes and shapes, located in the middle of an orange-yellow sand desert area of about 190 hectares. Some hypotheses suggest that the main material of these limestone columns comes from shells accumulated in ancient times when this place was still submerged in the ocean. When the sea water receded, over time, under the influence of rain and wind, limestone structures gradually formed. On windy days, sand dust is blown up, making the scene here even more magical.

Not far away is the Lanceline area with its pure white sand dunes – an ideal place for those who are passionate about experiencing strong feelings. Visitors can sit on a bus climbing up the dunes and then rushing down the steep terrain with excited cheers. In addition, you can also choose to sit on a skateboard, following the slopes of the high sand dunes in the strong wind.

Land of the marsupials

In addition to the kangaroo - the symbol of Australia, when coming to Perth, visitors cannot miss another special marsupial, the Quokka. To admire this animal in its natural wild, visitors can go to Rottnest Island, just 30 minutes by boat from the mainland. This place has a poetic nature with beautiful beaches and turquoise water. It is not difficult to see Quokka individuals here, but visitors should note not to touch Quokka or feed them, because this animal is strictly protected under indigenous law.

If you want to learn more about Australia’s endemic animal world, Caversham Wildlife Park is a must-see destination. Currently, there are about 200 species with more than 2,000 individuals, including mammals, birds and reptiles. Visitors can get close to kangaroos, watch them run around, or see many unique animals such as cassowaries, pelicans, black swans and penguins. In addition, there is a separate area displaying endemic Australian reptiles, including snakes, lizards and monitor lizards.

Taste lobster specialties

Local cuisine is always an integral part of any journey. The lobster industry in Western Australia has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when lobsters were canned and exported overseas, and used as food for military rations.

In Perth, there are tours that take visitors to fish for lobster and prepare the lobster right on the boat. The Lobster Shack restaurant in Cervantes (nearly 200km north of Perth) is also an option to enjoy delicious lobster dishes with a poetic sea view.

Ancient street corners

Many visitors to Perth often combine a visit to the city of Fremantle, about 19 km southwest and located at the mouth of the Swan River. The Noongar people have lived in this area for millennia before the British settled here. In 1829, Fremantle was the first settlement of the Swan River pioneers, named after Captain Charles Fremantle, a British naval officer.

In the years that followed, Fremantle Port thrived as a commercial shipping hub, becoming a bustling gateway and commercial hub during the height of the Western Australian gold rush. Today, visitors can easily see Victorian and Edwardian buildings here.

Back in the heart of Perth, an interesting place to stop is the Blue Boathouse, built in the 1930s, which stands out for its design on the water and is connected to the shore by a small wooden bridge. Although it is now just an abandoned house, it is still a tourist attraction thanks to its unique and nostalgic beauty.

An afternoon stroll around Elizabeth Quay is also a popular activity. The area is bustling with shops, parks, lookouts, walkways and a pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views, especially at sunset. To get a feel for Perth, you can also spend time walking around the corner, sitting in a cafe or strolling through Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Along with famous cities in Australia such as Melbourne or Sydney, Perth also deserves to be on the list of places to explore when coming to the land of kangaroos. Perth is not too noisy and flashy, but attractive enough that every step here will leave unforgettable memories of wild nature, time-worn street corners and a different, enchanting Australia in the far west.

Vietnam Airlines currently has direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth.

Please visit: www.vietnamairlines.com for more details and promotions.

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