February 15th 2025.
Did you know that the world's most remote metropolis is a place that you've probably heard of many times before? It might surprise you to learn that Perth, in Western Australia, is often considered to be the most isolated major urban area in terms of distance. Located on the far west coast of Australia, it is a 17-hour direct flight from London. When most people think of a remote city, they might imagine a desolate landscape with tumbleweeds rolling by. However, Perth is anything but barren.
To put its remoteness into perspective, the nearest city with over 10,000 inhabitants, Adelaide, is a staggering 2,100km away. That's about the same distance as from London to Casablanca, Morocco. And while Perth is far from other major cities, it is actually closer to Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia. But despite its distance from other urban areas, Perth is a modern and thriving city, with everything you would expect from a metropolis. From nightclubs and shopping malls to an efficient public transport system, it has all the conveniences of a bustling city.
But even though Perth is considered remote, it is also quite spread out. Spanning over 2,478 square miles, it is only slightly smaller than London, despite having a population almost four times lower. However, when you're in Perth, you don't really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. The truth is, it doesn't feel isolated at all. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The city is vibrant and full of life, with a diverse culture and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Of course, some might argue that Perth is not the most remote city in the world. For example, Iquitos, Peru, can only be accessed by river or air, and it has no roads leading in or out. However, the city of Pucallpa is just over 500km away, making Perth seem like a bustling metropolis in comparison. Similarly, Honolulu, Hawaii, is over 3,800km from the nearest major city, San Francisco, USA. But with its proximity to other lively areas on the island of Oahu, such as Waikiki Beach, it doesn't quite have the same isolated feel as Perth.
Others might point to Auckland, New Zealand, which is 2,168km away from Sydney, the nearest major city. However, Perth's nearest city, Fremantle, is just a 40-minute drive away. While some consider Fremantle to be a separate city, most see it as a suburb of Perth. According to the Australian Government's ARIA+ index, which measures remoteness based on road distance to the nearest urban areas, Perth is considered highly accessible, with a value of 0 out of 15.
But if we want to get technical, Perth might not actually be the most isolated city on Earth. However, there is no city of similar size anywhere else in the world that is as remote as Perth. This is why it is often referred to as the most isolated city.
Of course, living in such a remote place does have its downsides. For one, people living in Perth need to be prepared to travel if they want to visit friends and relatives elsewhere. The city is closer to Indonesia than it is to other major cities in Australia, like Sydney. And for British expats, the quickest direct flight back home is a daunting 17 hours. The job market in Perth is also quite competitive, with over 2.3 million people living in Greater Perth, all vying for the same jobs.
But despite these challenges, there are also many perks to living in Perth. It has a great climate, with access to beautiful beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. And while some may complain about a lack of cultural diversity, others see it as an opportunity to create a unique and innovative community. In fact, many residents of Perth love their city for its relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.
So, while Perth may not technically be the most isolated city in the world, it is definitely a unique and vibrant place to call home. And as for its remote location, well, that just adds to its charm.
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