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Christmas Island ( Chinese : 圣诞岛领地; Malay : Wilayah Pulau Krismas ) is one of the islands of the Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia . It is south of Indonesia and some 1,550 km northwest of Australia , of which it is a territory. It was home to about 1,800 people in 2016, a mix of Straits Chinese, Malay, Australian and other ethnic groups.
Together with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island is a part of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories .
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The island was first administered as part of the Straits Settlements, and then as part of the colony of Singapore . Sovereignty was transferred to Australia in October 1958 and since then, almost two-thirds of the island has been protected as a national park (and one that's managed by the federal government).
The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn.
Christmas Island rises to a central plateau of stands of rainforest. Its 80-km coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff up to 20 m (66 ft) high, with a few shallow bays of small sand and coral shingle beaches. The largest of these forms the island's only port, Flying Fish Cove, which is also called "The Settlement". Other settled areas, all in the northeast, are Poon Saan, Silver City, Drumsite and Kampong.
The island has a tropical climate in which heat and humidity are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. The highest temperature is usually around 29 °C (84 °F) in March and April, while the lowest temperature is 23 °C (73 °F) and occurs in August. There is a dry season from July to October with only occasional showers. The wet season is between November and June, and includes monsoons, with downpours of rain at random times of the day. Tropical cyclones also occur in the wet season, bringing very strong winds, rain and enormous seas.
Steep cliffs along the coast rise abruptly to the central plateau. Rain forest covers most of the island, with small areas of the island under rehabilitation from mining. There are sandy to rocky beaches scattered along the coastline of the island, separated by steep limestone cliffs.
As the island is a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken, but not the only one. Many older residents speak Malay or a Chinese dialect as a first language. However, unlike the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, all signs are in English.
As Christmas Island is a territory of Australia, make sure you meet the entry requirements for Australia .
There is no passenger chartered boat services to Christmas Island; however, Flying Fish Cove is frequented by yachts and cruise ships as a stop off.
Walk, ride, or hire a car (you may want a 4WD or SUV). You can hitch-hike around the settled areas of island, as most locals are happy to give a ride to visitors.
A trip to Christmas Island is never complete without seeing the iconic red crabs which can be found within the park's forests. Each year they migrate to the coast to breed; the beginning of the wet season (usually in October or November) allows the crabs to increase their activity and stimulates their annual migration.
Being an external territory of Australia, the official currency of Christmas island is the Australian dollar.
The island has "duty free" status, and shop prices for perfume and alcohol are very low compared to the Australian mainland (see shopping in Australia ).
There are several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine.
As Christmas Island is duty-free, alcohol is usually lower priced than the Australian mainland. Some of the bars and taverns are:
Most possibilities for accommodation are in Settlement, not far from Flying Fish Cov. One is in an area called Poon Saan and another is located in the National Park at North West Point.
List of accommodation available:
For further details, bookings or enquiries visit the Christmas Island Tourism Association website .
It is difficult for non-locals to find employment on Christmas Island. The largest employers on the island are the small scale phosphate mining and federal or local government. The most common way of obtaining employment on Christmas Island for non-locals is to check government positions advertised at Apsjobs . There are occasionally postings for teachers on several years contract from Australia.
The island is safe all times of the day in the populated areas, locals usually leave their houses and car unlocked. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals (even insects) on the island.
The most likely danger is large waves on cliffs and coastal waters during the monsoon season (October–February).
There are occasional sightings of reef and hammerhead sharks off the coast near the 'drop offs' (underwater coastal shelf which drops off into the ocean depths, usually 5–30 m offshore); however, no shark attacks have ever been reported on Christmas Island.
Some 4-wheel drive tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season; caution is advised when driving in national parks areas. Many tracks are 4-wheel drive only, in particular Dolly Beach track and Dales and Blow Holes National Park areas. 4-wheel driving experience is required when venturing into these areas.
It is recommended that you bring a local or get local advice before heading off to any unpopulated national park areas.
Wear loose fitting clothing suitable for humid tropical climates. A hat and sunscreen is recommended if you're intending to be under the sun at the beach or fishing.
Bring water with you, as in humid environments you will tend to perspire more than normal.
Mosquito repellent should be brought on trips to rain forest areas. There is no malaria on the island.
There are rare occurrences of Hepatitis A & B . However there is no particular vaccination required when visiting the island.
Nudity is not permitted at beaches; normal beachwear applies.
It's good manners to wave back if waved at by locals when driving.
Respect Ramadan . Restaurants and other facilities remain open for non-Muslims, but the eating area may be behind curtains.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands northwest of Christmas Island has weekly connecting flights that take about 1 hour.
One can also take a charter flight to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur .
Christmas Island is a remote, dog-shaped tropical island located 1550 kilometers northwest of the Australian mainland and south of Java. It is an Australian external territory, also called “ Galapagos of the Indian Ocean ”. 2/3 of the island is covered by a National Park so it is a gorgeous destination to visit for a remote feel where you are surrounded by breathtaking nature, friendly locals and unique sights. The easiest way to get here is from Jakarta, Indonesia (it only takes a 45 minute plane ride).
Now you may be wondering where Christmas Island got its name…when new territories were being discovered, it was not uncommon for territories to be named after the day they were first sighted. Christmas Island is one of those territories, named on Christmas Day, 1643 by an English sea captain.
Christmas Island is part of Australia and is far removed from the standard travel and tourist track. There are flights only from Australia and Indonesia to arrive here and only three airlines service the Island, including Virgin Australia, Garuda and Malindo Air.
Since Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia, the same immigration rules apply to as they do for Australia. Therefore you will need to get a visa before your departure. You can request a visa for Australia online on websites like auvisa.org .
To see the annual crab migration on Christmas Island is an incredible experience. It is said to a be a ‘natural wonder’ as 60 million red land crabs make their way to the coast.. and it is something you can only see on Christmas Island. It is one of the main yearly attractions on Christmas Island and generally happens in October or November.
Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on the island, as it has over 60 dive sites and clear warm waters all year long. You can see over 575 species of tropical fish and experience the underwater world unique to the Christmas Island area.
To get to the center of Christmas Island National Park, take the Boulder Track for a walk and incredible viewpoints.
There are various types of accommodation you can find on Christmas Island. Flying Fish Cove is the largest settlement in the region with approximately 1600 inhabitants (about a third of the population on the island). It is here that you
Swell Lodge is a secluded eco-chalet with stunning views as it has the forest on one side and the ocean on the other.
On Christmas Island you can see a number of beautiful and rare birds, including golden bosuns, frigatebirds, red and brown-footed boobies and more. If you are already a bird lover, each September there is the Bird’n’Nature Week hosted on the island that is a major draw for people from all around the world. Margaret Knoll is another great spot for bird watching.
The best (and really) only way to get around Christmas Island is by car since so much of the island is covered by the Christmas Island National Park. You can rent a car from the airport where you will land. There is also no public transportation, but this just adds to the charm of visiting a remote place.
The Aussie Dollar is the local currency on Christmas Island and cash is very much so appreciated here.
There are a few lovely bistros and cafes spread around the island, however keep in mind that this is a remote place and fresh fruit and vegetables come with a price. Our advice is to pack some things along with you, especially if you are a foodie and can not live without your favorite snacks for a few days.
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Sep 5, 2019 • 5 min read
Editor's note: Since this story was written, Christmas Island's detention centre has been reopened.
With more than 225,000 red crabs (and 40 seabirds) to each of its human residents, getting back to nature takes on new meaning on Christmas Island. But while many travellers will have heard of its annual crab migration – regarded by Sir David Attenborough as one of the world’s most ‘astonishing and wonderful’ sights – this remote Australian territory remains one of the nation’s most underrated attractions, receiving just 2000 visitors a year.
A three-and-a-half hour flight from Perth , Christmas Island’s isolation has a lot to do with its lack of visitors. The Indian Ocean island’s controversial detention centre – which was closed in 2019 – hasn’t exactly been good for business either. But with tourism infrastructure continually improving as the island’s phosphate mining industry simultaneously winds down, it’s an incredible time to explore Australia ’s own Galapagos before the secret is out.
A wild expanse of verdant rainforest, volcanic cliffs, hidden beaches and endemic wildlife, Christmas Island National Park encompasses nearly two thirds of the 13- sq-km island, and is a key highlight for visitors. An easy 750m stroll along a raised boardwalk, Hughs Dale Waterfall Walk is easily the most popular trail that has been carved out of the unique vegetation. Just downhill from the trailhead, look for the path to the romantic sliver of sand known as Merrial Beach. If you spot a car parked at the top of the track, island courtesy dictates that its owner should be left to enjoy the beach in private.
Other beaches in the national park include Dolly Beach (reached via a 1km boardwalk), West White Beach (1.5km one-way), Winifred Beach (1.4km one-way) and Greta Beach, accessed via a hairy 4WD track. More accessible attractions include the Blowholes, where explosive bursts of seawater can be seen shooting 20m up through ancient lava tubes, and Margaret Knoll Lookout for sweeping island views and fantastic birdwatching. On Wednesday afternoon, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Pink House Research Station, where national park staff are working to save two endemic lizard species from extinction.
Even outside of the annual crab migration (which can occur anytime between October and January), the island teems with these creatures. And not just red crabs – among the 20-odd crab species that call the island home, you’re bound to spot plenty of Christmas Island blue crabs, and huge robber crabs (also known as coconut crabs) roaming the island. Like most Christmas Island wildlife, the crabs have little fear of humans, making them a photographer’s dream at any time of the year.
Christmas Island is also known for its incredible birdlife, with an estimated 80,000 seabirds nesting here annually. Along with endemic species such as the Christmas Island frigatebird and the elegant white-tailed tropicbird; red-footed, brown and huge Abbott’s boobies can be spotted nesting everywhere from seaside cliffs to locals’ front yards.
Formed by a series of geological uplifts over several million years, Christmas Island is surrounded by jagged cliffs, making much of its 80km shoreline inaccessible. But this only adds to the fun of seeking out its handful of beaches. Outside the aforementioned beaches in the national park, Lily Beach has the deepest arc of sand and a somewhat protected swimming area. It’s linked to the longer, wilder, Ethel Beach by a boardwalk that passes through a field of limestone pinnacles favoured by nesting seabirds. In town, Flying Fish Cove (locally known as The Cove) is a popular weekend hangout for locals. Just off Golf Course Rd, don’t miss The Grotto, a small cave with a refreshing natural pool chilled by an underwater spring.
As close as 20m from the shoreline, Christmas Island’s colourful fringing reef drops off several kilometres into the abyss, making for some of the most unique scuba diving on the planet. With more than 60 dive sites to choose from, keen divers could easily spend a few weeks here ticking off rare species such as dragon moray eels and hybrid fish that don’t occur anywhere else, while keeping an eye out for spinner dolphins and whale sharks.
In 2016, international diving operator Extra Divers joined smaller outfit Wet ‘n’ Dry Adventures on the island, making its underwater marvels even more accessible. Both operators also offer snorkelling trips, but some of the island’s best and most accessible snorkelling can be had just off the beach at Flying Fish Cove.
Located on the island’s northeastern tip, Flying Fish Cove – Christmas Island’s main settlement, which is essentially a mining town – isn’t particularly easy on the eye, but its quirkiness has a way of growing on you. In a nod to the rich cultural makeup of the local community, which numbers less than 2000 people, the settlement is dotted with various places of worship, while an ongoing beautification scheme has seen drab buildings livened up with colourful murals. Even renowned Malaysian-based street artist Ernest Zacharevic has made his mark here in a piece affectionately known as ‘Forklift Boy’.
At the western end of Flying Fish Cove, don’t miss the excellent museum on the upper floor of historic Tai Jin House with its colourful displays recounting the island’s fascinating – and often dark – history. It stands near a 6-inch-barrelled gun installed during WWII, which wasn’t much help in defending the island against the Japanese, who occupied it for three years.
Christmas Island is served by twice-weekly flights from Perth (connecting with the Cocos Islands), a weekly flight from Jakarta , and a fortnightly flight from Kuala Lumpur . Plan on staying for at least four nights; longer if you’re hoping to log a few dives.
There are a handful of guesthouses and restaurants in Flying Fish Cove, but if you’d prefer to be immersed in nature, check out Swell Lodge . Opened in 2018, the park’s only nature-based accommodation option features two eco-luxe glamping tents perched on a serene cliff above the ocean and surrounded by jungle. Rates include daily island touring with a knowledgeable host, three-course dinners cooked on your deck by a private chef, and endless opportunities to get up close to crabs.
If you’re not staying at Swell, hiring a car (ideally a 4WD) is essential for exploring the island; make the excellent Visitor Information Centre your first stop.
Sarah Reid travelled to Christmas Island with support from Tourism Australia and Swell Lodge. Lonely Planet writers do not accept freebies in return for positive coverage.
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Christmas Island Tourism Association
Like King Kong’s Skull Island, Christmas Island is the land time forgot. Uninhabited for thousands of years, Christmas Island became an Indian Ocean Galapagos. There are species here you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Christmas Island is in the Indian Ocean closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia. Despite the location, Christmas Island is an Australian territory reachable on a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth.
The island came into being when the peak of a steep basalt volcanic seamount rose over three miles from the ocean floor about 60 million years ago.
Captain William Mynors named Christmas Island on Christmas Day in 1643 from aboard an East India Company vessel. But steep cliffs and impenetrable jungle continued keeping the world at bay.
When rich deposits of phosphate were discovered there in the late 19th century, Britain annexed the island. Soon after, the Christmas Island Phosphate Company brought in Chinese indentured laborers, Sikh overseers, and a small number of Malays — the beginning of the island’s diverse cultural mix.
Even today, the 50-square-mile tropical island remains unspoiled by mass tourism . Tracks and trails reach the most spectacular locations, but the island is still covered by tropical rainforest, two-thirds of which is a national park .
Christmas Island is the place to swim with whale sharks, bathe under waterfalls, snorkel in clear waters, and spot rare birds. And for anyone fascinated by crustaceans, you have found crab heaven.
skyfall4 / Shutterstock
Nature documentaries recording Christmas Island red crab migration have captured the imaginations of people worldwide. David Attenborough described the experience as one of the most memorable of his life’s work. There are around 45 million red crabs on Christmas Island, all fire truck red and around 4.5 inches wide. Imagine the start of the wet season in late October and November when they march like a red army from the jungle — trekking several days to mate on the beach. Locals protect them on the roads as best they can; keeping rakes or brooms in their cars for gentle sweeping out of harm’s way. So much kinder than the sickening crunch. Some roads are closed to allow safe passage. Where they remain open, rangers place railings along the edges, funneling millions over the overpasses built specifically for them. They climb up and over like soldiers scaling obstacle courses. Not surprisingly, these bridges are a huge hit with tourists.
The female crabs stay in their burrows for a couple of weeks. Then, they spawn en masse — dropping their eggs into the water where the larvae develop. In February they hatch, and tens of millions of baby crabs crawl toward the jungle, creating a moving crimson carpet that blankets streets, the golf course, and anyone’s shoes that happen in their way. Wise locals seal up door openings.
If you visit outside these migration times, there are still plenty of crabs to see. Christmas Island has 20 species of land crabs and you become strangely accustomed to their presence. They include the Christmas Island blue crab — with its striking blue hues — and the coconut crab, the largest land-living arthropod in the world, also known as the robber crab. Watch out for your camera . They love carrying off shiny objects.
No need for expensive spa treatments on this holiday. Christmas Island offers a variety of “treatments” for free. After a forest boardwalk in a tropical dale, immerse yourself under rainforest falls at Hughs Dale Waterfall — the ultimate Vichy shower. Dip in the Grotto with a pure white sand base and crystal blue water. The ocean swirls to meet a subterranean freshwater stream with you in the center. Enjoy nature’s flotation tank. With its much higher roof. Climbing in is tricky. But worth it if you can. Cool off at the Blowholes . Waves crash at the base of a honeycomb of eroded cliffs — forcing seawater high in the air. There’s a loud whoosh and eruptions like a windpipe of volcanoes venting steam. This drifts toward you as a delightful cool mist. A spa might call it a hydration therapy. Bathe in natural infinity pools and a spa carved by nature. Waves crash over tiered rock pools, spilling over edges like miniature waterfalls. This ocean spa is close to Swell Lodge — a new, upmarket eco-lodge where guests even have their own chef.
KiltedArab / Shutterstock
Christmas Island offers many beaches where you can relax or frolic in the shallows. Experts voted Dolly Beach the seventh best beach in Australia in 2016. After a scenic 1.2 mile boardwalk, you are greeted with a scene from Robinson Crusoe . Palm trees angle over pure white sands lapped by turquoise water. Man Friday left no footprints, but plodding turtles have. While secluded, I wouldn’t swim naked. It’s not allowed , for a start, and a robber crab might just steal your clothes.
Another boardwalk runs between Lily Beach (a tidal rock pool for swimming) and Ethel Beach (a great place to view fossils). The blowholes are along this stretch. Most of Christmas Island’s 50-mile coastline is dominated by sea cliffs — the gaps creating hidey-hole beaches waiting to be discovered. Merrial Beach is so tiny it disappears at high tide. It’s much loved by photographers who trek out for the perfect shot of white sand and blue ocean framed by rock formations.
For serious swimmers, the southern end of Flying Fish Cove offers a protected ocean setting.
Instead of traveling miles out by boat to see coral, Flying Fish Cove offers world-class snorkeling a few feet from shore. A narrow fringe of reef encircles the island and is home to 88 different species of coral and 600 colorful species of tropical fish. It’s a magical world of sea urchins, clams, and darting arrows of fish — and a chance to see turtles, manta rays, giant trevally, lionfish, and spinner dolphins.
The island rises dramatically from the edge of the Java Trench, the Indian Ocean’s deepest point. So even 20 yards out, serious divers can enjoy spectacular wall dives and larger fish. Between October and January, this includes whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. They can grow the size of a school bus with mouths more than three feet wide. These gentle giants feed on plankton, so it’s safe to swim with them. They arrive seasonally to feed off the billions of larvae released during red crab spawning.
Christmas Island has more than 60 dive sites. There are wall and reef dives, underwater caves, hybrid fish, and unusual species rarely found elsewhere. Wet n Dry Adventures is a family business operating since 1994 and Extra Divers is a global brand that offers diving experiences. With excellent visibility and warm water, Christmas Island is an ideal place to gain diving certifications.
Christmas Island is also an important fishing destination, offering everything from dropping a line off the jetty at Flying Fish Cove to deep-sea game fishing . Giant trevally, wahoo, yellowfin, and dogtooth tuna are some of the larger species.
Everyone becomes a birdwatcher (a twitcher) on Christmas Island. Birds are everywhere. The terraced island is a tropical seabird rookery, with around 80,000 seabirds nesting here each year. A short drive through plateau forest leads to the boardwalk at Margaret Knoll Lookout where many of Christmas Island’s varied bird species soar past at eye level showing off their aerial acrobatics. You’ll see golden bosuns with yellow plumage and dive-bombing frigatebirds. Male frigates have throat pouches. They inflate their pouches during mating season to attract females. These look like huge red balloons. There are many red-footed and brown boobies. There’s even a good chance to see a rare Abbott’s booby ; they nest nowhere else on Earth. These crazy-looking creatures have huge webbed feet (imagine birds wearing colorful flippers) and can perch firmly onto anything. They hold no fear of humans. You can get close for some great photographs. At National Park Bird Feeding , watch volunteers feed rescued Christmas Island birds. Birdwatchers come to Christmas Island from all over the world either independently or on bird watching tours.
Christmas Island has a harmonious blend of Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, and Muslim residents. Of the 2,000-strong population, some are also from mainland Australia.
Expect Taoist temples and shrines overlooking the ocean, and a shining mosque in Kampong, the island’s traditionally Malay neighborhood.
Ethnic diversity means surprising food finds. Head to the Idah Kitchen at the Malay Club for a traditional breakfast of noodles, laksa, or Hainanese chicken rice washed down with teh tarik — tea with condensed milk. Lucky Ho serves Sichuan classics and dragonfruit slushies. The Chinese Literary Association spices up life with Asian fare. Rumah Tinggi Bar and Grill is home to excellent tapas and sundowner drinks with clifftop views. Golden Bosun Tavern offers good pub grub. It is also the place to chat with the locals over a beer and sunset views.
Seafood is plentiful, but crabs are protected and off the menu. Eating out is more expensive than at home as the soil lacks nitrates so fresh produce is mostly freighted in. But as a tax-free zone , alcohol is some of the cheapest in Australia.
Emma Jones / Shutterstock
Christmas Island has a fascinating, if harsh, cultural history. Early phosphate mineworkers were treated cruelly and died in the hundreds. During WWII, islanders were shipped to Japanese prisoner of war camps in Indonesia after they sabotaged the mine. A strong Union of Christmas Island Workers was necessary to improve living and working conditions on the island. And Christmas Island has at various times been the contentious site of an immigration detention center. Tourists can find out more about Christmas Island’s history at Tai Jin House , where a historical exhibition tells the full story (open daily 12 p.m. till 3 p.m.) or by chatting with long-term locals. With scaling back phosphate mines, ecotourism on Christmas Island is set to boom. Don’t expect a tropical resort, but your forays into nature will be unforgettable.
Christmas Island is safe. There are walking trails and boardwalks to suit all fitness levels. But follow hiking guidelines . Personal Locator Beacons are available from the Christmas Island Police Station.
You need a 4WD vehicle to reach some attractions. Collect from the airport. Or tours are available .
Not all accommodation is advertised online . Contact Christmas Island Visitors Centre for additional recommendations.
With incredible wildlife and scenery, and opportunities for underwater photography, there’s a number of photography tours .
Visiting Christmas Island is often combined with a trip to Cocos (Keeling) Islands — another Australian territory and a tropical paradise. In normal times, flights operate from Jakarta as well as Perth .
Looking for more travel inspiration? Here’s why Australia’s outback or rainforest should be on your bucket list.
Editor’s Note: The ideas about Christmas Island presented in the first paragraph of this article are inspired and informed by “ Close encounters on Christmas Island, Australia’s own Galapagos ,” an article published by the Christmas Island Tourism Association.
Nadine Cresswell-Myatt of Red Bag Will Travel took her first plane trip at age eight. This would not be so unusual except she was flying solo and had never seen a plane before: what were her parents thinking? This adventure set her course for life. For over 25 years, she has crafted stories about her travel adventures for newspapers, magazines, and online travel sites, as well as training others how to do the same. You can follow her international travel on Instagram or read about her Australian jaunts at WeekendNotes . Yes, she’s an Aussie, but with children and grandchildren around the globe and her ability to travel with only a red carry-on bag, you might just find her popping up anywhere. And she still travels solo.
Baby red crab. Photo: Wondrous World Images
Christmas Island has fantastic weather all year around, with little variation in temperatures throughout the year.
Temperatures reach an average high of 28°C in April and an average low of around 22°C in August. Humidity is lowest during the middle of the year (dry season), while you might get some showers from November to April (wet season).
Most of the island’s activities can be enjoyed all year round, including diving , snorkelling , bushwalking , birdwatching and golf .
The red crab migration and spawning is a spectacular bucket-list event that you don’t want to miss. The crabs start marching to the ocean to spawn at the start of the wet season, usually around October or November.
A month after spawning, the baby crabs emerge from the ocean and head for the forest. When baby numbers are high, this part of the migration is even more spectacular than the event that spawned it.
© 2013–2024 Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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14 incredible days on Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Island hop between these extraordinary locations on an unforgettable 14-day adventure.
By Sue Gough Henly, Georgia Rickard
Get close to unique birdlife, bizarre crab migrations, coral reefs , turtles and whale sharks on this 14-day itinerary. Go deep sea fishing and kitesurfing and relax on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. On these islands, closer to Asia than mainland Australia, you'll discover a distinctive Malay culture and dine on unique Chinese island cuisine. The ideal time to visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is during the south-east wind season between April and November. This coincides with the annual red crab migration on Christmas Island (October to November) and the Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan) cultural celebration on Home Island in the Cocos (Keeling) islands.
What to expect
View of Flying Fish Cove from Territory Day Park, Christmas Island © Tourism Australia
Take the four-hour flight from Perth to Christmas Island , 135 square kilometres (52 square miles) of steep cliffs, tropical rainforest, rare birdlife, national parks and crabs. Sir David Attenborough labelled Christmas Island the "kingdom of the crabs", and for good reason. This fascinating place is home to an abundance and diversity of land crabs not matched anywhere else on Earth. Tens of millions of endemic red crabs live here, and you'll see them everywhere: in trees, on footpaths, under boardwalks and on beaches. There are also another two dozen species to look out for, including endemic blue crabs (you'll find them inhabiting the island's wetlands), and the harmless, but enormous robber crabs. Named for their propensity to stealing anything that catches their eye, these colourful, basketball-sized creatures are often seen on forest floors and on the island's roads.
Pick up your hire car (4WD is essential as the roads outside the townships are unsealed) and drive to the island's main settlement (known simply as Settlement), where you'll check in to comfortable motel-style accommodation at The Sunset . Then take the 10-minute drive to Territory Day Park , which sits at the top of a mountain crest and offers spectacular views of Settlement and the popular adjacent swimming spot, Flying Fish Cove, below. Enjoy a two-kilometre (1.2-mile) return rainforest walk around the park and get your bearings before taking the 10-minute drive to Tai Jin House , a grand manor that was originally the residence of the island's British administrator. You'll find a permanent exhibition detailing Christmas Island's fascinating history. Enjoy dinner with the locals at the Golden Bosun Tavern , a relaxed pub by the water serving tap beer and affordable meals.
Swimming with whale sharks, Christmas Island © Tourism Australia
Today you'll explore Christmas Island's remarkable underwater world in the area's warm, translucent waters. Because the island is perched on the edge of the Java Trench (the Indian Ocean's deepest point), it offers some of the world's best wall dives in exquisitely clear water. Divers are likely to see large pelagic fish such as tuna, barracuda and reef sharks, as well as some of the 88 coral species and 600 fish species living here, spinner dolphins, and green and hawksbill turtles. Between November and April it's possible to swim with whale sharks on their annual migration. During the October to November's red crab migration – a sight that Sir David has called one of the most memorable moments of his television career, due to the millions of crabs that move down to the water like a giant red carpet – you can take a tour with Indian Ocean Experiences and watch the female crabs spawn. Afterwards, play golf on the lush fairways of the nine-hole Christmas Island Golf Course . Or take a short, steep rugged walk to the Golf Course Lookout, where you can watch red footed boobies, endangered Christmas Island frigate birds and golden bosuns soar past as you admire the spectacular views along the north-east coast. Visit the nearby Mar Chor Nui Nui Temple facing out to sea and dedicated to the Sea Goddess. Enjoy dinner at the Chinese Literary Association, which is not a bookstore but a restaurant serving authentic Chinese fare. Christmas Island's population is 60 per cent Chinese.
Snorkelling at Dolly Beach, Christmas Island © Tourism Australia
Today you'll visit the remarkably pretty Dolly Beach. Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation, then pack a picnic and drive 16.5 kilometres (10 miles) to the beginning of the Dolly Beach walking track , where you'll take the leisurely one-kilometre (0.6-mile) boardwalk through rainforest to arrive at this special place. Dolly Beach is a powdery white stretch of sand framed by a dramatic grove of coconut palms and surrounded by shallow, azure waters complete with a coral reef. Pack a snorkel; you can borrow one at your accommodation. Be sure to take a dip in the natural rock pool in the middle of the beach (it's nicknamed Dolly Beach Spa for the gentle waves that swoosh into it, creating bubbles) and look out for the area's robber crabs as well as the turtles that nest here all year round. Afterwards, drive 11 kilometres (7 miles) south through the rainforest to the Blowholes , where you'll see a dramatic natural performance. The waves here spurt upwards through hundreds of holes in the rocky coastline, creating airborne jets of water in a landscape of black rock pinnacles. Return to Settlement via the stunning Margaret Knoll lookout , which offers panoramic views of the island's east coast and is a perfect site to watch seabirds soaring.
Hugh's Dale, The Dales, Christmas Island © Tourism Australia
Fifteen kilometres (nine miles) from your accommodation, you'll find the Dales, one of the few places on the island with permanent flowing water, providing a significant habitat for the island's endemic blue crabs. Take the boardwalk through Tahitian chestnut trees, strangler figs and banyan trees. On your way, look out for the blue crabs, which are an incredible sky blue colour, and follow the freshwater stream to Hughs Dale waterfall, where you can enjoy a shower (pictured). The Dales is one of Christmas Island's two Ramsar protected wetlands. If you are feeling adventurous, follow another trail from Hughs Dale to Andersons Dale, a small gorge with a stream that flows to the sea. After spending the day here, drive to nearby Martin Point for spectacular sunset views and loads of frigate (booby) birds.
Outdoor Cinema on Christmas Island © Tourism Australia
Spend the day deep sea fishing for big sailfish, tuna, marlin, swordfish and wahoo just a few hundred metres off shore from the boat launch at Flying Fish Cove. Back on land, cool off in the sandy-floored pool beneath a sunlit cave entrance at the Grotto, just a 10-minute drive from the Settlement. Enjoy an authentic Chinese meal at Lucky Ho outdoor restaurant in Poon Saan, and, if it's a Saturday, take in an evening movie under the warm, tropical sky at the Outdoor Cinema .
Lily Beach, Christmas Island © Inger Van Dyke, Christmas Island Tourism
Pack a picnic and drive nine kilometres (six miles) to white coral Lily Beach, one of the island's most accessible and protected beaches, surrounded on both sides by cliffs. At low tide explore the rock pools or swim into the deeper blue water. After lunch stroll the 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) limestone karst-lined boardwalk to Ethel Beach. Along the way you'll likely see lots of nesting brown boobies with their fluffy white chicks at close range. These adorable birds are relatively unafraid of humans (and accustomed to cameras), so quietly snap some photos of this rare birdlife encounter, then hop back in your car and take the 20-kilometre (12.5-mile) drive to South Point. This once-thriving community of phosphate mine workers is now a ghost town, but you can see the historic railway station here and visit the Soon Tien Kong Temple, which islanders still visit to practise Chinese Taoism. Stay to catch the sunset before returning to Settlement and enjoy dinner at Rumah Tinggi Bar and Grill . It's an upmarket restaurant housed in a heritage building on the oceanfront.
West White Beach, Christmas Island © Erica Harrison, Christmas Island Tourism
Pack a picnic lunch and drive the 30-minute 4WD track towards West White Beach on a tour with Indian Ocean Experiences . From the car it's a solid one-hour walk with a short cliff descent (rope provided) to reach this secluded long beach edged by a series of rock pools, but well worth it. This is one of the most remote beaches on Earth, where few feet have stood. Make the most of the silence by beachcombing, watching the rock pools for tiny blenny fish that play, mate and chase each other, or watching the crabs that run to and fro in the wash.
Direction Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
This afternoon you're flying to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands , so spend your morning doing some last minute shopping for Christmas Island art at the Wild Papaya gallery, and shopping for souvenirs at the Visitor Information Centre before boarding your 90-minute flight. You'll disembark directly onto the Cocos runway, in the middle of the West Island golf course – your first clue that the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are rather unusual. An almost perfect circular atoll of 27 islands, each blanketed with coconut palms and surrounded by white sand beaches, Cocos, as it's known to locals, is home to only two inhabited islands: Home Island and West Island. The airport is on West Island. Check in to your accommodation at Cocos Castaway on West Island and have a sunset drink at the Cocos Club before dinner in the beach garden at Tropika Restaurant, which serves a terrific buffet each night.
Home Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
On the opposite side of the atoll to West Island you'll find Home Island, where a small, unique indigenous population of about 450 Cocos Malay people live. The Cocos Malay people are believed to have been settled here in 1826 – as slaves and members of the harem of Alexander Hare, an English explorer – from various parts of Asia, predominantly Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, the Cocos Malay people speak a mixture of English, Malay and Cocos Malay, practise Sunni Islam and maintain their own unique dress code. A two-hour cultural tour of Home Island – only 20 minutes by ferry from West Island – offers fascinating insight into the way these friendly locals live. Discover Cocos Malay traditions, try basket weaving, learn a few Cocos Malay words and visit the museum. Cultural tours take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; the restaurant is open for lunch daily and dinner only on Wednesdays. You might consider timing your trip to the Cocos (Keeling) islands to coincide with the Hari Raya Puasa celebrations that mark the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, when visitors are invited to join locals in wandering from house to house in the Home Island streets, partaking in celebratory open feasts.
Cocos Dive, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
On nearby Direction Island you'll find Cossies Beach, which, with its creamy white sands, palm-fringed edges and bright blue water, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. To get here, take the 30-minute ferry from West Island to Direction Island (Thursdays and Saturdays only) and orient yourself on the fascinating three-kilometre (1.9-mile) walk around the island. You'll find plaques describing the island's history, including the sinking of SMS Emden, a German ship, during the Battle of Cocos in World War I. Cossies Beach is also home to one of the islands' best land-based drift snorkels, the Rip, in which you can drift above corals, giant trevally, turtles, parrot fish, reef sharks and more. Hire snorkelling gear and receive a detailed brief on snorkelling the Rip before you board the ferry, back at West Island's Visitor Centre, or wait until day 12 when you'll snorkel the Rip with a guide on your dive excursion. This afternoon, join the locals for the Thursday afternoon game on the nine-hole golf course, the only golf course in the world located on an international runway. Then enjoy dinner at Maxi's by the Sea .
Motorised outrigger canoe safari, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
West Island is home to a relatively small population (about 100 people), but there's plenty to see and do. Start today with a takeaway coffee or chai latte from Maxi's by the Sea , then embark on a motorised outrigger canoe safari exploring the southern islands of the huge lagoon, where you'll see lots of marine life including turtles, dolphins and tropical fish. The four to five-hour tour departs at different times each day (depending on the tide). You may find yourself enjoying a Champagne breakfast on a floating pontoon, learning about the islands’ history and culture, going snorkelling, strolling on deserted beaches, exploring some of the uninhabited islands and viewing turtle breeding sites. It is estimated there are 30,000 green and hawksbill turtles living in the middle of the atoll. Walk out to the end of West Island's town jetty on the north of the island in the late afternoon to see dozens of them swimming in the shallows. Have dinner this evening at the Flying Fish Cafe (located next to the Cocos Club), which serves fresh-out-of-the-sea tropical fish such as coral trout and sweet lip.
Kitesurfing, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
The waters around Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a diver's paradise, and today you'll experience this first-hand on a dive with Cocos Dive . There are more than 25 different dive sites around the atoll, including some with shipwrecks and historical artillery. Marine life that you might encounter includes sea fans, sea anemones, soft corals, black corals, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, moray eels, nudibranches, parrot fish, wrasse, and if you are lucky, the Cocos pygmy angelfish. You may also see Kat, the only dugong to make Cocos his permanent home; he arrived several years ago and has never left. After you've finished your morning dives you'll stop at Direction Island to enjoy a light lunch at Cossies Beach and a relaxed snorkel at the Rip with your guide before enjoying another dive. At the end of your day you'll be returned to West Island. Head to Tropika Restaurant to enjoy another buffet dinner of Cocos Malay and Western dishes.
Stand-up paddle boarding, Cocos Keeling Islands © Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is one of the best kitesurfing locations in Australia. If you are visiting when the south-east trade winds are blowing, from July to October, join a kitesurfing clinic . Beginners can learn all the basic safety techniques in flat shallow water, where you can simply stand up if you fall over, while more experienced kitesurfers can practise how to jump higher and do back and front rolls. If it's not kitesurfing season, try your hand at fishing – you can buy hooks and handlines at the Visitor Centre, where you'll also be provided with tips on the best spots to fish that day. Alternatively, dedicated fly fishers will be pleased to know this is one of the best places on Earth to practise bonefish fly fishing. December to March is peak season for this, but fish can be caught all year round. Simply bring your own equipment and you can fish from the shore. As the day moves towards its end, head to "the old jetty", on the north end of West Island, where you can usually spot a variety of larger marine animals swimming around its base, including giant trevally, reef sharks, manta rays and lots of turtles. If you've managed to catch anything, cook your catch for dinner at one of the barbecues at Trannies Beach, the Spot Beach or the Gun Club Beach - there are free public barbecues at almost every beach on West Island, but these three offer great views of the setting sun each day. Alternatively, enjoy the locals' Sunday special at the Cocos Club – it might be pizza, hamburgers or something else altogether.
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands © Rik Soderlund, Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association
Spend your final day exploring West Island at your own speed. Most accommodation offers bicycles, but if you prefer you can hire a car or scooter from Cocos Autos Car Hire in town. Next, head to the Visitor Centre to hire some snorkelling gear, then set out for the day: West Island is just 14 kilometres (nine miles) in length and ringed with beaches worth exploring. As you make your way to the northern end of the island, be sure to stop at Trannies Beach or Pulu Maria Beach, both of which have shallow reefs that are perfect for using your snorkel. The Big Barge Art Centre is a community art space that is a work of art itself. It's housed inside a restored wooden copra boat, and inside you'll find the work of local artists that you can admire and buy if you so wish. Owner and artist Emma Washer offers regular art classes here, though you'll need to pre-arrange one. Afterwards, return to town for a final drink at Cocos Club, where you can toast the sunset one last time and vow to return.
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Christmas Island is a scenic and magnificent island tucked away in the Indian Ocean with a fascinating history. It was first sighted by the Europeans around the 1600s and was named on Christmas Day in 1643 by Captain William Mynors, hence the name.
The island is an Australian external territory and is made up of forests and imposing limestone cliffs with coves and small beaches in between them. Hence, the island offers an array of exciting activities for visitors, earning it a place among the most beautiful tropical islands near Australia .
From water-oriented adventures like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, to watching the migration of crabs and birds, here are some of the best things to do on Christmas Island.
India's best scuba diving sites rival the world's top dive destinations. Here's a guide to Goa, The Andamans, Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Kerala, and more.
The famous blowholes on christmas island make loud whooshing sounds.
Blowholes are popular on Christmas Island and are fascinating to behold. These blowholes are formed due to the porous nature of some limestone formations and caves. So, when the ocean’s tide rises, water fills up the limestones and caves from their bases, and pressure causes them to eject waters dramatically into the air from openings at their top.
On the south side of the island, there is a long boardwalk along the coasts where one can spot these blowholes in action as they make loud whooshing sounds.
Flying fishing cove is the capital of christmas island.
Beyond water-based adventures and beaches, there are also incredible things to do in Flying Fish Cove - the capital of Christmas Island. Visitors can take a walking tour of the streets of Flying Fish Cove, interact with friendly residents, taste BBQs, and even hit the gym.
It is also fun to shop for some clothing and gift items at the Christmas Island Supermarket or grab local craft items at one of the local shops. Also, the island's visitor information center is a great stop for first-time visitors to learn more about the island, including relevant information on what to do.
Different cuisines are available on christmas island, including malaysian, western, and chinese.
A visit to Christmas Island is not complete without tasting the island's delicious dishes, which are a mix of Australian and Asian flavors.
The Flying Fish Cafe is an ideal place to taste some of the best food here like laksa soup and curry puffs. CI Bakery is another top-tier destination for tasty bread, egg rolls, donuts, and even curry puffs.
Christmas island has many lookout points that offer incredible views.
One of the best activities on Christmas Island for tourists is to observe the gorgeous scenery from a lookout. From these lookouts, one will be able to see everything from rainforests to coves, cliffs, mountains, beaches, and coastlines.
Some of the best lookouts on Christmas Island include Territory Day Park Lookout, Golf Course Lookout, Martin Point Lookout, and Margaret Knoll Lookout.
In addition to the views, these elevated lookouts offer visitors the opportunity to spot elegant birds like the Frigate, Imperial Pigeon, Nankeen Kestrel, and Emerald Dove.
This museum was once the home of the british administrator of christmas island.
History lovers can learn about the rich history of Christmas Island at the Tai Jin House Museum. The museum features relics and exhibitions as well as guided tours to give visitors a detailed look at the Island's past.
In addition to the historical exhibitions, this museum sits atop a cliff that offers bewitching views of the Indian Ocean and Flying Fish Cove.
Travelers walk to Tai Jin House from Territory Day Park. Also, visitors can see naval guns and buildings set up to defend the island during World War II by continuing their walk past the house.
An island vacation should be one filled with natural beauty and tranquility and these lesser-known islands are best suited for this.
Hike the short highs dale track to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on christmas island.
The Dales region of Christmas Island National Park is one of the best places to visit on Christmas Island, courtesy of the waterfalls there. This area is wet all year round and the waterfall is permanent, so visitors can catch its magnificent sights any time of the year.
Getting here is via a 30-minute’ walk on the short Hughs Dale Track , which includes sights such as walking crabs, and Tahitian chestnut trees.
Once at the waterfall, visitors can immerse in its beauty by showering under the cascading waters, which are clean and safe for drinking.
This national park almost occupies the entirety of christmas island.
Christmas Island National Park occupies around two-thirds of the island's land area. Hiking is the main activity in the park with well-marked trails like Martin Point Walk that leads to a viewpoint on a cliff, where one can capture the island's best sunset views. Another scenic trail to explore the park's rainforests and coastal views is the Territory Day Park , which is about 0.6 miles (1 km).
In addition, some of Christmas Island's beaches like Dolly, Merrial, and Winifred Beaches are inside the National Park to explore, with side attractions like sea turtle and crab sightings.
Christmas island is the only place in the world where people can watch red crabs migrating in their millions every year.
Christmas Island has the largest diversity of land crabs more than any island in the world, and Red Crabs are the most popular of these crabs. If visiting in October just as the wet season begins, visitors can watch the annual Christmas Island Red Crab migration and be stunned at the incredible occurrence.
It is an amazing sight that features millions of Red Crabs moving from the forest to the ocean to breed and release eggs into the water. The migration is considered a wonder and a must-see for every visitor.
Christmas island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Christmas Island is worth visiting for its beaches especially; in fact, it's one of the reasons Australia is among the countries with the best beaches in the world (as it's an external Australian territory).
The island is filled with enchanting white sand beaches at the backdrop of magnificent cliffs and coves. Hopping these beaches to capture some of the finest views of nature and the ocean will expose visitors to some of the island's most beautiful areas.
Some of the best beaches on Christmas Island to see include Lily Beach, Dolly Beach, Ethel Beach, Greta Beach, Flying Fish Cove, Winifred Beach, and West White Beach. Across these beaches, visitors can stroll on their snow-white sandy shores, enjoy picnics, sunbathe, watch birds, and swim in the ocean.
On some of the beaches, there are shallow rock and grotto pools to swim in or just float on the waters.
Samoa - an island located in the central Pacific Ocean, is one amazing and underrated destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Christmas island is surrounded by water, so there are a lot of water-based activities to do here.
Christmas Island is among the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean ; that means water-based adventures here are sensational. The Flying Fish Cove in the heart of the island is one of the best places to engage in watersports activities.
With several dive sites in this central region of the island, visitors can dive into the water for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins and sharks. For visitors who prefer not to immerse in the water, surfing the waves, paddleboarding, and fishing in the ocean from a boat are alternate options.
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Guide to Christmas Island
Christmas Island
These supply issues and distance they have to travel do have a couple of consequences though. The first is that food items - particularly fresh items such as fruit and vegetables carry a premium price point: Small meals average between $10-25. Large meals anywhere between $20-50. Coffee $3-6. Iced Coffee $10.
On a typical dive with Diving Christmas, you might find yourself swimming with the world's largest fish, the whale shark, which visits Christmas Island from November to March. You'll likely also ...
Weather Considerations and Ideal Travel Seasons: Christmas Island experiences a tropical equatorial climate, with a wet season from December to April and a dry season from May to November. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is less humid and the sea conditions are better for diving and snorkeling.
Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean, 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth and 350 kilometres south of Indonesia. The tiny, reef fringed, Australian territory of Christmas Island captured the imagination of wildlife lovers everywhere when Sir David Attenborough, one of the world's most respected naturalists, showed the world the ...
Accommodation tip: The Christmas Island Bali Style Retreat on Phosphate Hill. Day Two Dive & Snorkel Christmas Island. Day two is a choose-your-own-ocean adventure with a half-day CI Wet n Dry Adventures, Extra Divers or Freedive CI tour or experience, where you can admire colourful fish, vibrant corals and dolphins just metres from shore, take a boat trip to one of the many idyllic diving and ...
Christmas Island has plenty of activities for the adventurous traveller. From spotting endangered seabirds to snorkelling with turtles and dolphins, there's a lot to delight wildlife lovers in this natural paradise. Throw in beach and jungle walks, world-class diving and year-round festivals, and you'll never be short of things to do. ...
Best time to visit Christmas Island. Christmas Island's temperature ranges between 22°C and 28°C. It has both wet and dry seasons, with humidity dropping between May and October. The migration and spawning of the red crabs is the island's most famous seasonal event, taking place around October to November.
The Christmas Island Visitor Guide contains all the information you need to start exploring the island and national park. It includes a detailed map showing walking tracks and places of interest. Download visitor guide. Fact sheets. Download these fact sheets to find out more about some of the things in the national park: Red crabs; Land crabs
Things to Do in Christmas Island, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 965 traveller reviews and photos of Christmas Island tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in August. We have reviews of the best places to see in Christmas Island. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Christmas Island rises to a central plateau of stands of rainforest. Its 80-km coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff up to 20 m (66 ft) high, with a few shallow bays of small sand and coral shingle beaches. The largest of these forms the island's only port, Flying Fish Cove, which is also called "The Settlement".
Christmas Island is a remote, dog-shaped tropical island located 1550 kilometers northwest of the Australian mainland and south of Java. It is an Australian external territory, also called "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean". . 2/3 of the island is covered by a National Park so it is a gorgeous destination to visit for a remote feel where you are surrounded by breathtaking nature, friendly ...
Things to Do in Christmas Island, Australia - Christmas Island Attractions. 1. Christmas Island National Park. This national park covers over 60 percent of the island and encompasses a unique variety of flora & fauna. 2. Christmas Island Visitor Centre.
The Post Office provides a full range of postal services and philatelic items, some banking services, mobile phones, SIM cards and a range of stationary and other items. Contact the Christmas Island Post Office on Ph: +61 (0)8 9164 8495 or Fax: +61 (0)8 9164 8494 E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone.
A wild expanse of verdant rainforest, volcanic cliffs, hidden beaches and endemic wildlife, Christmas Island National Park encompasses nearly two thirds of the 13- sq-km island, and is a key highlight for visitors. An easy 750m stroll along a raised boardwalk, Hughs Dale Waterfall Walk is easily the most popular trail that has been carved out ...
Christmas Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has 975 reviews of Christmas Island Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Christmas Island resource.
Christmas Island is also an important fishing destination, offering everything from dropping a line off the jetty at Flying Fish Cove to deep-sea game fishing. Giant trevally, wahoo, yellowfin, and dogtooth tuna are some of the larger species. Christmas Island Tourism Association. 5. For A Twitching Good Time.
Christmas Island has fantastic weather all year around, with little variation in temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures reach an average high of 28°C in April and an average low of around 22°C in August. Humidity is lowest during the middle of the year (dry season), while you might get some showers from November to April (wet season ...
The ideal time to visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is during the south-east wind season between April and November. This coincides with the annual red crab migration on Christmas Island (October to November) and the Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan) cultural celebration on Home Island in the Cocos (Keeling) islands.
A visit to Christmas Island is not complete without tasting the island's delicious dishes, which are a mix of Australian and Asian flavors. The Flying Fish Cafe is an ideal place to taste some of the best food here like laksa soup and curry puffs. CI Bakery is another top-tier destination for tasty bread, egg rolls, donuts, and even curry puffs.
The Territory of Christmas Island is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name. It is located approximately 350 kilometres (190 nautical miles) south of Java and Sumatra and about 1,550 km (840 nmi) north-west of the closest point on the Australian mainland.It has an area of 135 square kilometres (52 sq mi). [8]
Christmas on Christmas Island: The British East India Company first spotted the island on Christmas Day in 1643, and the holiday became its namesake. Many people travel abroad to see family over ...