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Christmas Island © Christmas Island Tourism Commission

Guide to Christmas Island

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• Getting to Christmas Island
• When to visit

Experience the wonder of remote Christmas Island. There’s nothing like it anywhere else on the planet.

Christmas Island is not your typical tropical island paradise. Nicknamed the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean", the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. Closer to Asia than mainland Australia, it's home to a captivating mix of cultures and some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Reach Christmas Island on a flight from Perth to discover a truly untouched natural paradise.

Christmas Island is around a four-hour direct flight from Perth on Australia’s west coast. Some scheduled flights from Perth first fly to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a 95-minute flight from Christmas Island.

• Christmas Island Airport is 5km (3mi) from the only town on the island; domestic commercial flights and private chartered flights only
• Hire cars, shuttle services and taxis are available at the airport.
• Your accommodation provider may offer airport transfers.

Christmas Island has distinct wet and dry seasons, with warm daytime temperatures all year round. The wet season starts in October and continues to April, while the dry season runs from May to September. It may still rain during the dry season, so always pack a rain jacket. Birdwatchers will have plenty to see year round, while the dry season is ideal for bushwalking.

• High season: Late spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Late autumn and winter (May to August)
• Don’t miss: The annual migration of red crabs to the sea to spawn in mid-November and mid-December. Divers and snorkellers can also encounter gentle whale sharks feeding off red crab larvae during the spawn.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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A Guide to Vacationing on Christmas Island

...and why it should really be called Crab Island.

There are a few immediate questions that come to mind when one learns about Christmas Island for the first time. For starters, where is it? Technically, it's a territory of Australia , but you'd never know from its location. Stuck way out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, The tiny island sits roughly 250 miles south of Central Java, and a whopping 1,650 miles from Perth, the nearest Australian city.

The island is ringed by 60-foot cliffs, broken intermittently by small beaches, coves, and enticing limestone grottos. Thalassophobes (people who are afraid of deep water) may want to avoid swimming out too far, because just a few hundred feet from the shore, the floor of the Indian Ocean drops three miles clean to the bottom. This geological quality is what makes it an especially good destination for swimming with whale sharks, but it is most famous for the incredible crab migration that takes place back on land. Although it may take a little more effort to get to, Christmas Island has a lot of rewards in store for the determined traveler.

A Bit of History

Christmas Island got its festive name from Captain William Mynors, an English seafarer who stumbled upon this unknown blip of land on Christmas Day in 1643. Culturally, much of the island's Chinese and Malay populations are descended from indentured servants who were brought there by the British in the 19th and 20th centuries to work the local phosphate mines. Brutal conditions led to many deaths, a history which is remembered at the Tai Jin House Museum.

Jungle Adventures

With its warm temperatures and high rainfall, Christmas Island is exceptionally conducive to fostering all sorts of wildlife. Nearly two-thirds of the island is designated as national park land, featuring well-marked trails that are highly popular with bird-watchers.

No matter where you end up in the jungle, you won't be short on sightseeing spots. Hugh's Dale waterfall is a stunner, and can only be reached by hiking through the rainforest. Like something out of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, along the way you'll pass Tahitian chestnut trees with hulking buttress roots. You'll have to watch where you step, as the floor is littered with small crabs (this is their home, after all).

Once you arrive at the falls, go ahead and take a shower under the crashing water — not only is it clean enough to drink, it's held sacred by local Buddhists, who believe it's the center of the island's "water universe."

A Crab Phenomenon

Not only does Christmas Island boast the highest diversity — and density — of land crabs of any island in the world, it's also home to a staggering natural phenomenon. Each October, right after the start of the wet season, 120 million red crabs begin their sideways-tiptoeing journey from the depths of the forest out to sea.

As a result, huge tracts of the island appear to come alive with bright red, roving, shell-covered bodies. The sheer volume of crabs makes this a must-see event (certain roads are even shut down to allow safe passage for the crabs), and many refer to it as one of the world's natural wonders.

A Swim With Whale Sharks

Since the island is so small and has remained in its natural state for so long, all kinds of colorful fish can be found swimming around the island's narrow tropical reef. 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 encounter all sorts of marine life: dolphins , manta rays, sea turtles, and over 88 species of coral. Over 64 diving sites can be explored near the island.

Where to Stay on Christmas Island

The Swell Lodge

With only 2,000 permanent residents on the island, facilities are somewhat limited. A small array of shops and restaurants are offered, but then again, people come more for the nature than the shopping. In the Settlement, the most populated area of the island, you'll have a few hotels and lodges to choose from, such as The Sunset , which is a basic lodge with comfortable enough amenities. If you travel further off the beaten path, you may want to wind up at the swanky eco-friendly Swell Lodge on the other side of the island. You could also opt for a vacation rental like this Balinese-style cottage . Wherever you stay, you will need a few nights booked, since flights arriving and leaving on Christmas Island only run a few times a week.

Getting to and Around Christmas Island

Christmas Island's airport code is XCH and you can get there via Perth, where Virgin Australia runs flights twice a week. The most important thing is to secure a rental car , since that's the main means of transportation around the island. Four-wheel drive vehicles can be had for around $65 per day and you can compare options on the official tourism website.

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Travel to Christmas Island: A Complete Visitors Guide

Christmas Island , also known as Australia’s ‘Galapagos’, is a remote island territory in the Indian Ocean. Boasting several endemic species of birdlife & host to the annual red crab migration – an event that does not occur anywhere else in the world, it’s an Eco-paradise just waiting to be explored.

Add in the beautiful landscapes, amazing coral & marine life, impressive rain-forest & the friendliest locals that just want you to enjoy and love the island as much as they do – and you’ve got the ingredients for an unforgettable adventure.

We’ve got everything you need to know to Travel to Christmas Island including recommendations for where to eat, where to stay and the incredible things to do on Christmas Island plus essential visitor information such a flight routes, what things costs, how to get around and recommended tour operators and resources to make your stay the best it can be.

Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain affiliate links, and this one about How to Travel To Christmas Island Australia is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you . Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full disclosure here .

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Why is Christmas Island Called Christmas Island?
• 1.2 Where is Christmas Island?
• 1.3 How to Travel to Christmas Island
• 1.4 Do You Need a Visa for Christmas Island?
• 1.5 How to Get Around Christmas Island
• 1.6.1 What Things Cost on Christmas Island
• 1.6.2 Duty Free on Christmas Island
• 1.7 Telephone Networks & Wifi on Christmas Island
• 1.8 Weather & Climate on Christmas Island
• 1.9 Mosquito’s on Christmas Island
• 1.10 Time Zone on Christmas Island
• 2.1 Flying Fish Cove
• 2.2 Meet the Crabs
• 2.3 Diving & Snorkeling
• 2.4 Walk The Boulder Track
• 2.5 See A Blockbuster at the Outdoor Cinema
• 2.6.1 Margaret Knoll
• 2.6.2 LB4 Lookout
• 2.6.3 Territory Day Lookout
• 2.6.4 Golf Course Lookout
• 2.7 Swim in the Crystal Clear Waters of The Grotto
• 2.8 Get Sprayed At The Blowholes
• 2.9 Jump of the Jetty (in Flying Fish Cove)
• 2.10 Birdwatching
• 2.11.1 Hugh’s Dale Waterfall
• 2.11.2 Merrial Beach
• 2.11.3 Anderson Dale & Cove
• 2.11.4 Martin Point
• 2.12 Go Fishing
• 2.13 Play Golf
• 2.14.1 Lily Beach + Boardwalk
• 2.14.2 Ethel Beach
• 2.14.3 Dolly Beach
• 2.14.4 Greta Beach
• 2.14.5 West White Beach
• 2.15.1 Freshwater Cave
• 2.15.2 Daniel Roux Cave
• 2.16 Tai Jin House (aka. Buck House)
• 2.17 Immerse Yourself with Local Culture at the many Temples on the Island
• 3.1 In Settlement
• 3.2 In Poon Saan
• 3.3 For those looking for luxury
• 4.1 Cafe 1888
• 4.3 Koziak Cafe (at the Recreation Centre)
• 4.4 CLA (Chinese Literary Association)
• 4.5 Lucky Ho
• 4.6 Malay Club
• 4.7 Rumah Tinggi Bar & Grill
• 4.8 The Golden Bosun
• 5.1 Indian Ocean Experiences
• 5.2 Faulkner Photography Tours
• 5.3 Christmas Island Fishing & Adventure

I visited Christmas Island as part of the Google Street View Capture Project and had the privilege of working with Christmas Island Tourism , Parks Australia and the GoogleDownUnder Team on the launch of their Pixel2 Phone. I was not required to produce any content as part of the project, but I was so blown away with Christmas Island as a destination, that I wanted to share it with the world.

Christmas Island Essential Visitor Information & FAQs

Why is christmas island called christmas island.

First sighted in 1615 by Richard Rowe, master of the Thomas , it wasn’t until Captain William Mynors of the Royal Mary , an English East India Company vessel, named the island when he sailed past it on Christmas Day, in 1643. It is always referred to as Christmas Island and not Xmas Island.

Where is Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is an Australian External Territory located in the Indian Ocean and is in fact closer to Indonesia than Australia. As such, Christmas Island residents always say their address is is ‘Christmas Island Indian Ocean’ (and can be seen on all tourism products) rather than Christmas Island, Australia. (Other external Australian territories include the Coral Sea Islands , Norfolk Island ,  Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Heard Island and McDonald Islands.) In latitude and longitude terms, Christmas Island location lies at 10.4475° S, 105.6904° E.

How to Travel to Christmas Island

Christmas Island (and the nearby Cocos Island) are one of the most remote parts of Australia and is far removed from the regular tourist track. Flights into and off Christmas Island are only serviced by three airlines: Virgin Australia from Perth and Garuda from Jakarta, Indonesia. Virgin fly to Christmas Island on Tuesday and Friday; Garuda operate their return service on Fridays only and Malindo Air have just (late 2018) started a service from Kuala Lumpur which flies on Monday and Tuesdays.

The difficulty in getting to Christmas Island (and sometimes getting off! – especially with Virgin who only have 1 plane that services the Island and the offshore mines in the area – you can probably guess who takes preference. Note, it’s not visitors to or Christmas Islands residents) is part of it’s charm.

However all visitors should take potential delays into account when planning their trips. ( READ: Buy Travel Insurance ) But remember – the most incredible places on this earth are off the beaten path, and the effort it takes to get to them is always worth it. (And that includes sharing how to go Christmas Island and our top tips for visiting Christmas Island!)

Do You Need a Visa for Christmas Island?

As an external territory of Australia, Australian immigration rules apply. These vary quite dramatically from country to country, but visitors from several countries are able to apply for a free e-visa prior to arrival, which would also be valid for the mainland. Please check on the Australian Home Affairs Website to find out which visa you will need.

How to Get Around Christmas Island

Covering a total area of 135 square kilometers (of which 63% is Covered by incredible flora and fauna in Christmas Island National Park), visitors will need to hire a vehicle in order to get around Christmas Island. There is no public transport, and only 1 taxi firm available.

As such if you are wanting to get the most out of your visit, you will need car hire. A variety of 2 or 4WD cars are available to collect at Christmas Island airport and are ideal for exploring the various unsealed roads and bush tracks which wind around the Island.

Visitors are encouraged to take care and drive slowly on Christmas Island, both to protect the various crab species which can often been seen on the roads and because the tracks can become slippery with the intermittent rain and constant humidity on the Island. Experience with 2 or 4 wheel driving can only be helpful to visitors, but of course, is not mandatory.

Currency, Cash & Card Usage on Christmas Island

As an Australian external territory, the Aussie Dollar is legal tender and the Australian Government remain in charge. All supermarkets, shops and restaurants etc accept credit and debit cards, but cash in small notes is very much appreciated at most establishments. There is only one bank on the Island owned by Westpac, however cash can be withdrawn if you spend over $20 in the supermarket or from the post office located just above Flying Fish Cove.

What Things Cost on Christmas Island

Christmas Island Australia is remote and all supplies – food, drink, fuel, products etc – have to be imported. Air freight is meant to arrive every few weeks, and the shipping container with bulk items/products is meant to arrive every few months but can be delayed due to a number of factors. The residents deal with these delays as a consequence of Island life, and unless there is a serious shortage of supplies visitors will not notice.

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
• Soft Drinks $3
• Beer (bottle) $5-8
• Wine (250ml) $5-9

Duty Free on Christmas Island

Despite the fact that Christmas Island is officially one of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories, Duty Free is still available to purchase when entering or leaving the Island. However, I would highly recommend that you skip the Duty-Free in Perth and buy your booze (or other such goodies) on the Island.

This is due to the fact there is no tax on Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cigarettes on the Island, making these items ridiculously cheap – even better than Duty Free Prices. 750ml of Smirnoff will set you back $12 and 1 Litre of Gin comes in under $20. And you still have the 2.25l import limit per person when re-entering mainland Western Australian.

Telephone Networks & Wifi on Christmas Island

At present, the Island has a 2G network operated by Telstra, which is available in residential and airport areas. This means everyone on the Telstra network has the ability to call and text in these serviced areas, and international roaming charges apply to those on alternative networks. There is no data available on any mobile network.

Wifi on the Island is restricted to the Internet cafe in the Visitor Information Centre and a few hot-spots in residential areas where the connection that can be bought by the hour, day or week. Additionally, several hotels offer their own wifi networks as standard, perfect for emails and social networks, but not for streaming or heavy bandwidth tasks.

However – this is set to change with a superfast cable network slated to come from Singapore in the pipeline (literally) and is expected to go live in the next 12 months; and when this happens, the wifi will likely be better than mainland Australia (not that that is such a hard task!)

Weather & Climate on Christmas Island

Christmas Island is located only 10 degrees South of the Equator (+ 2750km from the Australian mainland) and offers a year round tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. The temperature is warm all year round with average lows of 22°C and average highs of 28°C (don’t forget your sunscreen!) and constant humidity levels between 70-90%. The wet season runs between December and April when it is advisable to pack a light rain jacket, although showers at this time of year rarely last long.

Mosquito’s on Christmas Island

Yes there are plenty of mosquitoes – in the jungle, on the beaches and in the bars and restaurants – they are everywhere. And yes they love to bite (one night without bug spray and I got 50 bites on my legs alone – the mozzies have always been a fan of my English skin and the lack of bug spray often results in bites wherever I am in the world).

BUT – on Christmas Island, the Mosquitos do not carry any diseases . There is no risk of malaria or dengue or yellow fever – or any of the other associated conditions that result from Mosquito bites, just a potential for itchy skin. We highly recommend taking a serious supply of bug spray and reapplying generously throughout the day. And in the event you run out (which if your plane is cancelled twice can definitely happen!) – you can purchase more at the supermarket in Settlement.

Time Zone on Christmas Island

Christmas Island is UTC +7 time zone (also known as IndoChina time), making it one hour behind Western Australia.

Incredible Things to Do on Christmas Island

Flying Fish Cove

Flying Fish Cove is the official ‘capital city’ of Australia’s Christmas Island, and is the central point to life on the Island for many locals. On any given afternoon you’ll find families relaxing under the cabanas along the foreshore, people swimming and snorkeling in the cove, children jumping off the jetty and the port going about it’s daily business.

On days where the swell is up it is also possible to surf in the cove – although, with no surf experience myself, I’ll leave it up to your own abilities/competence to decide whether it’s a good idea or not (it looked very shallow to me!).

The Cove is also a great sunset spot and major Christmas Island tourist attraction s so be sure to include an evening here on your Christmas Island Itinerary. Grab a cold one (or two, or three) and pull up a seat as mother nature turns the sky different shades of pink and purple in front of your eyes – and keep a lookout for spinner dolphins on the horizon!

RELATED: Visiting Christmas Island is just one of my 100+ Things to See, Do & Experience in Australia post – click here to read my other recommendations!

Meet the Crabs

If someone says “Christmas Island” to you, your first thought may be the Christmas Island red crabs who’s spectacular migration is one of the most impressive on the planet (more below) but the Island is so much more than a habitat for red crabs. There are in fact over 20 different crab species that have been found on the Island.

From the endemic blue crabs that inhabit the wetlands, to the extraordinary Robber Crabs (also known as Coconut crabs) who are the world’s largest land crustaceans and wander across the Island’s roads as if they own the place (and you will be required to Slow down. Drive Around when navigating the Island).

They also have a habit of stealing any shiny and foreign objects that they find in their path, to the point that locals will hang bags from trees rather than leave them on the ground when camping or hiking (Just be sure to remember where you put it!).

There are also various species of hermit crab, ghost crabs, nipper crabs, land crabs and cave crabs on the Island (to name a few) and if you are really interested in getting to know them I recommend reading Crabs of Christmas Island by Max Orchard. – or if you want to see it all in action, take a look at my Christmas Island Photo Essay post for some wanderlust worthy pictures!

And now, a little bit about the main event.

The Island is home to 50 million red crabs (scientific name Gecarcoidea natalis – which are only found on Christmas Island) and each year the adults migrate from the jungle to the coast to breed and spawn. The event takes place between October and January, although it’s commencement is dictated by the wet season and levels of moisture in the air.

The synchronized and island wide migration is truly a one of the worlds natural wonders – the carpet of crabs a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. Click through to my full post about the Christmas Island Red Crabs where I (hopefully) have given them the attention they deserve.

Diving & Snorkeling

Offering some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, the narrow fringe of reef that surrounds Christmas Island is home to 88 different species of coral and 600 species of fish. (This is one place that you don’t want to forget your GoPro when you jump in the water!)

On any given day and at any dive site s there are turtles, manta rays, giant trevally, lion fish, spinner dolphins, various small shark species and between October and January, the chance to see Whale Sharks on their migration.

The tiered structure of the Island – which is much like a wedding cake – also continues into the water, with the ocean floor dramatically dropping away into the abyss less than 50m from the coastline. This provides scuba divers and snorkelers with beautiful views of the coral and fish in the shallows and a shelf and wall which drops down to the depths where the fish become larger, and the chances of spotting a (small) shark increase.

Check out Extra Divers (who also have an incredible Facebook page with inspirational underwater imagery from around the Island) and Wet ‘n’ Dry Adventures .  Both organisations can arrange day or night scuba diving trips or coordinate a full on Christmas Island diving trip if you are super keen to spend most of your time underwater.

Walk The Boulder Track

Christmas Island National Park covers two-thirds of the island and the Boulder Track is a fantastic walk to get you into the heart of it. Where the track to the Blowholes start, the Boulder track heads off in the opposite direction and winds through the rain-forest and along the coast to the Boulder at South Point (an area of the island which has been ravaged by the Phosphate mine).

There is usually lots of red crab and robber crab activity along the track, and visitors are encouraged to stick to the path, as the crab holes that cover the ground at either side make the ground less stable (and can result in a shoe full of National Park when your foot disappears down one of them! And yes I am speaking from experience ).

Keep your eyes peeled for coloured tags along the trail that will take you out to the coast at various viewing points, the most impressive of these being the Christmas Island Natural Arch. Also, keep in mind that some of the viewpoints may not be accessible at all times of the year due to weather fronts that hit the island, the results of which can occasionally block paths.

See A Blockbuster at the Outdoor Cinema

When was the last time you visited an outdoor cinema?! This small, but perfectly formed outdoor entertainment area is on the hill in Poon Saan allowing for a natural gradient of seats so everyone can have a great view.

Every Saturday night, and alternate Wednesdays, a Hollywood Blockbuster (both new releases and old classics) are played out on the big screen.

At only $5 a ticket, it is an absolute bargain – and the range of choc tops available is more expansive than any cinema on the mainland! (Although keep in mind that all produce costs a lot to get to the island, so be prepared to pay the very reasonable $6 each for your frozen treat!)

Check out the Views from the Lookouts:

Margaret knoll.

Providing dramatic panoramic views across the coastline, Margaret Knoll is an easy to reach, but isolated spot, located on the East of the Island. A favourite with bird watchers due to the number of seabirds in the area. Head to lookout to watch the Frigatebirds, Golden Bosun, Christmas Island flying foxes and the Red-footed and Brown Boobies as they fly and nest in and around the coast.

LB4 Lookout

Drive along the Murray Road over the north coast towards Settlement for a panoramic view across the island from the on-site gazebo. Surrounded by recent planting’s in the Rainforest Rehabilitation Program, Abbot’s Bobbys may be sighted flying to and from nearby nest sites. Sighting opportunities are increased in the early evening when the birds are returning to their nests and more birds can be spotted beyond the lookout along the section of the road where the crab grids are.

Territory Day Lookout

The spot to take that iconic shot above the expanse of Flying Fish Cove, and come face to face with some of the island’s seabirds. There are picnic, BBQ and playground facilities and it is also the start of the Territory Day Walking track that leads to Tai Jin House.

Golf Course Lookout

The Christmas Island Golf Course lookout (located above the Golf Course, in case you hadn’t guessed) is perched on the cliff edge in the Island’s North East. Offering views of the coastline and several species of sea birds, it’s a great place to come and watch the world go by.

Swim in the Crystal Clear Waters of The Grotto

Only a short 5 minute drive out of Settlement, and a short walk through the bush, and you’ll find the Grotto. A sandy bottomed cave covered by the crystal clear water that flows in from the ocean, it is a great place to take a dip during the day, or dressed with candles, makes for a romantic spot at night.

Just be careful if going for a swim as the cave leads to the Ocean, and the opening to get back in can be hard to spot once you are out on the high sea.

Get Sprayed At The Blowholes

Located on the South Coast of the Island, the 4WD track to The Boardwalk at the Blowholes winds through the stunning tall rain forest which covers this part of the Island. Unable to drive to the bottom of the track, visitors are restricted to parking at the top of the hill and walking down to where the track splits into the Boulder Track and The Blowholes (don’t worry, there is signage to point the way at the bottom!).

On your way down the hill from the parking area, keep a lookout for the giant strangler fig tree on the right which has absorbed the tree below it leaving a giant hollow trunk. (The kids on the Island have been known to abseil down it, which is very cool!)

When you reach the Blowhole Boardwalk you’ll be greeted by a carpet of jagged, porous rock that acts as a conduit for the ocean as it crashes against the coastline, forcing the air bubbles through the gaps and shooting the remaining salt water particles high into the air. The wheezing of the rocks as the air forces it’s way through is a sound like no other and the spray created from these Blowholes is a welcome reprieve from the heat and humidity on Christmas Island WA.

Jump of the Jetty (in Flying Fish Cove)

“You haven’t ‘done’ Christmas Island until you have jumped off the Jetty” – at least that is what I heard from all the locals, and judging by the number of kids that do this for fun everyday – how bad can it be?! Just head on down to Flying Fish Cove, walk to the end of the Jetty and jump into the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean which surround the island.

Although, note to the ladies: when jumping in a bikini, hold onto your top or you could will end up giving everyone in the cove a bit of a show! (But rest assured, you won’t be the first.. if you know what I mean!)

Birdwatching

Christmas Island is a twitchers paradise. Over 100 vagrant and migratory species have been recorded here, and over 80,000 seabirds come to nest here annually. The most famous of them is the golden form of the white-tailed tropic bird which is endemic to Christmas Island and has been adopted as the Island’s fauna emblem.

Known locally as the ‘Golden Bosun’ (and is the bird the pub is named after!) they can be seen soaring gracefully above most coastal parts of the Island – but we recommend heading to the Territory Day Lookout (above) for a eye-level view. Other endemic species include the endangered Christmas Island Frigatebird, and endangered Abbotts Booby.

Away from the coastline, the rain forest also boasts several endemic species (four of which are on the endangered list), including the Christmas Island hawk owl (elusive and a real prize for Birdwatchers), thrush, goshawk, distinctive sounding emerald dove, imperial pigeon, gossy swiftlet and white eye.

With the number of endemic species, variety of nesting birds, and not to mention the crab activity, it is a wonder that Christmas Island hasn’t been UNESCO heritage listed .

Explore the Dales Walking Tracks

IMPORTANT: As with any walking or hiking activities on the Island, please follow regular safety procedures which include walking with someone (and not alone), letting someone else know where you will be going and your expected arrival time back; carry plenty of drinking water; stick to the marked trails; stay away from cliff edges and obey all signage – they are there for your benefit and protection.

Hugh’s Dale Waterfall

Follow the boardwalk right to the top of the track where you’ll be greeted with a waterfall that flows all year round. You can take a dip under the refreshing ( read: cold ) falls or simply splash round in the rock pool at it’s base. For the adventurous, climb up the rocks to the left of the waterfall and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful jungle vista, and one of the most beautiful natural sights on the Island.

Merrial Beach

Quite possibly one of the best kept secrets on the Island, Merrial Beach (often pronounced as Muriel Beach) is located between the start of the Dales Walking Tracks and the boardwalk to Martin Point.

The small car park area which marks the start of the trail is next to a fallen tree when there can be up to 20 Robber crabs feasting on the pulp. (They’re actually getting drunk of the natural sugars in the bark of the tree, so if you’re looking for quirky crabs that fall over as they try to climb, this is the place to be!)

To find the beach, hop over the tree and head down the track. There are pink nylon tags around various branches to guide you down to the cove. The bottom of the track can be difficult to negotiate with the rough volcanic rocks both a help to grip, and a hindrance to loose limbs or clutching fingers. There can also be some red crab activity on the track, so remember to watch your step.

At the bottom of the track you will have to hop down onto the beach where you will be able to enjoy the cove, practically all to yourself (depending on who else decided to head out that day!) Although note – if there is a car in the car park, it means the beach is in use, and it is polite to leave the visitors be!

Anderson Dale & Cove

Now, I was in two minds whether to include this as a must do, but the root systems of the trees leading to the cave at the end of the track is just too impressive not to share. The Anderson Dale Track starts half way along the walking rack to the Waterfall, and there is a sign which marks the right hand turn into the rain forest.

There are reflective arrows attached to trees and pink nylon tags to mark the trail (although I did ask Christmas Island Tourism and Parks if it was possible to put out more of these tags as I personally felt a little apprehensive when walking the track – even though I was with some awesome locals! – I’m not a natural bush walker!)

Towards the end of the track you will reach a concrete dam and from there you follow the flow of water down to the coast. You’ll climb down the rocks and underneath the root systems of the trees above the crevice before reaching a sheltered cove where the waves crash in.

Martin Point

End your day on the boardwalk at Martin Point where you have the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean as the coastline of the Island is bathed in light.

All the features of diving around Christmas Island, are also the reasons that it makes a great spot for sport, line and fly fishing! Giant trevally, wahoo, yellowfin and dogtooth tuna are just some of the large fish species that cruise these waters and with a range of fishing spots for both novice and advanced fishermen (or women!), all levels of angler are sure to have a great experience. Have a chat with the folks at Christmas Island Fishing & Adventure to arrange the perfect trip to suit your needs.

That’s right, folks. this island paradise has it’s own 9 hole golf course , offering visitors a round of golf with one of the most impressive backdrops on the planet. The Ladies comp takes place each Wednesday (from 3pm), with the Men’s comp taking place on Friday (from 3pm) and a mixed comp on Saturday from 12.30pm.

Clubs and balls can be hired from the Golf Club or the Visitors Center. And there are rules about what the penalty is when a crab takes your ball – which will definitely give you a story to tell your golf buddies back home!

Chill Out on Some Incredible Beaches

A small Island in the Indian ocean is bound to have some seriously beautiful coastline and Christmas islands beaches do not disappoint. Depending on the time of year, some beaches are more accessible than others, but you won’t be disappointed by a visit to any of them!

I have highlighted the major ‘tourist’ beaches below, but if you have a lot of time on the island and want to get more off the beaten path than you already are, ask in the Visitors Center about Egeria Beach, Winifred Beach, Isabel Beach and the natural springs at Freshwater Spring and Waterfall Spring. Also note that none of the beaches on the Island are patrolled by lifesavers and can be subject to large waves, swells, rips and undertows. Please take care when swimming at all areas of the Island.

Lily Beach + Boardwalk

Lily Beach is one of the most easily accessible beaches on Christmas Island and is a great location for crab watching during the red crab migration. At the lowest point, the still as glass rock pools provide the perfect foreground to the waves crashing into coastline behind. And up above on the raised boardwalk, views over the coast line are just as impressive. Get here for sunrise for the perfect start to any morning.

Ethel Beach

Ethel Beach is similarly easy to reach and offers the traditional sandy expanse below the cliff edges. Look up into the rocks to see the seabirds nesting or simply thrown down a towel and soak up some of the suns rays.

Dolly Beach

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Dolly Beach is possibly the most famous beach on the Island (after Flying Fish Cove) and was once named as the 7th best beach in Australia. Located at the end of a 2km boardwalk (which can often take up to an hour to walk due to stopping and admiring your surroundings).

You’ll hear the waves before you see the beach as the line of coconut palms and spiky pandanus trees block your view at the end of the boardwalk before opening up to a beautiful sandy arc bordered by clear ocean on what is easily one of the most impressive beaches on the Island.

If you are lucky you’ll see the tracks of the turtles that have used the beach to lay their eggs, or from the babies making their way to the water’s edge after hatching. And if you follow the tracks you may find the nest of either a hawksbill or green turtle, both of which have been spotted on the Island.

It is also a favourite with locals who like to camp of Dolly Beach, but be warned, the robber crabs live up to their names here and it is advisable not to put your items down in the sand for any length of time, as you may not fin them there when you return.

One important thing to note is that at some times of the year, Dolly Beach may not be the pristine island paradise you were expecting. This is because the beach lies on the Indian Ocean Gyre, a current system that transports thousands of tonnes of rubbish from Indonesia south each year, with Dolly (and Greta) Beaches becoming the ocean’s dumping ground (more below).

Greta Beach

(The beach was inaccessible during my visit, but images of the debris on the beach can be found here )

Arriving at Greta Beach is quite an experience. The steep hilly track down to the cove accessible by car, and then the four flights of stairs hugging the wall of the surrounding cliffs to reach the beach are a brief but challenging walk (moreso when coming back up!).

As with Dolly Beach, Greta also lies on the path of the Indian Ocean Gyre which unfortunately carries tonnes on man-made rubbish from South East Asia onto Greta’s shores each year.

Beach clean-ups are often organised by the local high school when the kids and wider community spend a day carrying bags off garbage up the steps and off the beach. It is impossible to keep Greta Beach clean year-round because of this, but be sure to take a plastic bag to collect some of the debris on your visit, and do your bit to help keep Christmas Island beautiful.

Greta Beach is also a location favoured by turtles nesting, making it even more important to keep the beach as clear as possible.

West White Beach

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Access to the West White Beach is not for the faint hearted. The most challenging of beach to reach on Christmas Island, an extremely arduous downhill walk and section of cliff face that is traversed by ropes guiding the way down the last 12m of cliff to the beach, may be too challenging for the eldery or children (or those without a reasonable level of fitness).

If getting to the beach independently sounds too difficult, you can also arrange for a boat to drop you off at the beach, but (for me, at least) climbing in and out of the beach via rope should be the only way to do it.

Explore The Island’s Caves

Freshwater cave.

Very much off the tracks and barely marked, the entrance to the cave is only meters from the track down to the Blowholes. Marked by a wooden sign that seems to have been there as long as the island itself, the cave is home to several robber crabs. The top (and lit section) can be clambered around by anyone who is able bodied, however to go deeper into the cave, we recommend at least a basic knowledge of caving – and definitely a headtorch!

Daniel Roux Cave

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Located in the North of the island and just beyond Smith Point, the Daniel Roux Cave complex consist of two very different cave systems. The upper cave is a large, multi-chamber cave that contains stalemates, stalactites and shoals; the lower cave is a deep subterranean cave that has an entrance that opens into the ocean.

Visitors would benefit from having a headtorch for the darker parts in the recesses of both caves. If exploring the cave, ensure you obey the signs, take your time, let people know where you are going and be prepared to get dirty!

Tai Jin House (aka. Buck House)

The former home of the Administrator of Christmas Island, this historic property sits on the cliff edge with a view of both Flying Fish Cove and the expansive Indian Ocean. The two storey property is now a function venue and a museum, and well worth a walk out to – if just for the view alone – whilst you are visiting the Shire of Christmas Island.

Immerse Yourself with Local Culture at the many Temples on the Island

Christmas Island is a melting pot of different cultures, who have lived harmoniously on the Island for decades. There are around 2000 residents on the Island heralding from China, Malaysia and mainland Australia, a lot of whom were initially drawn to the Island to work in the Phosphate Mine.

The Malay community are Muslim, praying at the Mosque in Kampong at Flying Fish Cove. Members of the Chinese community follow a variety of religious beliefs including Buddhism, Christianity and Confucianism and there are a number of temples, shrines and Christian churches around the island.

If entering these temples, please remember they are places of worship and are not ‘designed’ with tourists in mind but they are a window into day-to-day life and this fascinating mix of cultures should be respected as such. The Australians, Chinese and Malay people all live together peacefully and whilst it shouldn’t be a surprise it is lovely to see and experience.

Christmas Island Accommodation Options

In Settlement

THE SUNSET – spacious, fully serviced air-conditioned rooms with en-suites and a pool on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. From $165 AUD per night Check Prices & Availability & Read Reviews

VQ3 LODGE – Centrally located at Settlement, each room has a private ensuite, tea and coffee making facilities, microwave, TV, small fridge and is air-conditioned. Guests are able to use the Pool at the Sunset (across the road). Approx $145 AUD per night Check Prices, Availability & Read Reviews

THE SANCTUARY – tropical home set among lush gardens with its own private lap pool -sleeps 4. Approx $450 per night (1-2 ppl) – $580 per night (3-4 ppm) Check Prices, Availability & Read Reviews

COCOS PADANG LODGE – These 3 bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens are perfect for families or large groups, and are centrally located in Settlement. Approx $235 for 3 bedrooms; $215 AUD for 2 bedrooms & $195 AUD for Double/Twin Share Check Prices, Availability & Read Reviews

HIBISCUS HOUSE – whole house that sleeps 4 which is located in the leafy part of Settlement. Approx $220 AUD per night Check Prices, Availability & Read Reviews

THE RETREAT – A fully self contained three bedroom unit perfect for the family or up to three couples. (Sleeps 6) Approx $220 AUD per night 

In Poon Saan

CHRISTMAS ISLAND LODGE – motel style accommodation close to shops, Lucky Ho restaurant and the outdoor cinema. Approx $120 AUD per night

Head over to the Christmas Island Visitors Center Page to organize bookings for more accommodation options and to learn more about the Island history or Christmas Island travel in general. We recommend booking through the visitors center as the staff there are invaluable when flight cancellations/alterations affect bookings.

For those looking for luxury

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The recently opened SWELL LODGE is located in the heart of Christmas Island National Park. A single, glass-fronted, solar-powered, luxury eco-chalet which offers all-inclusive accommodation including daily guided activities and even a private chef(!) It is marketed as one of the world’s most exclusive eco-lodges and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and take a digital detox.

Where to Eat on Christmas Island

Whilst there may appear to be quite a few dining options on Christmans Island, not all of them are open for all meal services. Some are breakfast and lunch, dinner only, or breakfast and dinner.

They also all have different nights of the week that they are closed – or are sometimes closed for reasons not disclosed, and so it is best to check with the visitors center when you are on the Island as to what is currently open and when! (and making nightly bookings may not be a bad idea!)

Located on the main drag in Settlement, 1888 is open daily for breakfast and lunch. With a small, but tasty menu, I can highly recommend the toasties for breakfast ($10) – although there is a monster all day breakfast available if you are feeling super hungry (or had too many beverages at the Golden Bosun the night before!) and you can’t go past one of their burgers at lunch time.

Located in Poon Saan, Smash is one of the top rated cafe’s on the island, and for good reason. Their coffee is delicious and their menu selection wide and varied. Open for Breakfast and Lunch, be sure to make this cafe a spot for at least one meal on the Island. The breakfast rolls and wraps are fantastic.

Koziak Cafe (at the Recreation Centre)

Serving counter meals, snacks, burgers and salads, the Koziak Cafe is a great spot to stop for lunch if you’ve been out and about in the middle of the Island; or after you have taken advantage of the many facilities available at the Recreation Center including a 25m outdoor pool, gym and multi-use recreation hall.

CLA (Chinese Literary Association)

Serving up huge portions of Chinese food  for lunch and dinner, you won’t leave the CLA hungry. Located next door to the Christmas Island Visitors Center on the main road through Settlement the CLA is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

This colorful Chinese Restaurant is located in Poon Saan, approximately 5 minutes drive from Settlement. Offering multiple pages of menu items comprising different proteins served in a variety of ways, the best way to eat is to chose a few medium sized plates to share and dig into a selection of tasty treats.

Highly recommended are the Indian Noodles, Silver Fish or Prawns and Kai Lan (a traditional Chinese leafy green) with Garlic. (Yum!) – And tell Aunty I said hi!

Best known for it’s breakfast fare, head to the Malay Club, just above Flying Fish Cove in Kampong for a feast of curries and Roti before a big deal of exploring.

Rumah Tinggi Bar & Grill

Serving modern Australian meals (with huge portions!), this restaurant is located in an 80 year old building, set on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Sit on the deck as the palm tree lined coast fades into darkness and watch the moon rise on a clear night. There is a large menu available and the seafood linguine and garlic/chilli prawns are always well received.

The Golden Bosun

Named after one of several endemic bird species on the Island, the Golden Bosun is both the local pub and a restaurant. Loved by visitors and locals alike, and where a round of 4 beers comes to less than $25, there are free pool tables and a dart board for those who like a bit of friendly competition in the pub side, and a dining room overlooking the ocean on the restaurant side. Light meals cost between $13-20 and larger meals between $20-45.

Tour Companies & Photographic Guides on the Island

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of things to see and do on Christmas Island, there are a couple of tour operators and companies the we highly recommend and who can help tailor your trip to your specific needs:

Indian Ocean Experiences

Lisa at Indian Ocean Experiences operates the only tour company/travel agent s on Christmas and the Coco Keeling Islands. Having lived on the Island for over 20 years, you can be safe in the knowledge that she knows all the best spots, activities and things to do on the Island to make your stay a memorable one. And can give you an incredible details about the Island’s past, present and community values.

Check out her website for a range of Christmas Island holiday packages and information about crafting your own itinerary.

Faulkner Photography Tours

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For the photographer in you, Kirsty will take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the Island and help you capture some of the most incredible images to compliment your visit.

Whether you are interested in the rugged landscapes, exquisite birdlife, land crab activity or simply want to capture the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets around the Island, Faulkner Photography Tours will help you showcase the best of the island both in location and through the helpful shooting and editing tips that Kirsty is happy to share with you throughout the tour.

Christmas Island Fishing & Adventure

More of a fisherman (or woman) than a scuba diver? Or just love being out on the water? Be sure to add an adventure on board the Reef Runner to your Christmas Island to do list! A family run business, Dan & Jahna are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met and have a passion for Christmas Island that is infectious.

They offer daytime and sunset cruises where you can fish, snorkel and soak in the beauty of the Island, and you know that as locals they guarantee to take you to all the best spots! And if you have any questions about CI, this crew will definitely have all the answers.

So there you have it – hopefully we’ve given you enough information help you plan your trip to travel to Christmas Island – and given you a suggested itinerary of Things To Do in Christmas Island to make sure you get the most from your visit. Don’t forget to let me know your own highlights once you’re back!

Oh, and if you liked this post please share on Facebook, tweet or pin – I’d really appreciate it! Click the P in the share bar for the full size image!

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3 thoughts on “Travel to Christmas Island: A Complete Visitors Guide”

How to get Christmas island I am from India

Flight arrive into Christmas Island from Perth in Western Australia and from Jakarta, Indonesia so you would need to travel via one of these cities.

Best flight ever !

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The perfect Christmas Island itinerary

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

20 April 2023

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH |

This article was created in partnership with, christmas island is famed for its rugged landscapes and nature-based spectacles. here’s how to make the most of your holiday with our essential list of things to do..

Although Christmas Island is best known for its annual crab migration, there is a lot more to surprise and delight. From its dense untamed jungle and deep, cerulean waters filled with wildlife, to its beautiful wild beaches, and cliffs that resemble incredible architectural feats, a week-long stay here is like diving headfirst toward the exceptional and unexpected.

Any visit to Christmas Island will almost certainly include a combination of colourful aquatic life, wilderness walks and rich and colourful cultural components. Here’s our list of carefully curated things to do on Christmas Island over the course of seven days.

Breakfast at Idah’s Kitchen, at the Malay Club

The lids on the pots in Idah’s Kitchen are always clattering, as it is one of the best (and busiest) places to eat on Christmas Island. Do as the locals do and order delicious roti, pulled straight off the stove, and torn into strips to dip into a bowl of spicy chicken curry.

Attend a colourful island festival

Get a taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage in Kampong, the beating heart of the Australian-Malay community; or at the annual Chinese New Year Festival, when lion dancers wheel around the streets. Celebrate the melting pot of local Malay and Chinese flavours during this year’s pilot Indian Ocean Fest when special guest Poh Ling Yeow cooks with the local island aunties.

Celebrate the melting pot of local Malay and Chinese flavours.

Visit the blowholes

The Blowholes is another one of Christmas Island’s natural treasures. You will definitely find other camera-toting travellers here, but this hot spot is also popular with friendly locals who enjoy the intermittent drama of water blasting through the rocks.

One of Christmas Island’s natural treasures is the Blowholes.

Accommodation tip: The Christmas Island Bali Style Retreat on Phosphate Hill.

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 snorkelling spots, or take an underwater seascooter snorkelling tour. Snorkelling and diving obsessives also feel a mystical pull to dive off Christmas Island alongside whale sharks (between November and March).

Admire colourful fish when you go for a dive.

Lunch at Lucky Ho

Look for the Chinese lanterns and balustrade coloured like a set of crayons outside Lucky Ho restaurant, located in Poon Saan. This popular lunch spot is known for its pan-Asian fare: think Thai fried rice, Mongolian beef, sweet and sour pork and fried wontons.

Sunset drinks at Martin Point walk

Some 63 per cent of Christmas Island is blanketed in national park, so it’s compact enough for forest bathers to well and truly get their fix. Ease into it with sunset drinks and BYO canapes at Martin Point, where you can watch the bright orange sun roll over the horizon and sink into the soft folds of the sea.

Watch the sky change colours as you relax in Martin Point at sunset. (Image: Wondrous World Images)

Accommodation tip: Splurge on a night at Swell Lodge one of the most unique places to stay in WA .

Fuel up on coffee at Smash Espresso Bar

Smash down a few perfect piccolos at the Smash Espresso Bar , which has a servery window and a few tables, chairs and stools set outside. You’ll find locals on the footpath eating bacon and egg burgers and chatting to the owner in the narrow doorway of the cafe, which is made colourful with lanterns and wall hangings.

Smash down a few perfect piccolos at the Smash Espresso Bar.

Visit sites of World War 2 history

Nineteen Second World War sites have been located on Christmas Island after the Japanese occupation of the island in 1942. You can still find traces of World War 2 history on the island in an old cave and ruins used to store ammunition as well as a restored gun emplacement.

Swim at Greta Beach

You will need to take a 4WD tour to cover some ground and get to Greta, which, on a hot day, will be calling your name. Pack a picnic and plan your visit to coincide with Christmas Island Sea Week , which includes a roster of fun and informative events such as the Ocean Film Festival.

Pack a picnic and head to the serene Greta Beach. (Image: Rebecca Dominguez)

Accommodation tip: Captain’s Last Resort on Christmas Island is best suited to solo travellers or couples.

Book a guided snorkelling tour from Flying Fish Cove

Enjoy a savoury breakfast of egg roti or samosas with a Malaysian coffee at the Flying Fish Cafe before padding barefoot to Flying Fish Cove where you can snorkel just metres from shore. Book a snorkelling tour with one of the local operators on Christmas Island and look for octopus, turtles, manta rays and spinner dolphins.

Book a snorkelling tour with one of the local operators on Christmas Island.

Indulge in a bout of forest bathing

There’s no better place to forest bathe than in the enchanted atmosphere of Hughs Dale. Enjoy cooling off at the end of the waterfall walk under the gleaming rocks and branches of Tahitian chestnut trees, which have gnarled roots with green fuzzy moss growing on them.

Enjoy cooling off at the end of the waterfall walk. (Image: Chris Bray)

Enjoy a sunset cruise

Grab a group of friends as the sun starts to turn red and project brilliant gold reflections over the sea and sky on a sunset cruise with Extra Divers. Enjoy a swim then kick back onboard as the sun sinks over the horizon and the water turns navy blue. You will usually find Extra Divers ’ boat Nemo moored in Flying Fish Cove. Smaller dive groups can also say cheers to the sunset with CI Wet n Dry Adventures with tailored trips and private charters available.

Accommodation tip: The Diver’s Villa is one of the last pre-war bungalows built by the Christmas Island Phosphate Company and a convenient place to stay.

Enjoy a pot of (hot) iced tea

Order a glass of iced tea from The Chinese Literary Association cafe Le Cla located in The Settlement and it will be served hot, over ice, which is, according to the locals, a Christmas Island speciality. Sit outside on the breezy veranda at this Malaysian-Chinese-Australian restaurant and tuck into waffles for brunch to fuel your day’s adventures.

You can also try the traditional Foshan Chicken at Le Cla.

View a temple or two

You will find several Chinese temples and shrines scattered around Christmas Island as well as Christian churches and a mosque. You will also hear people speaking a second language such as Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Min Nan and Tagalog, which reflects the island’s colourful cultural heritage .

Catch a film at the outdoor cinema

The Christmas Island Outdoor Cinema was built in the 1970s and the scene here skews local. Join local families and tourists with sand still stuck to their feet to watch cult classics and new releases on a giant outdoor screen. Held every Saturday and every second Wednesday.

Join local families and tourists to watch cult classics and new releases on a giant outdoor screen.

Accommodation tip: The Sanctuary has a private lap pool and leafy green outlook.

Chill out in a natural spa

Sit in the sheltered embrace of the Dolly Beach spa as white foam swirls around the natural plunge pool like a lacy skirt. When the humidity is thick as soup, you can make your way to the sandy-floored sea cave known as the Grotto after dark. But do take a torch: robber crabs loom all around, their hunched bodies like giant dust mites.

Look for birds in the trees

Christmas Island covers 135 square kilometres, of which about 63 per cent has been declared national park. Look up high in the branches of the trees or head to the clifftops to spot birds that take it in turns to squawk, as if there’s a conductor nearby holding a baton. Look for the rare Abbott’s Booby and giant Christmas Island frigate birds.

A Golden Bosun is one of the many remarkable birds to be seen on Christmas Island. (Image: Kirsty Faulkner)

Enjoy a cold beer at the Golden Bosun

The Golden Bosun is a CI institution. The thing to do here is order pineapple pizza and a few pots of beer to enjoy on the breezy balcony overlooking the sea until the stars light up the night sky. Enjoy the star-spangled sky and the convivial atmosphere before wandering back to your room.

Enjoy a cold beer at the Golden Bosun.

Accommodation tip: The Sunset has a pool and dreamy sea views.

From little things, big things grow

If you’ve timed your visit to Christmas Island between October and January chances are you will witness the mass migration of Christmas Island red crabs and, for triple bonus points, the phenomenal sight of endangered whale sharks that gather off the island’s coast to feed on the crabs’ larvae.

Catch the phenomenal sight of endangered whale sharks.

Visit Hughs Dale

If you’re one of just 30 lucky visitors to score tickets to this year’s Indian Ocean Fest , you will visit Hughs Dale during the Wilderness, Walks & Wildlife Encounters . But you can also explore the island’s beauty spots year-round and the Dales is a must-do, providing significant habitat for the island’s endemic blue crabs.

Start from the boardwalk and make your way to Hughs Dale.

Visit Rumah Tinggi Tavern

The Rumah Tinggi tavern is a huge hit with visitors and locals who converge here on a Saturday arvo for pub grub such as fish and chips and steak sangas. Watch the sun set over the sea with your new friends and vow to start planning your next trip to Christmas Island upon your return.

Plan your visit to Christmas Island to coincide with the Indian Ocean Fest June 21-28. To be one of just 30 visitors to secure tickets to the inaugural program, click here .

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Christmas Island is a rugged, isolated natural wonder - perfect travel for those seeking well off the beaten track. OUR GALAPAGOS 2400 kms to the l...

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Christmas Island Travel: A First Timer’s Guide

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.

How to get to Christmas Island

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 .

What to do on Christmas Island

• See the red crabs

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

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.

• Boulder Track

To get to the center of Christmas Island National Park, take the Boulder Track for a walk and incredible viewpoints.

• Accommodation options

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.

• Bird Watching

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.

Other helpful information for Christmas Island

• How to get around the island

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.

• Where to Eat

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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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Christmas Island

Things to do in christmas island.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Christmas Island National Park

2. Christmas Island Visitor Centre

3. The Dales Hiking Trail

4. Dolly Beach

5. Lily Beach

6. The Grotto

7. The Blowholes

8. Ethel Beach

9. Margaret Knoll Lookout

10. National Park Bird Feeding

11. Gun Emplacement

12. Ma Chor Nui Nui Temple

13. Greta Beach

14. Territory Day Park

15. Golf Course Lookout

16. Tai Jin House

17. Freshwater Cave

18. West White Beach

19. Soon Tien Kong Temple

20. SIEV-X Memorial

21. South Point Railway Station

22. siev-221 memorial.

23. Christmas Island Golf Course

24. tai pak kong.

25. Wild Papaya

26. Si Mian Fo

27. Anderson Dale Walk

28. catholic church.

29. Christmas Island Wet n'Dry Adventures

30. Extra Divers Australia

What travellers are saying

• Christmas Island National Park
• Christmas Island Visitor Centre
• The Dales Hiking Trail
• Dolly Beach
• Christmas Island Fishing & Adventure
• The Blowholes

Christmas Island

• 1.1 Orientation
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Landscape
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By boat
• 4 Get around
• 5.1 Cultural and historical attractions
• 5.2 Red crabs
• 12 Stay safe
• 13 Stay healthy

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 .

Understand [ edit ]

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.

Orientation [ edit ]

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.

Climate [ edit ]

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.

Landscape [ edit ]

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.

Talk [ edit ]

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 as a first language. However, unlike the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, all signs are in English.

Get in [ edit ]

As Christmas Island is a territory of Australia, make sure you meet the entry requirements for Australia .

By plane [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

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.

Get around [ edit ]

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.

See [ edit ]

• Lily Beach : Named after a girl who was swept off the rocks at the beach never to be found. The beach comprises a sandy area running down to a bathing pool, which is separated from the open ocean by rocky basalt/limestone outcrops. The pool is constantly fed sea water from the gullies leading to the ocean and the whitewash generated from the waves hitting the cliffs and outcrop. Caution is advised when venturing past the bathing pool on to the rocky outcrops, as large freak waves have known to swamp the rocky outcrops. Beware, lest you meet the same fate as Lily! Located in the 'snout of the dog' eastern part of the island, this beach can be accessed by normal 2 wheel drive vehicles. Gazebos and BBQ facilities are available.

• -10.514408 105.622613 3 The Blowholes . A geological feature located along the steep limestone cliffs along the southern coastline of the park, the Blowholes are holes in the ground where air and seawater are blown out due to waves crashing into caves formed along the bottom of the cliffs. Depending on wave conditions, the water and trapped air in the caves are forced out from the holes formed at the top of the cliff caves, leading to spectacular plumes of water thrown up into the air. The distinctive sound of gushing air can heard from the holes when the waves crash onto the cliffs. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• -10.49707 105.546114 4 Winifred Beach . ( updated Mar 2022 )
• -10.461842 105.580844 5 West White Beach . ( updated Mar 2022 )
• -10.477098 105.684029 6 Margaret Knoll , Margaret Knoll Rd . An easy to access lookout located a short walk from your vehicle. The lookout provides stunning views of the Eastern side of the island, with both sea birds and forest birds soaring overhead. ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Territory Day Park Lookout
• South Point
• Greta Beach
• Anderson Dale
• West White Beach
• Ethel Beach
• Waterfall Bay

Cultural and historical attractions [ edit ]

• Administrators House known locally as "Buck House"
• Historical World War II Artillery Bunker past the Buck House
• -10.446319 105.708257 7 Ma Chor Nui Nui Temple , Golf Course Rd . A religious Taoist temple built by the ethnic Chinese on Christmas Island. It may not look very big, but its architecture with direct views of the nearby blowhole makes it one of the most interesting temples. ( updated Jan 2022 )

Red crabs [ edit ]

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.

Do [ edit ]

• View the spectacular world-famous Christmas Island Red Crab Migration during the months of December–February.
• Diving or snorkeling off the 'Drop Off' at Flying Fish Cove
• Take a guided tour
• Whale shark watching
• Game Fishing on chartered boat
• Rock Fishing
• Caving (warning: seek local advice before setting out to any caves)
• 4-wheel driving, known locally as "bush bashing".
• Mountain biking
• Relax by the beach or on the patio with a cold beer
• Duty-Free cheap drinks at numerous bars and taverns on the island
• Historical trail self tours

Buy [ edit ]

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 ).

• -10.417 105.6749 1 Acker Trading , 58 Gaze Rd , ☏ +61 8 9164-7575 , [email protected] . M-F 9AM-11AM . Gas refills. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4265 105.673 2 Christmas Island Post Office , 412 Canberra Pl , ☏ +61 8 9164-8495 , [email protected] . M Tu Th F 8AM–3:30PM, W 9AM–5PM, Sa 9AM–1PM (closed Su) . Australian Postal Services, Commonwealth Bank agency, stationery, philatelic, passport photos, souvenirs. Contact Michelle or Carolyn. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4229 105.673 3 Christmas Island Supermarket , Gaze Road, Settlement , ☏ +61 8 9164-8370 , +61 439-215-370 (mobile) , [email protected] . M–F 9AM–6PM, Sa 9AM–1PM . Groceries, fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, wine, beer and spirits. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Christmas Island Visitor Information Centre - Gift Shop , ☏ +61 8 9164-8382 . Run by the Christmas Island Tourism Association located at the Visitor Information Centre, Gaze Road, Settlement. They sell a range of souvenirs from Australia and Christmas Island, including local craft, T-shirts, Christmas Island Books, posters, maps and videos, jewellery, pottery, and postcards. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.42293 105.67276 4 Gaseng , Gaze Road , ☏ +61 8 9164-8313 , [email protected] . Australian standard diesel automotive fuel and unleaded petrol, 2-stroke mix for outboard motors, 20L jerricans for loan to refuel yachts, free transport to and from the jetty and able to fuel larger yachts on application. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4204 105.6738 5 Island Pharmacy and News , Unit 9/26 Gaze Road , ☏ +61 8 9164-8337 , [email protected] . M–F 9AM–5PM, Sa 9AM–noon. . Dispersing of prescriptions and supply of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, make-up, first aid items, suncare and sunglasses. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4222 105.6731 6 Lucky Luke's , 6 Gaze Road, The Settlement , ☏ +61 8 9164 8297 , [email protected] . M–F 9AM–5PM, Sa 9AM–1PM . Range of clothing and unique giftware from around the world. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4177 105.6743 7 The Red Crab Surf'n'sound , The Barracks, Gaze Road , ☏ +61 8 9164 7176 , [email protected] . ShopSurf wear and accessories, sunglasses, shoes range of music CDs. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4268 105.6732 8 Westpac Bank , 5 Canberra Pl , ☏ +61 8 9164-8221 . M–F 9AM–3PM . Banking or money changing. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -10.4205 105.6737 9 Wild Papaya ( in the Temple Court ), ☏ +61 8 9164-8882 , [email protected] . Tu–F 11AM–5PM; Sa 9AM–noon . Gallery, gifts and homewares. Handcrafted Australian jewellery, Christmas Island photography and art. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

There are several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine.

• -10.424777 105.67925 1 Lucky Ho Restaurant , Lot 236 Poon Saan Rd , ☏ +61 8 9164-8813 . Excellent value.  
• Waterfall Restaurant ( at the Christmas Island Resort ), ☏ +61 8 9164-8888 . Daily for breakfast and dinner with Sunday Roasts . Western food and Asian food - Modern International - steaks, pasta, pizza. Located at the Christmas Island Resort.  
• Emayson's Cafe ( at the Christmas Island Recreation Centre ), ☏ +61 8 9164-8106 . Daily . Western and Asian Food - Coffee, milkshakes and cool drinks.  
• Golden Bosun Tavern ( ocky Point Complex, Gaze Road Settlement ), ☏ +61 9164 7967 . Dinner Tu–Su, Su closed, restaurant 5:30PM–8:30PM, bar 4PM till late . Modern International fare, with a dessert selection and coffee. Uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from the restaurant verandah.  
• Longs Bakery . M–F . Fresh bread daily including white, wholemeal, wholegrain and 6 cut rolls Red bean paste; Kaya paste; Coconut and Sambal Prawn buns Chicken and Beef Sausage Rolls. In Sundays fresh bread and french sticks are available from Boong Trading, Meng Chong Trading, and Metro Enterprises.  
• Rockfall Cafe , ☏ +61 8 9164-7688 . M–Sa 7:30AM–1:30PM . Huge range of burgers, rolls, sandwiches, delicious meals and fresh salads, fresh coffee and cakes. BYO - Eat in or Take away. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant ( Gaze Road Settlement ), ☏ +61 8 9164-7667 (Mark or Kaz) . M Th–Su: bar 5PM till late, dinner to 9PM; Tu W closed . The Rumah Tinggi offers modern Australian fare, fine wine and cocktails. With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and a spacious open air verandah – view to the sunset or the moon rise over the Indian Ocean.  
• Season's Palace ( Poon Saan area, upstairs from the Poon Saan Shops ), ☏ +61 8 9164-7688 . Authentic Chinese dishes. Air conditioned.  

Drink [ edit ]

As Christmas Island is duty-free, alcohol is usually lower priced than the Australian mainland. Some of the bars and taverns are:

• Tracks at Drumsite
• Golden Bosun
• Pool Hall at Poon Saan
• Rumah Tinngi at Gaze Road Settlement

Sleep [ edit ]

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:

• Captain's Last Resort
• Divers Villa
• Hibiscus House
• Mango Tree Lodge
• The Retreat
• Rumah Biru Cottage
• Roundabout Retreat
• Seaspray Villa

For further details, bookings or enquiries visit the Christmas Island Tourism Association website .

• -10.4648 105.555859 1 Swell Lodge , Martin Point , ☏ 1300 790 207 (domestic) , [email protected] . Check-in: 11AM . The only accommodation in Christmas Island National Park, this eco-lodge provides meals, drinks, transport. The lodge is also closed during for a few months of the year (Jan - April) ( updated Jan 2022 )

Work [ edit ]

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.

Stay safe [ edit ]

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.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

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.

Respect [ edit ]

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.

Connect [ edit ]

• Christmas Island Tourism Association , PO Box 63, Christmas Island, Western Australia 6798 , ☏ +61 8 9164-8382 , [email protected] .  

Go next [ edit ]

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 .

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Christmas Island: 10 Amazing Things To Do On This Hidden Indian Ocean Gem

Tucked away in the shimmering Indian Ocean, Christmas Island is a hidden gem destination teeming with nature, beauty, and exciting adventures.

• Christmas Island offers a range of exciting activities including water adventures, exploring the capital Flying Fish Cove, tasting delicious food, and enjoying incredible views from lookouts.
• Visitors can witness the fascinating blowholes on the south side of the island, explore the streets of Flying Fish Cove, shop for local crafts, and savor diverse cuisines including Malaysian, Western, and Chinese.
• Christmas Island boasts stunning lookout points that provide breathtaking views of rainforests, cliffs, beaches, and coastlines. History enthusiasts can also tour the Tai Jin House Museum and learn about the island's past.

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.

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10 see the blowholes of christmas island, 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.

• Location: Shire of Christmas Island 6798

9 Explore Flying Fish Cove

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.

• More exciting things to do at Flying Fish Cove: Snorkel, dive, and relax on the beach

8 Taste The Best Food On Christmas Island

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.

• Best places to eat at Christmas Island: Poon Saan Coffee Shop, the Flying Fish Cafe, Golden Bosun Tavern

7 Enjoy The Best Views On Christmas Island From Its Lookouts

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.

6 Tour The Tai Jin House Museum

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.

• Hours: Sun-Sat 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

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5 hike to the hughs dale waterfall, 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.

• Hike Length: 0.75 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: Around 30 minutes

Once at the waterfall, visitors can immerse in its beauty by showering under the cascading waters, which are clean and safe for drinking.

4 Explore Christmas Island National Park

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.

• Top things to do in Christmas Island National Park: Hiking, wildlife watching, beach hopping, swimming

3 Watch The Annual Migration Of Red Crabs

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.

• Best places to watch the Red Crab migration on Christmas Island: Ethel Beach, Flying Fish Cove, and Greta Beach.

2 Go Beach Hopping And See All Of Christmas Island's Best Beaches

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.

• Best beaches on Christmas Island: Lily Beach, Dolly Beach, Ethel Beach, Greta Beach, Flying Fish Cove, Winifred Beach, West White Beach.

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1 enjoy a watersports adventure in flying fish cove, 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.

• Flying Fish Cove Watersports and Dive Operators: Christmas Island Wet 'n' Dry Adventures , Extra Divers Australia

Christmas Island Visitor Centre

Make the Visitor Centre the first stop on your Christmas Island experience. The Visitor Centre is centrally located on Gaze Road, Settlement (the blue building next to the petrol station) and is open 6 days per week.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you to find out what to do, where to eat and shop, what is happening on the Island and where to explore. A large range of gifts and souvenirs are available to share with you family and friends or to remind you of your time on Christmas Island.

The Visitor Centre has a lounge area where you can relax, rest and enjoy watching some of the fascinating videos and documentaries about Christmas Island.

Our friendly staff can assist with the following:

• Information services – maps, brochures etc • Booking service for accommodation, car hire and tours • Business services – i.e. printing, scanning and laminating • WiFi Hotspot (CIFI Hotspot) – bring your own device or use one of the complimentary laptops. Vouchers can be purchased online through individual devices. WiFi can be accessed around the  Visitor Information Centre after opening hours. • Golf club hire

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm Saturday: 9:00am –  12:00pm Sundays:  Closed

Special arrangements apply for Public Holidays. Out of hours information is found in the noticeboard next to the Visitor Centre or on Facebook @civisitorcentre.

Contact the Visitor Centre on + 61 (0)8 9164 8382 or e-mail  Christmas Island Tourism Association

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Christmas Island Visitor Centre

Christmas Island Visitor Centre. Photo: Christmas Island Tourism Association

Drop by the Christmas Island Visitor Centre for expert advice on what to see and do during your stay.

Run by our friends at the Christmas Island Tourism Association , the visitor centre has maps, guides and other resources to help you get the most out of your Christmas Island holiday.

Helpful staff are on-hand to answer all your questions about the island and can book accommodation, tours and hire cars for you.

Wi-fi is available and you can buy a range of books, gifts and souvenirs.

1 Gaze Road, Settlement – look for the blue building next to the service station.

Opening hours

• Monday to Friday: 8 am – 4 pm
• Saturday: 8 am – 12 pm
• Sunday (and public holidays): closed

Contact details

• Phone: +61 (0)8 9164 8382
• Email: [email protected]
• Social: facebook.com/CIVisitorCentre
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© 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.

Clock is ticking: The Australian island facing an uncertain future

Once home to the most profitable casino in the world, a vibrant phosphate mine, and a multi-million-dollar detention centre, christmas island is fast becoming the forgotten island off the western australian coastline..

The remote Australian territory of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean is 2,600km away from Perth. Source: SBS News / Christopher Tan

Christmas Island’s identity

Immigration detention centre

This remote Australian island celebrates Lunar New Year with two public holidays

Phosphate mining

An abandoned casino

What’s next for Christmas Island?

What about tourism?

Why are people staying?

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