Guide to Christmas Island

Christmas Island (Chinese: 圣诞岛领地 (Shèngdàn dǎo lǐngdì); Malay: Wilayah Pulau Krismas) is one of the islands of the Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia. It is south of Indonesia and some 1,550 km northwest of Australia, of which it is a territory. It was home to about 1,800 people in 2016, a mix of Straits Chinese, Malay, Australian and other ethnic groups.

Together with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island is a part of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The island was first administered as part of the Straits Settlements, and then as part of the colony of Singapore. Sovereignty was transferred to Australia in October 1958 and since then, almost two-thirds of the island has been protected as a national park (and one that's managed by the federal government).

The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn.

Orientation

Christmas Island rises to a central plateau of stands of rainforest. Its 80-km coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff up to 20 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

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

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.

Tourist information

Christmas Island tourism website

As the island is a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken, but not the only one. Many older residents speak Malay or a Chinese dialect as a first language. However, unlike the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, all signs are in English.

As Christmas Island is a territory of Australia, make sure you meet the entry requirements for Australia. Unlike Norfolk Island, you do not need a passport when visiting from the mainland; ID is required, though (such as drivers license or proof of age).

By plane

By boat

There is no passenger chartered boat services to Christmas Island; however, Flying Fish Cove is frequented by yachts and cruise ships as a stop off.

Walk, ride, or hire a car (you may want a 4WD or SUV). You can hitch-hike around the settled areas of island, as most locals are happy to give a ride to visitors.

The default speed limit in urban areas is 50, 80 on gravel roads and 90 on all other roads.

• 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.<br

/>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! This beach is in the 'snout of the dog' eastern part of the island, and can be accessed by normal 2 wheel drive vehicles. Gazebos and BBQ facilities are available.

• Territory Day Park Lookout
• South Point
• Greta Beach
• Anderson Dale
• Grotto
• West White Beach
• Ethel Beach
• Waterfall Bay

Cultural and historical attractions

• District Officers House known locally as "Buck House" or the "Old Administrators House"
• Historical World War II Artillery Bunker past the Buck House

• Soon Tien Kong Temple is a vibrant Taoist sanctuary on Christmas Island, known for its ornate design and tranquil setting amid lush greenery.

Red crabs

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.

• View the spectacular world-famous Christmas Island Red Crab Migration during the months of November–February.
• Scuba diving or snorkeling at Flying Fish Cove
• Snorkel trip from a boat
• Scuba Dive from a boat
• 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 (no rentals available in 2025)
• Relax by the beach or on the patio with a cold beer
• Duty-free cheap drinks at the bars and taverns on the island
• Historical trail self tours
• Hiking

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling tours are run by Extra Divers Australia https://www.extradivers.com.au

Land tours are run by Indian Ocean Experiences https://www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au/

Being an external territory of Australia, the official currency of Christmas island is the Australian dollar.

The island has "duty free" status, and shop prices for perfume and alcohol are very low compared to the Australian mainland (see shopping in Australia).

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

• Flying Fish Cafe
• Kookaiz
• CI Bakery

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

• Pool Hall at Poon Saan
• Rumah Tinngi at Gaze Road Settlement

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:

• The Cabin
• Captain's Last Resort
• Hibiscus House
• Mango Tree Lodge
• The Retreat
• Rumah Biru Cottage
• Roundabout Retreat
• Sunset
• VQ3 Lodge
• CI Appartments

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

It is difficult for non-locals to find employment on Christmas Island. The largest employers on the island are the small scale phosphate mining and federal or local government. The most common way of obtaining employment on Christmas Island for non-locals is to check government positions advertised at Apsjobs. There are occasionally postings for teachers on several years contract from Australia.

The island is safe all times of the day in the populated areas, locals usually leave their houses and car unlocked. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals (even insects) on the island.

The most likely danger is large waves on cliffs and coastal waters during the monsoon season (October–February).

There are occasional sightings of reef and hammerhead sharks off the coast near the 'drop offs' (underwater coastal shelf which drops off into the ocean depths, usually 5–30 m offshore); however, no shark attacks have ever been reported on Christmas Island.

Some 4-wheel drive tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season; caution is advised when driving in national parks areas. Many tracks are 4-wheel drive only, in particular Dolly Beach track and Dales and Blow Holes National Park areas. 4-wheel driving experience is required when venturing into these areas.

It is recommended that you bring a local or get local advice before heading off to any unpopulated national park areas.

Wear loose fitting clothing suitable for humid tropical climates. A hat and sunscreen is recommended if you're intending to be under the sun at the beach or fishing.

Bring water with you, as in humid environments you will tend to perspire more than normal.

Mosquito repellent should be brought on trips to rain forest areas. There is no malaria on the island.

There are rare occurrences of Hepatitis A & B. However there is no particular vaccination required when visiting the island.

Nudity is not permitted at beaches; normal beachwear applies.

It's good manners to wave back if waved at by locals when driving.

Respect Ramadan. Restaurants and other facilities remain open for non-Muslims, but the eating area may be behind curtains.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands northwest of Christmas Island has weekly connecting flights that take about 1 hour.

One can also take a charter flight to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.