Things To Do
in Christmas Island
Christmas Island is a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, including tropical rainforests, beaches, and cliffs. It is famous for the annual migration of red crabs, where millions of crabs traverse the island to the sea, creating a spectacular natural event.
Besides its ecological wonders, Christmas Island also has a mix of cultures and offers activities like bird watching, snorkeling, and exploring its unique cave systems.
- "Merry Christmas" - Merry Christmas
- "Season's Greetings" - Season's Greetings
- "Happy New Year" - Happy New Year
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Blowholes, where you can witness powerful bursts of water shooting through natural rock formations. Enjoy the scenic views and take some memorable photos.
Head to the famous Flying Fish Cove for some snorkeling and relaxation. The vibrant coral reefs offer a glimpse of the underwater paradise around the island.
Conclude your day with a seaside dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh seafood. Enjoy the sound of the waves and the beautiful sunset.
Begin your morning by exploring the national parks to spot the unique wildlife, including red crabs and the endemic Christmas Island frigatebird. Bring your camera for some great nature shots.
Visit the rainforest trails for an immersive experience in the lush greenery. Don't forget to look out for the colorful butterflies that inhabit the area.
Take a leisurely stroll along the coast and watch for the stars as night falls. Enjoy a picnic dinner under the starlit sky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes including lush forests and pristine beaches.
- Rich biodiversity, home to numerous endemic species and a nature reserve.
- High quality of life with a small, close-knit community.
- Low crime rate and a generally safe environment.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and bird watching.
- Isolated location leads to limited access to goods and services.
- Higher cost of living due to transportation expenses for imports.
- Limited job opportunities and professional growth options.
- Potential for environmental issues due to tourism and habitat changes.
- Connectivity challenges, including limited flights and communication.
Best Activities in Christmas Island
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of Christmas Island. Popular spots include the stunning underwater gardens around the island, where you can encounter a variety of fish and sea turtles.
Christmas Island is home to numerous unique bird species. Take a guided tour or explore on your own to see red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and the famous Christmas Island thrush.
Explore the various hiking trails that wind through the island's lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. The trails offer stunning views of the ocean and native flora and fauna.
Witness the incredible annual migration of the red crabs, typically occurring around October to December. This natural phenomenon is a unique experience not to be missed.
Enjoy the rich fishing opportunities surrounding the island, with options for deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, or reef fishing. Experience the thrill of catching local species.
Explore the coastal waters of Christmas Island by kayak. Paddle through calm lagoons, mangroves, and enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs and beaches.
Spend a day relaxing on the pristine beaches of Christmas Island. Enjoy the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, or explore tide pools filled with marine life.
Tours
Uncover the best of Christmas Island with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Christmas Island
Visit one of these nice places.
Witness the powerful ocean waves crashing against the cliffs, creating spectacular geysers of water that shoot high into the air.
A pristine beach with clear turquoise waters and golden sands, perfect for capturing stunning sunset shots.
Known for its dramatic rock formations and serene atmosphere, this beach offers unique compositions for photography.
Capture the breathtaking sight of thousands of red crabs making their way to the sea during their annual migration, an iconic event in Christmas Island.
Photograph the endangered giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an opportunity to capture these remarkable creatures up close.
Explore various national parks with lush landscapes and endemic species, providing diverse natural settings for photography.
A picturesque cove that is ideal for underwater photography and capturing marine life in vibrant coral surroundings.
A viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the island and surrounding ocean, perfect for breathtaking landscape shots.
Food in Christmas Island
Christmas Island Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Indonesian salad made with mixed vegetables, tofu, and boiled eggs, served with a peanut sauce. Best enjoyed at local eateries like Kampong Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Grilled fish marinated in aromatic spices, typically served with sambal and steamed rice. Visit food stalls along Flying Fish Cove for a delightful Ikan Bakar experience.
Fragrant coconut rice served with anchovies, peanuts, hard-boiled eggs, and a side of spicy sambal. Look for Nasi Lemak at Hawker-style food markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Christmas Island better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub of food vendors offering an array of local delights, from freshly grilled seafood to vibrant tropical fruits. Perfect for exploring diverse cuisines and experiencing the island's lively food culture.
A hidden gem renowned for its selection of street food, including flavorful noodle dishes like Mee Goreng and delectable Satay skewers. A must-visit for authentic street food experiences.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Christmas Island is home to the Malaysian, Chinese, and other communities, as well as the indigenous landowners. It is important to respect and acknowledge the cultural practices and traditions of these communities.
Engage with local artisans and businesses to foster economic support. Buying local products not only helps the community but also reflects an understanding and appreciation of their cultural values.
Join local festivals or cultural events to show support and interest in the community's heritage. This participation can help build relationships and demonstrate respect for their traditions and ways of life.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Christmas Island with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Christmas Island
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly practiced on Christmas Island. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and other service establishments. However, rounding up the bill or providing small tips for exceptional service is appreciated but not obligatory.
Payment methods on Christmas Island include cash and credit/debit cards. The Australian dollar (AUD) is the official currency. Visitors are encouraged to have some cash on hand, as not all places may accept cards. ATMs are available, but it's advisable to inform your bank about travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Christmas Island.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Christmas Island is during the dry season when the weather is more pleasant, with less humidity and lower rainfall. Expect sunny days, perfect for exploring the island's natural beauty, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife, including the famous red crab migration.
The wet season features higher temperatures and increased rainfall. While the lush greenery is vibrant and the wildlife is active, visitors should prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding. This is also the season for bird watching, as various migratory species arrive.
A unique experience during this period, where millions of red crabs migrate from the forest to the ocean to spawn. Visitors can witness this natural spectacle, but should plan their trip around the estimated peak times to fully enjoy this iconic event.
Christmas Island at Night
Hiking in Christmas Island
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that leads to Moses Hill, offering panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.
An easy to moderate trail that winds through the lush rainforest, showcasing the unique flora and fauna of Christmas Island.
A challenging hike that takes you to one of the highest points on the island, with rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes along the way.
A short and accessible trail that features informative signs about the island's ecology and is perfect for family hikes.
A trail leading to a lookout point that provides stunning views of the cliffs and coastline, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Christmas Island through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Christmas Island by plane.
Christmas Island's main airport serving international and domestic flights.
Major international airport in Perth, Western Australia, approximately 2,600 km from Christmas Island.
The nearest major international airport located in Darwin, Northern Territory, about 1,600 km from Christmas Island.
International airport in Bandung, Indonesia, approximately 3,200 km from Christmas Island.
International airport in Bali, Indonesia, roughly 3,400 km from Christmas Island.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents in Christmas Island are Australian citizens, reflecting the island's status as an external territory of Australia.
A significant portion of the population has Chinese ancestry, primarily among the long-term residents of the island.
There is a notable demographic group of Malays, representing a historical presence on the island.
Includes various other ethnic communities such as Europeans, Arabs, and more recent immigrants.
The Soul of Christmas Island
Discover the essence of Christmas Island through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is a popular sport in Christmas Island, often played in local communities and during gatherings.
Soccer has a strong following on Christmas Island, with many residents participating in local leagues and informal games.
Australian Rules Football is played on the island, reflecting the influence of Australian culture.
Basketball is enjoyed by many on Christmas Island, with outdoor courts available for community use.
Given its island setting, swimming is a popular leisure activity and competition among residents.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Christmas Island's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood, many eateries and cafes provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices. Look for dishes like Tofu Gado-gado or Vegetable Curry for satisfying meat-free dining.
Several establishments on the island offer gluten-free alternatives, such as rice-based dishes and gluten-free bread. Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy a range of safe dining options while exploring the local food scene.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Christmas Island with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Christmas Island.