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
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.
See The Blowholes Of Christmas Island
The famous Blowholes on Christmas Island make loud whooshing sounds
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.
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.
Enjoy The Best Views On Christmas Island From Its Lookouts
Some of the best lookouts on Christmas Island include Territory Day Park Lookout, Golf Course Lookout, Martin Point Lookout, and Margaret Knoll Lookout.
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
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
Explore Christmas Island National Park
This national park almost occupies the entirety of Christmas Island
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.
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
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.
