Your Christmas Island, Australia Travel Guide: Best things to do and Travel Tips (2026)
Last updated on May 21st, 2026 at 06:19 am
If you’re looking for one of Australia’s most unique and underrated destinations, Christmas Island should absolutely be on your radar. Hidden away in the Indian Ocean, this remote Australian territory is famous for its incredible wildlife, crystal-clear waters, world-class diving, and the spectacular red crab migration that attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you want a nature-focused adventure, to swim with whale sharks, or just to experience a remote and very different side of Australia, this Christmas Island travel guide covers everything you need to know – from the best things to do and when to visit, to travel tips to help you plan your trip.
Truly, I can’t say how much I love this island. It’s wild, remote and rugged – just how I like it! And for a small space with only a few roads it has so much to offer……to the explorer, the nature lover, the ocean lover, the person who just wants to be off the beaten track or to go somewhere very different!
First things first – Where is Christmas Island?
Christmas Island is a fantastic remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, 1500 km west of the Australian mainland but only 350km south of Indonesia.
Before I go on with these fabulous things to do on Christmas Island……
A Quick Guide to help you plan your trip
Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Internet – there is limited 4G service provided by Telstra on the island – only in some locations. More info below
Getting there – Qantas flies to Christmas Island on Mondays and Fridays from Perth (International Airport) stopping at Cocos Keeling Islands as well.
Monday: Perth > Christmas Island > Cocos Islands > Perth
Friday: Perth > Cocos Islands > Christmas Island > Perth
Accommodation – book a hotel with booking.com – see Where to Stay in Christmas Island below.
For the best walks in the area get AllTrails so you have offline maps to guide you. This will be useful to get you on some of the lesser known trails.
Insurance – If you are not Australian and don’t have travel insurance already, I use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
The best things to do in Christmas Island
1. Time it right for the Christmas Island crab migration
Every year sometime between October and January Christmas Island gets literally covered in their famous red crabs – 60 million of them! Well, the crabs are there all year round, but at this time they move from their forest homes to the coast to spawn.
This incredible event takes place over a few weeks as the crabs have to come down from the mountains to mate, males return, females take care of the eggs in the burrows, females spawn and return to the mountains, babies return a few weeks later.
November and December are the most likely timed for this to occur. Don’t worry if you don’t see the migration, you will still see the red crabs all across the island. I’ve been twice and not seen it – third time lucky I hope. But I still saw plenty of red crabs and so will you.
2. ….or for the Whale Sharks
The whale sharks are not as predictable as the red crabs but usually visit Christmas Island from November to April. Sometimes there are a lot of them and other times only a few. But its still worth keeping this in mind when planning when to go to the island. You can go out to swim with these beautiful beasts with a number of operators – details in 3.
3. Go diving, freediving, or snorkeling
Christmas Island is literally surrounded by dive sites full of caves, drop offs, coral gardens and of course marine life – 600 fish species around the island plus turtles and . It would takes weeks to get to them all! Visibility is 30m most of the time. There are a couple of local operators on the island:
- Extra divers for snorkeling or free diving
- Christmas Island Wet’n’Dry Adventures for diving
You can also snorkel from the island at the following spots, but based on my experience I would recommend going out snorkeling with an operator at least once, and definitely if the whale sharks are around!
- Flying Fish cove – you can also shore dive from here. Its a popular spot on the edge of town with BBQ and picnic facilities too.
- If its too rough at Flying Fish Cove, you can try Ethel Beach.
- West White Beach – but be aware it is a bit harder to get to than other spots – and hours walk and a short cliff with a rope to help you down has to be negotiated.
- Dolly Beach – easier to get to via a boardwalk!
4. Check if any turtles are nesting
You are likely to see green turtles and hawksbill turtles when diving or snorkeling around the island, but Christmas Island is unusual in that turtles nest here all year round. There is no guarantee – this is nature after all, but you may see them nesting, or see hatchlings, on Dolly Beach or Greta Beach (see 8 below).
Remember – both species are endangered and protected. Follow this Parks Australian code of conduct around the turtles. Definitely no bright lights but also don’t get too close to the turtles, and avoid making footsteps near hatchlings as they can get stuck in them.
5. Find the blue crabs and robber crabs!
There are 20 species of land crabs that live on Christmas Island. Two other ‘famous’ crabs that you want to see are the gorgeous Blue Crabs and the super cool huge Robber Crabs. They both live in the forest and I love them both. (See the robber crab I am holding in the feature photo.)
The place to see the blue crabs is the easy Hugh’s Dale Waterfall Walk, or the boardwalk to Dolly Beach. Both are absolutely must do walks on the island so its a win-win – walk and crabs. Robber crabs are also found on the Dolly Beach boardwalk, but you can see them all across the island by chance.
6. Play remote golf
Where else but at the Christmas Island Golf Club do you need rules about what happens when a crab steals your golf ball!!
Visitors are welcome, especially during the yearly Acker Open in May! You can hire clubs (from the Visitor Center) to play on this remote and extremely unique 9 hole par 64 golf course – complete with bordering jungle and robber crabs!
7. Take in the views from…
The Territory Day Park – which has a lovely 2km nature trail through the rain forest to historical Tai Jin House, as well as great views of the township and Flying Fish cove.
Margaret Knoll Lookout – a short walk and a few steps up from Margaret Knoll Road this lookout gives fabulous views over the national park and coastline. Its also a great spot for bird-watching where you are likely to see frigate birds, boobies, and golden bosuns.
Martin Point – a short walk from the carpark at the end of Dale Rd is a viewing platform which is also great for birdwatching. This is a real sunset spot with fantastic views over the west and the offshore reef.
The Golf Course Lookout – on the trail to the lookout (start from Quarry Road) you walk past an old Chinese Cemetery (Phosphate Hill Cemetery) before you get to the lookout and wow-incredible views. The lookout is on a cliff above the golf course and worth the short steep walk!
8. Take a walk and wash off at Hugh’s Dale Waterfall
Hugh’s Dale is such a special (2km) walk, I went more than once both times I was on the island. Walk through beautiful rainforest full of Tahitian chestnut trees and the home of the very special blue crab. The blue crab lives in one place only in the world – right here in the dales area of Christmas Island. Adorable too! Use the AllTrails map and details to help you find the trail. There is a turnoff point to take you to the waterfall.
The walk has seats and information boards as you walk through the forest and the Hugh’s Dale walk finishes at a lovely waterfall – perfect for a shower! I had a mix of a little to a lot of water at the waterfall – but whatever you find there, this is a must-do on the island.
The trail also continues on from the turnoff to Anderson Dale and Merrial Beach. This part is rockier and harder and often skipped but worth it to see the small canyon and entrance to the sea – but this is there ONLY at low tide. Do not try to swim at high tide whatever you do – its dangerous! It splits off from the easy (2km) Hugh Dale Waterfall walk part-way along.
Tip: Do the Anderson Dale / Merrial Beach walk first if you are going to, so that you can wash off at the waterfall afterward!
9. Swim and laze on some beautiful and incredibly remote beaches
Actually for a couple of these beaches there is a bit of a walk to get there – but it is definitely worth it because you are going through some stunning terrain and wildlife spots! Others are an easy walk from the carpark so don’t worry you can get the lazing in.
- Lily Beach – teeny tiny and gorgeous. Even better you can drive right to it and its really safe. It small but you can walk around the boardwalk to Ethel Beach which is bigger (but not as cute). You can snorkel at both beaches and see brown booby’s nesting from the boardwalk.
- Ethel Beach – as said, a great boardwalk from Lily Beach, and good for snorkeling – you can even watch the fish in the rock pools.
- Dolly Beach – easier to get to via my favorite boardwalk on the island. Its only 1km from the carpark – but you really need a 4wd to get there (although you can park higher up and just walk a bit further). Its like being in a Jurassic Park jungle and rock-scape. You’ll see red, blue and robber crabs and the beach has white sand and great rock pools for swimming at low tide.
- Greta Beach is similar to Dolly Beach and has a viewing platform above some steps that lead down to the beach. If only going to one, I’d pick Dolly, but both are good to see.
- West White Beach – this is a bit harder to get to than other beaches (see more in the hiking section next)! But, it has great snorkeling, so definitely worth the effort.
- Winifred Beach – accessible by boat only – sadly the walking track has closed.
- Merrial Beach – is only accessible at low tide, its tiny but so beautiful! Carry on the trail past the turnoff to Hugh’s Dale until you reach the sea. ONLY at low tide – its dangerous at high tide when the beach disappears!
10. Go hiking!!
There are a few trails on the island other than to Hugh’s Dale, and the ones marked on AllTrails can be found here.
Some good options are:
Greta Beach Road – (9km / 5.5 mile return) This is a great walk along an old 4wd track through the forest and then along some boardwalk to Great Beach. Nothing difficult about it. The AllTrails map is here.
West White Beach (3km / 2 mile return) walk is also great for the more experienced. It has a rope climb down a cliff to the beach. The snorkeling at the rocky beach is excellent! Bring water shoes and snorkeling gear – assuming you are a good swimmer. Use the AllTrails map to find your start point.
Boulder Track – (12.5km / 7.9 mile return) The track begins at the end of Blowholes Road and follows along the coastline to the islands southern tip. It goes the opposite way from the road, to the Blowholes Walk.
Blowholes Walk – a very short walk. See no. 13 below.
11. Explore and swim in the blue Grotto
The Grotto is a short walk from the car park and when you look at it from above it seems a bit ho-hum with a steep entrance / exit. But, slither your way down into the grotto and get in the water and you wont want to leave. Its refreshing, cool and just plain beautiful. The grotto is fed by a freshwater spring – it does mix with the seawater but is more fresh than salt. A sandy bottom to the grotto, makes this a really perfect little swim spot. Definitely a must-do on the island.
12. Get blasted at the Blowholes
There is a really cool – and potentially – wet boardwalk to, and along, the rocky coast with plenty of blowholes. Time it right, when the swell is up and tide is high, and they can be spectacular. Be warned – you might get very wet. If you don’t get the timing right, well its still an easy walk with quality views and red crabs zipping around so nothing is lost! There is a great trail on AllTrails to get you here too.
13. Watch the birds and spot the rare Abott’s booby
The island has many beautiful seabirds. I always love boobys and tropic birds – and Christmas Island has both. In fact, Christmas Island has about 80,000 nesting seabirds every year.
In September the island holds the Christmas Island Bird ‘n’ Nature Week! A perfect week to visit for avid birders. Spend some time looking for these birds – some of the lookouts are great for this, and check no. 14 below for another great option.
These are some of the birds you can see on the island:
Christmas Island frigate birds – try Margaret Knoll Lookout or the Perpendicular Wall walk, behind the golf course, Chinese cemetery and Smith Point. Mating displays – the pig red puffy male chest – can be seen January to September.
White-tailed tropicbirds or golden bosuns – you will see them around town but also try the golf course lookout or Margaret Knoll Lookout.
Red-tailed tropicbirds – you will see them around town or Smith Point.
Brown footed boobies – flocks will fly out to sea in the morning and return in the evening, or they are likely to be seen at Lily Beach, Margaret Knoll Lookout, Martin Point, and the Golf Course Lookout.
Red footed boobies – flocks will fly out to sea in the morning and return in the evening, or try looking behind the Chinese cemetery and at Ethel Beach.
The Abotts Booby – try the Dales or along North-West Point Rd. This is one of the world’s rarest and most intriguing seabirds – only found here on Christmas Island.
The tiny Christmas boobook or Hawk-owl – hard to see but sometimes they will be in town near the lights or on the roadsides.
14. Go to the bird feeding!
On Tuesday afternoons (3-4pm) there is a free bird feeding tour for an hour which you don’t want to miss. (You must book ahead at the Visitor Center.) Its an absolute must if you want to see the rare Abbott’s Booby – this is the star of the show!
These birds are being rehabilitated from injuries and will return to their wild state as soon as they want to or are able to.
15. Go fishing
Not my thing- but if its yours, you can go on a fishing trip with Christmas Island Fishing & Adventure to catch tuna, wahoo, black trevally and more. It sounds like they will give you more than a fishing trip – meeting their friendly giant trevallies, spotting (and maybe swimming with) dolphins, seeing waterfalls from the ocean, snorkeling and more!
Actually I’ve almost convinced myself for next time!
16. Go to the movies on a Saturday night
Its a lot of fun – and it really doesn’t matter what the movie is! Its the Christmas Island Outdoor Cinema run by volunteers and a great set up for the locals so you will get to mingle and feel like you are one of them!
17. Explore the cultural heritage of Christmas Island
For a small place, Christmas Island has a fascinating past with a real mix or races and religions living on the island over time. Around the island you will see plaques, shrines and temples, like the Mar Chor Nui Temple – a Chinese temple dedicated to the Sea Goddess.
For a good start on the history of the island and its people, definitely don’t leave it too late to visit Tai Jin House. It was originally the British Administrators House but is now a museum. There is also a WW2 gun emplacement next door.
18. Go running and have a barbie with the local Hash House Harriers
You can meet some locals and have some fun running / exploring the island with the local Hash House Harriers. They run every Thursday at 4.30pm. Afterwards there is a BBQ – yum!
The visitor Center will point you in the right direction but this is the HHH facebook page.
19. Go Pink with the reptiles
Ask at the Visitor Center about the Pink House and book a tour. The Pink House is an education and research station working to conserve some of Christmas Island’s most iconic lizards, including the blue-tailed skink and Listers gecko. They do tours every Wednesday at 1pm but will only take 15 people. So book your spot ahead – call the Parks office on +61 8 9164 8700.
20. Sleep wild
You can camp in the National Park that makes up most of the island! What a great way to take in the full wonder of the island. You need to be entirely self-sufficient (water, food etc) and need a permit from the park office. Contact them on +61 8 9164 8700 or ChristmasIslandNP@dcceew.gov.au to apply.
Alternatively to stay in luxury in the wilds, stay at the stunning Swell Lodge. The Lodge is the first eco-accommodation inside any of the federally-managed National Parks in Australia!
Swell Lodge has all inclusive packages which include a private chef, daily tours and incredibly placed rooms overlooking the ocean. It has 5-star ratings for a reason -let the picture do the talking.
A 7-day Itinerary for Christmas Island?
Note that during the crab migration the roads and access to many places will be disrupted. This itinerary assumes it is not migration period. This itinerary also assumes arrival on a Monday – just adjust if you arrive Friday.
Day 1: Monday
Arrive – Mondays around 1pm, Fridays around 5pm.
Explore Flying Fish cove on foot, snorkel and swim, if you have time, in Flying Fish Cove, and have dinner at Tracks Tavern. (There are other dinner options on some nights of the week. You will find them or check at the Visitor Center.)
Day 2: Tuesday
Morning: Go on a guided tour to get your bearings, or pick up your hire car and drive to Hugh’s Dale walk. Enjoy the blue crabs and carry on to Andersons Dale. Check the tide times to see if you can get onto Merrial Beach (low tide only). Take a picnic and enjoy the waterfall.
Afternoon: Go on the bird feeding tour.
Evening: Try another dinner spot – ask at the Visitor Center who is open.
Day 3: Wednesday
Morning : Walk to the Territory Day Park and visit the Tai Jin House Museum.
Afternoon: Go to the Pink House for the reptile tour. Head to Greta or Dolly Beaches. Enjoy the views from Margaret Knoll on the way.
Evening: Sunset at Martin Point! Take a picnic?
Day 4: Thursday
Morning : Head to Lily and Ethel beaches for some relaxation.
Afternoon: Walk to the blowholes and maybe to West White Beach as well.
Evening: If you like to run – join the Hash House Harriers for a run and a BBQ afterwards!
Day 5: Friday
Morning: Swim at the blue Grotto.
Afternoon: Fly out, or enjoy time at one of the beaches.
Evening: There are more eating options on a Friday – go somewhere different.
Day 6: Saturday
Morning: A round of golf? Or one of the walks you haven’t done – e.g. to West White Beach.
Afternoon: A relaxing swim or snorkel at Flying Fish Cove.
Evening: Go to the outdoor movie after dinner!
Day 7: Sunday
Spend the day re-doing what you have enjoyed most so far, or not managed to get to yet.
Enjoy your last day!
Frequently asked questions for travel to Christmas Island?
Q: How do I get to Christmas Island?
A: You can fly from from Perth in Western Australia to Christmas Island. Qantas has regular 2x weekly flights from Perth on Mondays and Fridays. Your return flight will go via the Cocos Keeling Islands, consider stopping there for a few days too – it is equally amazing. Check on skyscanner for flight prices as well as direct with Qantas – you might get the same flight cheaper if you are lucky. Of course you can sail there too!
Q: When is the best time to go to Christmas Island?
A: Christmas Island is in the tropics and has a wet season and a dry season with an average temperature of 28°C (82.5 F) year-round. For hiking, diving and snorkeling the dry season from May to October is best – in the water there is a little better visibility and quite calm conditions. But, if you want to see whale sharks – November to April are the months.
Q: When is the famous red crab migration on Christmas Island?
A: The crab migration happens sometime between October – January, but usually November or December. Check here for possible dates for this year.
Q: How many days do you need on Christmas Island?
A: You will be limited in choice by the flights, so can stay for a long weekend – Friday to Monday, four nights from Monday to Friday, or a week or more. I recommend spending at least four nights and combining this with a visit to the Cocos Keeling Islands as well.
Q: Is Christmas Island expensive to visit?
A: Flights are expensive and costs are higher than mainland Australia due to transport costs to get things there!
Q: Is there internet and mobile service on Christmas Island?
A: There is full phone access via a Telstra 4G GSM Mobile Telephone Service. Telstra SIM cards are available at various shops including the Christmas Island Post Office. Global roaming for phone and text messages is available for carriers that have roaming agreements in place with Telstra – check with your provider for details.
Internet access is via satellite and the Telstra mobile phone network. There is an internet cafe at the Visitor Information Centre, or you can pick up a prepaid voucher for the wifi hotspots located in township areas. Most hotels will provide access. Download the Christmas Island National Park App before you leave mainland Australia.
Q: Can you swim on Christmas Island beaches?
A: Yes but not all beaches are safe. Get local advice on the day.
Q: Do you need a car on Christmas Island?
A: Yes, if you want to explore the island independently! And I highly recommend you do. Christmas Island Tourism Association can give you car hire info. You can do a day tour as well, but it is great to be able to get to the hikes and beaches under your own steam.
Travel Tips for Christmas Island?
- Book flights well ahead for better prices – you can save a few hundred dollars.
- As your return flight will go via the Cocos Keeling Islands, consider stopping there for a few days too. Trust me, both places are wildly different and both are wildly wonderful!
- Everyone has to have a valid passport with them to fly to Christmas Island from Perth – even though you are not leaving Australia. Australians can use their drivers Licence.
- Before you leave Perth, download the Christmas Island National Park App – it has so much info on the island and its birds and wildlife as well as interactive maps.
- During the crab migration the roads and access to many places will be closed or disrupted.
- Don’t forget – your reef shoes, your sunnies, a hat, and your sunblock. Also any medication you might need or special dietary requirement foods.
Where to stay on Christmas island?
For a room plus the bonus of a pool – try The Sunset
No pool but no problems – the VQ3 Lodge
For a four bed villa that sleeps 8, book with Ocean View Apartments, or, for a three bed that sleeps 6, Cocos Padang Lodge
For something special, and to stay in eco-bliss in the Christmas Island National Park, try the exclusive Swell Lodge. You can see other options here.
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