AustraliaAustralia and New Zealand
Australia and New ZealandChristmas IslandTravel guide
Christmas Island is an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia. Almost two-thirds of the island is protected as a national park. Its main settlement is Flying Fish Cove.
Why go
Watch the red crab migration from November to February.
Explore rainforest streams and a waterfall at The Dales.
Dive or snorkel at Flying Fish Cove.
Visit quiet beaches and coastal lookouts.
See seawater shoot into the air at The Blowholes.
Best time to go: July to October is the dry season, with occasional showers. The red crab migration takes place from November to February. November to June is wet, with heavy rain and possible tropical cyclones.
Getting there
By air
- Christmas Island International Airport has the airport code XCH.
- The listed schedule says Qantas takes over the Perth and Cocos (Keeling) Islands route on 3 November 2025. Flights are listed for Mondays and Fridays, with one Saturday flight each month.
- Altitude Airways flights from Jakarta are listed once a week during local school holidays. These flights are subject to confirmation and approval.
By sea
- There is no charter passenger boat service to Christmas Island.
- Yachts and cruise ships stop at Flying Fish Cove.
Customs
- Christmas Island follows Australia's entry requirements.
- Visitors travelling from mainland Australia do not need a passport. Identification, such as a driving licence or proof-of-age document, is required.
Getting around
Walking and cycling
You can walk or ride around the island. Mountain biking is an option, but no bike rentals were available in 2025.
Hire car
Drive on the left. The default speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on other roads. Many national park tracks need a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced driver. These include tracks around Dolly Beach, The Dales and The Blowholes. Some tracks become steep and slippery in the wet season.
Hitchhiking
You can hitchhike in settled areas. Many locals are happy to give visitors a lift.
What to see and do
The Dales
Freshwater streams run through rainforest, past rock terraces and a waterfall. Raised walkways and steps help visitors explore the area.
Lily Beach
This sandy beach has a bathing pool, shelters and barbecue facilities, and is accessible by a normal two-wheel-drive car. Large waves can wash over the rocks beyond the pool.
Dolly Beach
An isolated white-sand beach with coconut trees, a freshwater stream and nesting sea turtles. Getting there takes about an hour by four-wheel drive, followed by a 45-minute downhill walk.
The Blowholes
Waves force air and seawater through holes above coastal caves. The resulting sprays can be spectacular.
Margaret Knoll
A short walk from your vehicle leads to a lookout over the island's eastern side. Seabirds and forest birds can be seen overhead.
Watch the red crab migration
See the island's famous migration between November and February.
Food and drink
Lucky Ho Restaurant
A restaurant on Poon Saan Road described as excellent value.
Alchemy
At the Christmas Island Recreation Centre, serving Western and Asian food, coffee, milkshakes and cold drinks.
Longs Bakery
Listed as open Monday to Friday. Fresh bread is also available daily from Meng Chong Trading and Metro Enterprises.
Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant
Modern Australian food on Gaze Road in Settlement. Its open-air verandah overlooks the Indian Ocean.
Tracks
A drinking venue at Drumsite. Alcohol on the island is usually cheaper than on mainland Australia because of its duty-free status.
Pool Hall
A drinking venue at Poon Saan.
Money
Australian dollar (AUD)
- Westpac Bank at 5 Canberra Place offers banking and money changing.
- Christmas Island Post Office has a Commonwealth Bank agency.
- The island has duty-free status. Alcohol and perfume prices are low compared with mainland Australia.
Language
- English is the most common language, and all signs are in English.
- Many older residents speak Malay as their first language.
- Many older residents speak a Chinese dialect as their first language.
Staying safe
- Populated areas are described as safe at all times of day.
- Large waves are the main danger around cliffs and coastal waters, especially during the October to February monsoon period.
- At Lily Beach, use caution beyond the bathing pool. Large waves can wash over the rocky outcrops.
- Some national park tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season. Many require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced driver.
Local customs
Do
- Wave back when locals wave at you while driving.
- Wear normal beachwear at the beach.
- Respect Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Eating areas for non-Muslims may be behind curtains.
Don't
- Do not go nude at beaches.
- Do not eat or drink in public during daylight hours in Ramadan, as this is considered very impolite.
- Do not disturb nesting turtles, shine torches in their eyes or make loud noises near them. Disturbing turtles or taking their eggs is illegal.
Staying healthy
- Wear loose clothing suited to hot, humid weather. Use a hat and sunscreen when spending time in the sun.
- Carry water, as the humidity can make you sweat more than usual.
- Bring mosquito repellent for rainforest trips. There is no malaria on the island.
- Rare cases of hepatitis A and B occur. No particular vaccination is listed as required for a visit.
Where to stay
- Most accommodation is in Settlement, near Flying Fish Cove.
- Listed options include The Cabin, Captain's Last Resort, Hibiscus House and Mango Tree Lodge.
- Other options include The Retreat, Rumah Biru Cottage, Roundabout Retreat, Sunset, VQ3 Lodge and CI Appartments.
- Swell Lodge is the only accommodation in Christmas Island National Park. It is listed as closed from January to April.
Outdoor adventures in Christmas Island
Christmas Island has rainforest walks, secluded beaches, scuba diving and snorkelling. Wildlife highlights include the red crab migration, nesting sea turtles and whale shark watching.
Christmas Island Red Crab Migration
Wildlife
November–FebruaryWatch the migration on the island. Indian Ocean Experiences runs land tours, but specific migration trips are not detailed.
Flying Fish Cove diving and snorkelling
Scuba divingFlying Fish Covenear Flying Fish Cove
Dive or snorkel at Flying Fish Cove. Extra Divers Australia runs diving and snorkelling tours.
- Large waves can make coastal waters dangerous during the monsoon season, especially October–February.
The Dales
HikeChristmas Island National Park
Use a 4WD to reach the area, then follow the signs, raised walkways and steps. Get local advice before visiting remote park areas.
- Driving experience with a 4WD is required.
- Tracks can be steep and slippery in the wet season.
Dolly Beach
Beache
About 1 hour by 4WD, followed by a 45-minute downhill walk to the beach.Drive a 4WD along rocky tracks, then walk downhill to the beach. The track requires 4WD driving experience.
- The track can be steep and slippery in wet weather.
- Do not shine lights into nesting turtles' eyes or make loud noises.
Lily Beach
BeacheEastern Christmas Island
Reach the beach in a normal two-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Large unexpected waves can wash over the rocks beyond the bathing pool.
- Use caution if going beyond the pool onto the rocky outcrops.
The Blowholes
More to doSouthern coastline, Christmas Island National Park
Use a 4WD to visit the Blowholes area. Bring a local person or get local advice before entering remote park areas.
- Driving experience with a 4WD is required.
- Tracks can be steep and slippery during the wet season.
Margaret Knoll lookout
HikeMargaret Knoll Road
Easy A short walk from your vehicle.Drive to the access point on Margaret Knoll Road, then take the short walk to the lookout.
Whale shark watching
Wildlife
Whale shark watching is available, but departure points and operators are not specified.
Boat snorkelling trips
Snorkelling
Take a snorkelling trip from a boat. Extra Divers Australia runs snorkelling tours.
- Large waves can affect coastal waters during the monsoon season, especially October–February.
Boat scuba diving
Scuba diving
Take a boat diving trip. Extra Divers Australia runs scuba diving tours.
- Large waves can affect coastal waters during the monsoon season, especially October–February.
Christmas Island caving
Cave
Seek local advice before setting out to any cave. Specific cave routes are not detailed.
- Get local advice before visiting any caves.
- Bring a local person or get local advice before entering remote national park areas.
Four-wheel driving
More to do
Explore the island's 4WD tracks. Dolly Beach, the Dales and the Blowholes areas require a 4WD.
- Driving experience with a 4WD is required in these areas.
- Some tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season.
Mountain biking
Cycling
Mountain biking is an island activity, but routes are not specified. No bike rentals were available in 2025.
- Bring water for the humid conditions.
Charter boat game fishing
More to do
Take a chartered boat for game fishing. Operators and departure points are not specified.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring water.
Rock fishing
More to do
Rock fishing is an island activity, but specific fishing spots and access routes are not detailed.
- Large waves are a danger along cliffs and coastal waters, especially October–February.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Winifred Beach
Beache
Access details are not specified.
West White Beach
Beache
Access details are not specified.
Territory Day Park Lookout
More to do
Access details are not specified.
South Point
More to do
Access details are not specified.
Greta Beach
Beache
Access details are not specified.
Anderson Dale
More to do
Access details are not specified.
Grotto
More to do
Access details are not specified.
Ethel Beach
Beache
Access details are not specified.
Waterfall Bay
More to do
Access details are not specified.
Airports, metros and trains in Christmas Island
Airports with scheduled flights
- XCHChristmas Island International AirportFlying Fish Cove
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 0 of 2 countries can visit Christmas Island easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- eVisa1
- Visa required1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Asia0 of 1 countries
- Europe0 of 1 countries
Questions
Is Christmas Island part of Australia?
Christmas Island is a territory linked to Australia, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit Australia.
Does a Australia visa let me visit Christmas Island?
Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for Australia may not cover Christmas Island. Check the Christmas Island visa page for your passport.
Is this the same Christmas Island as Kiritimati?
No. This Christmas Island is an Australian territory south of Indonesia. Kiritimati is in Kiribati.
When is the driest time to visit?
July to October is the dry season, with occasional showers. Temperatures change little throughout the year.
Can I arrive by passenger boat?
There is no charter passenger boat service. Yachts and cruise ships do stop at Flying Fish Cove.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive car?
Some places, including Lily Beach, can be reached in a normal car. Many national park tracks require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced driver.
What money does Christmas Island use?
The currency is the Australian dollar. Westpac Bank offers money changing.
Will I be able to use English?
Yes. English is the most common language, and all signs are in English.
When can I see the red crab migration?
The migration takes place from November to February.
Where is most accommodation?
Most accommodation is in Settlement, near Flying Fish Cove. There are also options in Poon Saan and the national park.
Reviewed by @snuck