Christmas Island is a remote territory owned by Australia, but situated closer to Indonesia’s Java. Known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean – due to its endemic flora and fauna – the island is generally more popular with scientists and naturalists than it is with tourists.
Despite only receiving attention for detention centre activity or the annual migration of sixty million red land crabs, Christmas Island is a great place to relax and holiday. The locals are friendly; always willing to give a passing wave. The air is clean; unspoiled by the rigors of city life. And the alcohol is cheap; exempt from Australia’s duty taxes.
Christmas Island Information
Population: Approx 1,200
Time Zone: GMT +7
Area: 135 km2
Languages: English (official), Chinese, Malay
Currency: Australian dollar ($)
Christmas Island Climate
Located at the southern edge of the equator, Christmas Island’s climate is typically tropical. Temperatures are relatively uniform throughout most of the year – sitting between 28°C and 22°C. Rather than experiencing four seasons, the year is defined by just two – the wet and dry. The dry lasts from June through to November, and is characterised by long dry periods with southeast winds and occasional showers. The wet falls between November and May, and is affected by northwest monsoons, which typically bring heavy rainfall and high humidity.
Christmas Island Airport
Name: Christmas Island International Airport
Address: Murray Road, Christmas Island, WA, 6798
Distance to Settlement: Approx 5kms
Parking: Free
Transport
Taxi: Journey time approx 10 minutes
Public Transport: No available public transport service to the airport
Car hire: Please contact the Christmas Island Tourism Association for car hire information
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
Sunset
At the Sunset, you can relax and enjoy the sweeping ocean views as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Centrally located at Settlement, it's only a short stroll to shops, cafes and local tavern. This superb accommodation boasts spacious, fully serviced air-conditioned rooms with king / queen size beds or twin share. Each room includes private ensuite.
Mango Tree Lodge
Mango Tree Lodge is a welcoming, cosy and stylish hotel conveniently located in the Settlement, beautifully situated between a lush rainforest and the Indian Ocean, ensuring privacy, quietness and a tranquil surrounding. Your local owner/operators offer personalised service and will ensure your stay is comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable.
Christmas Island Lodge
Situated in Poon Saan, Christmas Island Lodge provides motel style accommodation. The refurbished complex is close to shops, entertainment, and numerous Island attractions. All rooms are air-conditioned, private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, colour television, bar fridge and are serviced daily.
Dining
Christmas Island’s population may be miniscule; however there are quite a few quality eateries and dining experience to be enjoyed.
Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant presents one of the island’s most upmarket dining opportunities, serving modern Australian fare and fine wine with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Also overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Golden Bosun is a visitors’ favourite, presenting European dishes infused with Asian flavours.
Located within close proximity to Asia, the island has a notable Asian influence, which is particularly apparent within its dining scene. Season's Palace, Yong Chung Restaurant, Lucky Ho and The Chinese Literary Association all offer authentic Chinese dishes in humble surrounds. The Malay Association Kitchen is the island’s only Halal restaurant, serving simple Malay fare. While Longs Bakery is a great option for Asian-inspired fresh baked goods.
Simple bites are also on the menus of the island’s cafes and pubs. The Barracks Café, offers a great selection of burgers and fresh Wahoo – a local speciality. Tracks Tavern and Restaurant is popular with local western workers, offering large home-style meals and duty free alcohol. Emaysons Café, at the Recreation Centre, serves coffee, cakes, sandwiches and hot food to go. While The Rockfall Café specialises in cooked breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers.
Shopping
Aside from clean air, beautiful beaches, natural splendour and unique wildlife, Christmas Island has another big draw card… Duty Free shopping! Carrying an impressive range of Duty Free products, such as perfumes, cameras, leather goods, jewellery, watches, sunglasses and alcohol, Gold n Things’ two shops (at the airport and at The Barracks shopping centre) stock a great range of gifts and souvenirs at very attractive prices.
On the whole, Christmas Island has very limited shopping facilities. Most of the island’s most retail scene can be found at The Barracks Shopping Centre or at the Poon Saan shopping complex. Like most beach-side villages, the island has a surf shop, Red Crab Surf Shop located at The Barracks – which caters for the local lifestyle with a wide range of surf gear. Also at The Barracks, Lucky Lukes offers Balinese-style clothing, souvenirs, jewellery and gift ware. While the Tropicana Boutique at Poon Saan sells are variety of clothes, shoes and gifts.
Take away a memento of island life; the Visitor Information Centre sells a range of souvenirs and informative books.
