Things to do in Christmas Island

25 things to do in Christmas Island

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Witness the mass red crab migration across the island

  Between October and December, millions of red crabs scuttle from the rainforest to the sea in a spectacular natural event, often closing roads. Stand at one of the designated viewing spots to watch their march.

  Christmas Island National Park (widespread, best seen on Murray Road)

• Snorkel the coral gardens of Flying Fish Cove

  Just steps from the main settlement, the calm waters of Flying Fish Cove host vibrant corals, parrotfish, and the occasional hawksbill turtle. Easy shore entry makes it perfect for all abilities.

  Flying Fish Cove, The Settlement

• Hike to Hugh's Dale waterfall in the rainforest

  Follow a boardwalk through towering Tahitian chestnut trees and lush ferns to reach a serene waterfall that feeds freshwater pools—a cool, magical retreat within the national park.

  The Dales, Christmas Island National Park

• Watch the Blowholes shoot seawater high into the air

  Along the rugged southern coastline, wave action forces water through blowholes in the rock ledge, creating dramatic spouts and a thunderous roar. Best seen at high tide.

  Blowholes, south coast

• Trek to Dolly Beach for sea turtle nesting

  A steep but rewarding track leads to a pristine, secluded beach where endangered green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Overnight camping by permit only.

  Dolly Beach, east coast

• Spot the rare Abbott's booby at Margaret Knoll Lookout

  From this high vantage point, peer into the canopy of the rainforest to see Abbott's booby, an endangered seabird that nests only on Christmas Island. The panoramic views are breathtaking.

  Margaret Knoll Lookout, Christmas Island National Park

• Explore the surreal Grotto cave and pool

  A short walk leads to a limestone cave with a crystal-clear natural pool inside, formed by a collapsed ceiling. The subterranean atmosphere and cool water make it a hidden wonder.

  The Grotto, near the Golf Course

• Relax on the golden sands of West White Beach

  Accessible only by a challenging 4WD track and a steep descent, West White Beach rewards the adventurous with powder-soft sand, turquoise water, and complete solitude on the island's remote western tip.

  West White Beach

• Dive the legendary Perpendicular Wall

  Descend a near-vertical drop-off that plunges from 8 metres to over 200 metres deep, covered in giant gorgonian sea fans, barrel sponges, and patrolled by whale sharks in season.

  Perpendicular Wall, off the coast of Flying Fish Cove

• Go caving in the lava tubes of Daniel Roux Cave

  Follow a guide into the dark, winding lava tube formed by ancient volcanic flows. Water pools, delicate stalactites, and endemic cave fauna await explorers with a sense of adventure.

  Daniel Roux Cave, South Point area

• Mountain bike the old phosphate railway tracks

  Pedal along decommissioned rail trails that cut through dense jungle and coastal cliffs, offering a mix of history and adrenaline with stunning ocean views along the way.

  Phosphate Hill to South Point

• Join a deep-sea fishing charter to catch wahoo and tuna

  Head offshore to troll for pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Charters depart from Flying Fish Cove, and you can often bring your catch back to a local restaurant.

  Departing Flying Fish Cove

• Kayak along the dramatic coastal cliffs of North West Point

  Paddle beneath towering limestone cliffs, past seabird rookeries, and into hidden sea caves. The clear water often reveals manta rays and turtles swimming below your kayak.

  North West Point

• Visit the Chinese Taoist temple Soon Tien Kong

  Built by the early Chinese community, this ornate temple in the Settlement features red lanterns, gilded carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere where locals still come to pray.

  Soon Tien Kong Temple, The Settlement

• Tour the Tai Jin House, the former Administrator’s residence

  This grand colonial mansion, built in 1910, now serves as a museum and community space. Its wide verandas and vintage furnishings tell stories of the island’s past governance.

  Tai Jin House, The Settlement

• Wander through the Old European Cemetery

  Dating to the early 1900s, these weathered headstones overlook Flying Fish Cove and commemorate miners, officials, and islanders who shaped Christmas Island’s story.

  Old European Cemetery, The Settlement

• Explore the former phosphate processing plant ruins at South Point

  Abandoned industrial machinery, tramlines, and loading chutes rust amid the jungle, a haunting reminder of the mining boom that built the island’s economy.

  South Point

• Browse the Saturday morning market at the Settlement

  Locals sell fresh fruit, vegetables, handcrafted batik, sarongs, and homemade delicacies. It’s a lively cultural exchange where you can chat with residents and taste Malay sweets.

  Foreshore area, The Settlement

• Sample freshly caught fish and chips at the Jetty Food Market

  On weekend evenings, the jetty transforms into a casual open-air eatery. Order a plate of just-caught mackerel or trevally with crispy chips, eaten with your feet dangling above the water.

  Flying Fish Cove jetty

• Sip sunset cocktails at Rumah Tinggi’s veranda bar

  Perched on a hill above Flying Fish Cove, this heritage-listed guesthouse has a breezy veranda bar. Sip a lime-infused cocktail as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.

  Rumah Tinggi, The Settlement

• Spot the Christmas Island blue crab in the wetlands

  The lesser-known but strikingly electric-blue land crab dwells near freshwater seeps and swamps. Quiet observation near the Dales often reveals their bright carapaces.

  The Dales wetland area

• Witness the frigatebird colony at the Blowholes Lookout

  Soaring above the blowholes, great and lesser frigatebirds nest on the cliff ledges. With their forked tails and inflated red throat pouches, they create an unforgettable aerial spectacle.

  Blowholes Lookout

• Snorkel with giant trevally at Ethel Beach

  A sheltered bay accessible via a forest walk, Ethel Beach’s crystal-clear shallows teem with large schools of silver trevally and curious batfish that circle snorkelers.

  Ethel Beach

• Picnic under the shade of a giant Tahitian chestnut tree at Smith Point

  A secluded grassy area beneath the island’s largest tree species offers shade and views over the rugged coastline. It’s a serene spot for a packed lunch and birdwatching.

  Smith Point

• Swim in the calm tidal pools at Lily Beach

  At low tide, a series of shallow, emerald pools form on the rock shelf, providing a safe, tranquil swimming spot fringed by rainforest—a true hidden escape.

  Lily Beach