Things to do in Christmas Island

Between October and December, millions of red crabs scuttle from the rainforest to the sea in a spectacular natural event, often closing roads.

Just steps from the main settlement, the calm waters of Flying Fish Cove host vibrant corals, parrotfish, and the occasional hawksbill turtle.

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.

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

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

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.

A short walk leads to a limestone cave with a crystal-clear natural pool inside, formed by a collapsed ceiling.

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.

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.

Follow a guide into the dark, winding lava tube formed by ancient volcanic flows.

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.

Head offshore to troll for pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.

Paddle beneath towering limestone cliffs, past seabird rookeries, and into hidden sea caves.

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.

This grand colonial mansion, built in 1910, now serves as a museum and community space.

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

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

Locals sell fresh fruit, vegetables, handcrafted batik, sarongs, and homemade delicacies.

On weekend evenings, the jetty transforms into a casual open-air eatery.

Perched on a hill above Flying Fish Cove, this heritage-listed guesthouse has a breezy veranda bar.

The lesser-known but strikingly electric-blue land crab dwells near freshwater seeps and swamps.

Soaring above the blowholes, great and lesser frigatebirds nest on the cliff ledges.

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.

A secluded grassy area beneath the island’s largest tree species offers shade and views over the rugged coastline.

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.