Find an adventure in Christmas Island

Find hotels in Christmas Island, bus in Christmas Island and visa to and from Christmas Island

EXPLORE CHRISTMAS ISLAND

View all hotels in Christmas Island

Popular cities in Christmas Island

About Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a small island country located in the continent of Asia on the Indian Ocean. Its nearest neighbours are Indonesia to the north and east, Australia to the south, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands to the west. The British began settling on the Island sometime in the late 1800s and the territory was annexed by them in 1888. It was under British rule the nation became a major region for phosphate mining. Majority of the inhabitants of the territory are descendants of the Chinese and Malaysian people who came to the Island to work in the mines. It's capital city is Flying Fish Cove. 

Christmas Island enjoys a tropical climate with a dry season from May to November and a rainy season from December to April. The heat and humidity is largely moderated by trade winds.

Christmas Island has never had an indigenous population of its own. In 1958, the UK transferred sovereignty of Christmas Island to Australia which is how it became an Australian territory. Consequently, despite the fact that about 74% of the country's population is Chinese, English is the primary language taught in schools. The rest of the population is Malaysian, European or Australian. Christmas Islanders speak a mix of Chinese, English, and Malay. You must not touch a stranger's head in Christmas Island as it is considered extremely intimate. Ironically enough considering its name, Christianity appears to be a budding religion in Christmas Island with Buddhism being the most practiced religion and Islam following behind.

Christmas Island does not produce many fresh foods due to nematodes in its soil and makes do with importing quite a lot. The Islanders tend to make use of a lot of processed and canned foods instead of fresh foods. Christmas Island cuisine is very much influenced by Australian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisine.

Although Christmas Island may not be the most popular or large Island nation, it certainly does hold its own in terms of natural wonders. Some tourist attractions in Christmas Island are:
  • Red Crab Migration: From late October to November, over 60 million red crabs migrate from the forests of Christmas Island down to the coast. This sight is a spectacle Sir David Attenborough has described as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. You can plan a trip to Christmas Island to witness this wonder for yourself.
  • Explore Underwater Paradises: Christmas Island is surrounded by coral reefs and therefore has over 60 diving sites and some of the clearest waters in the world! Snorkeling, diving and swimming are very popular activities on Christmas Island as the waters are warm and free of stingers.
  • Dolly Beach: Dolly beach is the Island's longest and most beautiful sandy beach. But best of all, the beach has a natural rock pool that beats any Jacuzzi. A great way to relax would be in the rock spa.
  • Bird watching: Christmas Island's showing of the rarest and most beautiful birds alone can make anyone a keen birdwatcher. If you are a bird lover, a visit to Christmas Island with your cameras would be a most euphoric experience for you.

Christmas Island was named after its discovery on Christmas day in 1643.
There are budget and luxury hotel accommodations in Christmas Island.

Facts about Christmas Island

Capital:

Flying Fish Cove

Languages Spoken:

English

Demonym:

Christmas Island

Currency Name:

Australian dollar

Currency Code:

AUD

Currency Symbol:

$

How do I travel out of Christmas Island?

Get Visa from Christmas Island

For Christmas Islands looking to travel out of the country. You can check out the list of destinations, how to Get Christmas Island visa to those countries, Embassies in Christmas Island and Visa Free Countries for Christmas Island passport holders

Common Questions Travellers Ask About Christmas Island

Do I need a passport to go to Christmas Island?

If you are travelling to the Christmas Island from Australia, you do not need a passport but you need other means of identification such as a driver’s licence. Generally though, a passport is needed to visit the island.

What is the best time of the year to fish Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is truly a year-round destination. But the most consistent fishing weather is from December to March.

What is Christmas Island's official unit of currency?

Christmas Island's official unit of currency is the Australian dollar.

Can I fish the blue water at Christmas Island?

Yes you can.

Where are you going?