How can you get to Christmas Island?

Flights from the Australian mainland Virgin Australia flies from Perth to Christmas Island twice a week. The direct flight takes about 4 hours and can be booked directly with the airline or through a travel agent. The alternative flight goes via Cocos (Keeling) Islands and takes about 8 hours.

How do I get to Christmas Island from the UK?

The fastest way to get from England to Christmas Island is to fly which takes 2 days 0h and costs $1,400 - $6,500. How far is it from England to Christmas Island? The distance between England and Christmas Island is 12066 km.

Can tourists visit Christmas Island?

Recreation. There is a wide range of recreational activities and facilities available on the Island for visitors and residents alike. The Christmas Island Visitors Information Centre can provide information on the activities and facilities.

Do I need a passport to go to Christmas Island?

Virgin Australia offers two flights each week to Christmas Island departing from Perth. As the island is part of Australian territory, a passport and/or visa are not required.

Is Christmas Island worth a visit?

It is a nature lovers paradise with much of the 135sqkm island covered in National Park it has everything from Grottos, to Blowholes, To Rainforests, to Waterfalls and Wetlands. If you love hiking, snorkelling, diving and getting in touch with nature, you'll love Christmas Island.

5 Things To Do in Christmas Island when outside Australia

Is Christmas Island expensive?

The Crab Track - Christmas Island

Christmas Island may not be high on the tourist radar, its expensive to get to, accommodation is also expensive but its unique in its own right. Randomly placed in the Indian ocean, not too far from Indonesia, its a great spot over for yachties.

Do I need a car on Christmas Island?

Hiring a car is the best way to get around the island, letting you explore the many walks and sights at your leisure. We recommend pre-booking as vehicles are limited. Contact Christmas Island Tourism Association for more details on hiring a car.

How often are flights to Christmas Island?

Flights from the Australian mainland

Virgin Australia flies from Perth to Christmas Island twice a week. The direct flight takes about 4 hours and can be booked directly with the airline or through a travel agent. The alternative flight goes via Cocos (Keeling) Islands and takes about 8 hours.

Will my phone work on Christmas Island?

There is full phone access to and from the Australian mainland and internationally. A Telstra 4G GSM Mobile Telephone Service operates on the Island.

Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Island?

Beyond the call of the wild, the island's retail landscape includes GST-free alcohol, unique giftware and homewares at Wild Papaya, souvenirs that capture the essence of the island from the CI Visitor Centre, Red Crab Surf Shop equipped with apparel watches and eyeware, and top-notch freediving, snorkelling and scuba ...

What language is spoken on Christmas Island?

English is the official language on Christmas Island. However, more than half of our residents speak a language other than English at home. While on the island, you might hear people conversing in Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Min Nan, Tagalog and a variety of other languages.

Is there anything to do on Christmas Island?

Top things to do on Christmas Island

Described by Sir David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet, the annual crab migration sees 60 million red land crabs make their way from the forests to the coast. Witness this incredible sight with a guided tour.

Are there houses on Christmas Island?

Self-contained houses

There are numerous holiday homes available for short-term stays on Christmas Island. They are a great option for families and larger groups, and having your own kitchen means you can make your holiday budget go further by not eating out.

Who owns Christmas Island?

Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.

Can you walk around Christmas Island?

Walking is the best way to explore Christmas Island's extraordinary forests, wetlands and beaches. There are walking trails for all preferences and abilities, ranging from relaxing rainforest boardwalks to rugged hikes into deserted beaches.

Which country is closest to Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean, 1500 km west of the Australian mainland and 2600 km from Perth. Although it is an Australian territory, Christmas Island's nearest neighbour is Indonesia, which lies about 350 km to the north. The island is around 500 km from Jakarta.

Is food expensive on Christmas Island?

Due to the high cost of transporting food to Christmas Island, you might find that eating out is a bit more expensive than at home. Luckily, the island's duty-free status means the drinks are likely to be significantly cheaper!

Does it get cold on Christmas Island?

Throughout the year, Christmas Island boasts warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for any season. While the air temperature remains a balmy 23-29°C all year, humidity is lowest during the middle of the year May to September (dry season).

Is Christmas Island worth it?

Experience the wonder of remote Christmas Island. There's nothing like it anywhere else on the planet. Christmas Island is not your typical tropical island paradise. Nicknamed the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean", the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs.

How many people live on Christmas Island?

After the end of Japanese occupation, the island's administration was restored to Singapore, but it was transferred to Australia in 1958, where it has remained since. Christmas Island had a population of 1,692 as of 2021, with most living in settlements on its northern edge. The main settlement is Flying Fish Cove.

Why is Christmas Island so special?

Our tiny island's remote location between Asia and Australia has produced an intense concentration of plants and animals, many of which aren't found anywhere else on the planet. This huge biodiversity means that Christmas Island is often referred to as 'the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean'.

What is Christmas Island now called?

Kiritimati (Gilbertese pronunciation: [kiˈrɪsmæs]), also known as Christmas Island, is a Pacific Ocean atoll in the northern Line Islands. It is part of the Republic of Kiribati.

What to wear on Christmas Island?

When bushwalking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing. The sea cliffs and inland cliffs on Christmas Island can be steep and very treacherous.

Can I take food to Christmas Island?

The islands rely on food from the mainland so menus can change without notice and it is not uncommon for only 1 restaurant to be open at a time. Contact the visitor centre for more information when you arrive. You are welcome to bring your own food to the islands. Chat to us for more information.

Why do people live on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island boasts a rich blend of cultures, fostering a diverse, lively, and welcoming community that traces its roots back to the island's phosphate mining history, which drew people from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to Canton to Canberra.