Is it safe to go to Christmas Island?

Keep away from cliff edges and do not venture onto rock platforms near the shoreline. The ocean can change quickly around Christmas Island. Use caution when swimming or wading at beaches due to potential large waves, swell, strong rips, and undertows.

Is Christmas Island safe to visit?

Christmas Island is a safe place to visit with little or no crime against visitors. There are currently no detainees at the Island's Detention Centre. However, be cautious of the island's remoteness, which could delay medical assistance.

Is there dengue on Christmas Island?

Dengue fever has been reported on the island and visitors should take precautions to avoid getting infected. Useful countermeasures include buying insect repellent and wearing clothing that exposes little skin. A hot and humid environment, plenty of water and sunscreen for protection are advised.

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.

Is it worth going to Christmas Island?

The sight of the crabs, waterfalls, snorkelling and the unique giant robber crabs makes for great experiences. Christmas Island is not a resort type place, but for tranquility and a few days relaxing leaving all the other things in the world behind, it is a place worth considering.

Christmas Island quarantine ‘proof Australian citizenship is the golden ticket of life’

What is the best month to visit Christmas Island?

Christmas Island's dry season between June and August brings with it lower humidity, picturesque sunsets, blue skies and of course less rain.

Can you drink tap water on Christmas Island?

The local tap water is safe to consume. Adhere to directions from park rangers, who prioritise your safety and that of the local wildlife and environment. Be conscious of your personal limitations and fitness level when exploring the island.

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.

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.

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.

Are there any snakes on Christmas Island?

Snakes. Christmas Island has one endemic snake species, the Christmas Island blind snake (Ramphotyphlops exocoeti). The flowerpot blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) had been introduced to the island by 1940, and the Oriental wolf snake (Lycodon capucinus) was introduced in the 1980s.

Do tourists get dengue fever?

Dengue around the world

Dengue is often a leading cause of febrile illness in areas with risk. Dengue outbreaks are reported frequently in these regions, including many popular tourist destinations in: the Caribbean. Central America.

Are there a lot of crabs on Christmas Island?

ABOUT CHRISTMAS ISLAND'S RED CRABS. The majority of the island's more than 100 million red crabs live in moist rainforests, but they can be found in other habitats including shore terraces and even domestic gardens. You can see the crabs all year round on the island.

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.

Is it safe to swim in Christmas Island?

Use common sense when swimming or wading at any beach – they can be subject to large waves and swell, strong rips and undertows. None of the beaches on the island are patrolled by lifesavers. Swimming at beaches is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove under calm sea conditions.

What's the safest island to visit?

Turks and Caicos

A dizzying amount of child-focused activities has made this one of the most popular Caribbean destinations as well as one of the safest. Though the archipelago sees 500,000 visitors a year, only a handful of the 40 cays and islands are inhabited by its 30,000 residents.

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 ...

Do I need a passport for 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.

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.

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 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.

Who owns Christmas Island?

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

Are you allowed to eat the crabs on Christmas Island?

Their small size, high water content and poor meat quality mean they are not considered edible by humans.

Why do Christmas Island red crabs go back to the ocean?

Red crabs all over the island leave their homes at the same time and start marching towards the ocean to mate and spawn. Male crabs lead the migration and are joined by females along the way. The exact timing and speed of the migration is determined by the phase of the moon.

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.