Christmas Island is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km west of mainland Australia and roughly 350 km south of Java, Indonesia, known for its unique wildlife and red crab migrations, often called the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean".
Christmas Island, officially the Territory of Christmas Island, is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean comprising the island of the same name.
Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Christmas Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence or Proof of Age card, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Customs and Immigration.
In 1958, the island was excised from Singapore and sovereignty was transferred to Australia. As part of the transfer, Australia paid Singapore £2,800,000 as compensation for lost phosphate revenue. Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.
Since the detention centre was built on the island in 2006, the island population of about 1,500 locals has jumped dramatically. Mr McDonald says the cost of living is now estimated at about 180 per cent above that on the mainland. An iceberg lettuce at the local store can cost as much as $12.
The First Fleet of 11 ships, commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip, set up a convict settlement at Sydney Cove (now Circular Quay) on 26 January 1788. This was the beginning of convict settlement in Australia.
It also means Christmas Island has some of the cheapest alcohol in Australia – perfect for treating yourself to a beer or a gin and tonic as the sun goes down.
Stranded on the remote island more than 1,500 kilometres north of mainland Western Australia, the chocolate Labrador faces no shortage of adoration. Years ago, wild dogs were eradicated from the island and no domestic dogs have been allowed since to protect its unique wildlife.
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.
Christmas Island residents and visitors may need to travel to Perth for services or health emergencies which are beyond the capacity of local resources. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) provides community policing services to Christmas Island.
Visitors can enjoy beach vacations and aquatic adventures, with snorkeling tours showcasing the island's vibrant marine life. It's an ideal family travel hub with plenty of tips for making the most of your trip, ensuring a memorable experience amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of this remote paradise.
There have never been any lions in Singapore despite being known as Lion City. Singapore is known as the “Lion City”, but no lions have ever lived in Singapore. The name Lion City comes from a legend about a 14th-century Sumatran prince, Sang Nila Utama.
Women on Christmas Island have had to travel to the mainland to give birth since 1998 when the Federal Government shut childbirth services at the island's only hospital.
Islam in Christmas Island is the island's largest religion and is primarily practised by the island's ethnic Malay population; the island has no current indigenous population. The Muslim population is estimated at 19% (2016) of an overall population of 2,205 (2016), by the CIA World Factbook.
Who sold Christmas Island to Australia from Singapore?
By March 1957, the UK agreed to transfer Christmas Island to Australia in return for a lump sum of $20 million Malayan dollars -- paid to Singapore as compensation for loss of phosphate revenue. This transfer was finalised on June 6, 1957.
Do people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Island?
Christmas – the island was named on 25 December 1643, making Christmas an extra-special event around town. Expect light displays, carols by candlelight, plenty of parties and a visit from Santa himself.
