Jom…Follow me to Christmas Island

Location

Christmas Island is a dot in the Indian Ocean, located 2600km north-west of Perth, Western Australia. Even though it is an Australian Territory, its closest neighbour is Java, 360km away

Christmas Island is the summit of a submarine mountain, rising steeply to a central plateau dominated by stands of rainforest. This plateau reaches heights of up to 361 metres and consists mainly of limestone and layers of volcanic rock.

Geologists believe that about 60 million years ago the cone of an undersea volcano surfaced, forming a basin on which a coral atoll then began to form. More then 20 million years ago, the atoll appears to have sunk slowly and limestone was deposited as the coral began to build up. Ten million years later, this process stopped and an island began to emerge from the sea in a series of uplifts. Each of the island terraces was formed by the development of the fringing reef and sea cliff erosion before being uplifted. The lagoon drained and the central plateau was formed. Evidence of these volcanic origins can be seen at The Dales, and Dolly Beach where the basalt rock is exposed, forming the bed of freshwater streams.

Christmas Island is one of natures most impressive feats, an island full of natural wonders: from the unique annual red crab migration to rare and unusual birds and glorious deserted beaches where the only footprints in the sand are those made by nesting turtles.

With so many endemic species, the island is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Yet it also displays a curious amalgam of cultures, history and industry, emerging as a place where all these elements create a truly unusual travel experience

Christmas Island Red Crabs

The Christmas Island red crab is by far the most obvious of the 14 species of land crabs found on Christmas Island. It is estimated that 120 million of these bright red land crabs live in their preferred shady sites all over the island.

Christmas Island Beaches

Lily Beach

Lily Beach is a keyhole beach with cuts into sheer cliff on either side. There are large trees providing shade and it has a large sandy bottomed rock pool, particularly suited to young children at low tide when it is calm, although big waves can crash through anytime and caution is required. When the seas are up Lily Beach is a spectacular place to watch the waves crashing into the cliffs. A boardwalk along the cliff edge between Lilly Beach and Ethel Beach provides a look at a variety of birds including Brown Boobys and Red Footed Boobys nesting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. A few blow-holes will add interest to your walk.

Ethel Beach

A left turn along a rocky track at the bend just prior to Lily Beach. There is a sandy channel at the eastern end of the beach that is a good entry point for snorkelling when the water is calm. This part of the coast tends to be calmer during the wet season (October to April).

Greta Beach

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Settlement and then a short three minute walk into the beach through rainforest. This beach is a collection point for interesting flotsam and jetsam washed ashore and is home to thousands of tiny hermit crabs. There is a secluded rock pool at the end of the beach suitable for children when it is calm. This is a major site for crab spawning and Turtles nest all year round on this beach.

Dolly Beach

Dolly Beach is one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island and is deserted much of the time. It is a popular spot for camping amongst locals, as it has fresh water and a flat area behind the beach. The car park is approximately a 30 minute drive from Settlement and walking time into the beach through the rainforest is approximately 45 minutes on a boardwalk. There are shallow rock pools and a sandy beach surrounded by overhanging coconut palms. Dolly Beach is the larger of the two beaches where marine turtles nest, the other being Greta Beach. Tracks of nesting adults and of emerging hatchlings can be seen amongst the drifted logs, coconuts and other debris.

West White Beach

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Settlement then a 45 min – 1 hour walk into the beach. This is a strenuous walk, with a short cliff descent (rope provided). Definitely not for small children and requires reasonable fitness. A secluded, long beach edged by a series of rockpools with a view across to the Settlement.

Winifred Beach

Approximately 45 minutes drive through rainforest and then 30 minute walk into the beach. Advisable to go at low tide (details available from the Visitor Information Centre). A beautiful beach suitable for snorkelling or just relaxing with a cool drink and some lunch

Nature Walking

With 63% of Christmas Island being National Park, a walk through the rainforest can be both enjoyable and can range from easy to difficult walks. Nature walks will help you discover first hand the Christmas Island endemic flora and fauna. For further information on Nature Walks, contact the Christmas Island Visitor Information Centre or Parks Australia North.

Bird Watching Holidays

If you are looking for an unforgettable birdwatching holiday, you will love Christmas Island. 63% of the island's 135 square kilometres is national park and the island's close proximity to South East Asia and the equator has resulted in a diverse range of bird species.

The island is large enough to have developed its own unique rainforest ecology. There are hundreds of species of birds with seven of the 13 land birds being endemic to the island, including the inquisitive Christmas Island Thrush, whose melodious evening song lends a wonderful musical quality to the tropical, palm-fringed sunsets