Christmas Island is an Australian external territory located in the eastern Indian Ocean, approximately 2,600 km northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and 350 km south of Java, Indonesia. Positioned at coordinates 0°30′S 105°40′E, the island is the flat summit of an ancient underwater volcano. Its capital is Flying Fish Cove, and it operates on UTC+7 time, sharing the same time zone as Jakarta.
The natural paradise that is Christmas Island is an Australian territory found in the Indian Ocean. It was named on Christmas Day in 1643 by Captain William Mynors, who sailed past it. It is located between the Indonesian island of Java and the northwest part of Australia.
The island is about 12 miles in length and covers an area of 135 square kilometers. While geographers describe it as quadrilateral, many locals say it is shaped like a dog. It has a small population but remains a top destination for those who love nature. Aside from the answer to “where is Christmas Island located,” let’s look at how you can get there and what you can find during your trip.
Where is Christmas Island Located?
To be precise, Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies at latitude 10°30′ South and longitude 105°40′ East.
Here are the exact distances to its nearest neighbors:
- 2,600 km northwest of Perth, Western Australia.
- 350 km south of Java, Indonesia.
- 975 km east-northeast of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Geologically, the island is the summit of a submarine mountain that rises steeply from the ocean floor. This unique isolation contributes to its diverse biology, often comparing it to the Galapagos.
How to get to Christmas Island?
The easiest way to reach the island is by plane. Currently, QantasLink operates flights to this location from Perth, Australia twice a week (Mondays and Fridays). These flights often include a stop at the nearby Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
While flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta have operated in the past, schedules change frequently. It is best to check with travel agents for the most up-to-date international charters. American travelers planning a trip should remember that an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) might be required to enter Australia.
Local transportation & accommodations
Because the population is low, public transportation options are limited. The best thing you can do is rent a car. Outside of Flying Fish Cove, which is the capital of Christmas Island, the roads can be rugged. Most natural attractions must be visited on foot, making it a perfect destination for hikers.
In Flying Fish Cove, tourists will find accommodations ranging from hotels and lodges to apartments. In town, people have access to cafés, restaurants, and shops. Even though it is small, Flying Fish Cove has an ambulance service, hospital, and police station. The island is generally safe, and there are no dangerous land animals.
The majority of the local population is of Asian descent, but the official language is English. The currency used is the Australian Dollar. If you need help or more information, the Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week.
Don’t miss on Christmas Island
The territory consists mostly of rainforest, which covers about two-thirds of the land. Almost the entire island is a National Park, featuring a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Before venturing out of Flying Fish Cove, check the attractions nearby.
The Grotto and Beaches
Aside from the beautiful tropical beaches, The Grotto is an easy-to-reach spot. This small pool of water nestled in a cave is perfect for a soak if the heat gets too intense. Families with children will enjoy this location.
National Park Adventures
When you are ready to start your journey through the National Park, wear appropriate shoes and carry water. Make a plan before entering the park. Depending on which trail you take, there are resting spots scattered throughout.
The Dales Hiking Trail is accessible and leads to the beautiful Hugh’s Dale Waterfall, where you can cool off. The water here is safe to drink.
The Red Crab Migration
Everywhere you go, you will see crabs. Christmas Island is famous for the spectacular red crab migration. Around 60 million crabs leave the rainforest and travel to the ocean to spawn. This phenomenon usually occurs in October or November at the start of the wet season. If you plan to travel here during the fall, it is a sight you must see.
Ocean Activities
The beaches and ocean activities are a big part of life here. When you are not sunbathing, you can discover the coral reefs and see close to 600 species of fish, including whale sharks, dolphins, and turtles. The waters are clear and free of dangerous marine stingers in the shallows.
One thing to note is that swimming too far out is not advised because the ocean floor drops suddenly to a staggering depth of nearly 3 miles (5,000 meters). There are over 60 diving sites around the island, and local guides can advise you on safe spots.
If you are a nature enthusiast wanting to visit a remote location in a warm paradise, give Christmas Island a go. You will be surprised by everything you experience!