Unlike the name suggests this isn’t a winter wonderland awash with elves and reindeer.  Rather it is one of the islands of the Indian Ocean and a territory of Australia.  Christmas Island is teeming with exotic crustaceans, birds and marine life.  Its 80 kilometre coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff with few shallow bays of small sand and coral shingle beaches.
 
Flying Fish Cove
 
The Flying Fish Cove is a great location for both swimming and snorkelling.  It offers many great shore dives and has some of the best diversity and abundance of tropical fish around the island.  Located at the base of the Settlement area, this is home to the predominant Malay settlement in the Kampong.  As almost all of the Malays are Muslim, the central feature is the Mosque.  Watch as they are called to prayer five times a day, and join the locals in the evening as you slow down and watch the sunset from the Cove.
 
The Dales
 
Take a trek through the permanent flowing water and observe the blue crabs through The Dales as you follow the trail to Hugh’s Waterfall.  A stroll along the boardwalk with interpretive signage offers information on the flora and fauna of the Island including giant buttrest root trees and a unique stand of enormous Tahitian Chestnut trees.  Spot the endemic and threatened animals in their natural habitat including the Christmas Island Hawk-own, Abbott’s Booby and the Christmas Island Blind-snake.  This tour through fantastic natural landscape climaxes with the refreshingly cool waters of Hugh’s Waterfall greeting you at the end.  The alternative trail takes you to Anderson’s Dale where access may be made to the shoreline.
 
Blowholes
 
The Blowholes are a series of rock formations in the ground along the steep limestone cliffs on the southern coastline.  As the waves crash into the caves formed at the bottom of the cliffs, the air and seawater hiss and spurt out through the Blowholes in an almost volcanic fashion.  There is a viewing platform for you to enjoy this natural wonder safely, however we cannot guarantee you will not get wet.  This fascinating display is not to be missed.
 
Red Crab Migration
 
Visiting Christmas Island during the red crab migration season is an exciting and wonderful phenomenon – if not a little scary.  At the first rains of the wet season (usually in December), around 120 million crabs come out of hiding and start heading towards the ocean, passing through towns, across roads, via the jungles and eventually down the cliffs.  The whole Island is taken over by a carpet of crab.  Incredibly none of the Christmas Island residents want to get rid of the crabs, they actually consider it a privilege to witness or assist this great natural event!
 
WHERE TO STAY: The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary represents the ultimate in style and comfort for a Christmas Island experience.  This stunning tropical home has two bedrooms and can house up to four guests.  It has its own private pool and is set among lush gardens in the lively Settlement heritage precinct. 

WHAT TO DO: Fishing

There is plenty to whet the appetite of any keen angler.  Christmas Island has some of the richest and most diverse marine life, and is a great spot for a bit of fly fishing or swimming.  There is a wonderful variety of species commonly caught here, but Shorefire Fishing Charters focus on fishing for Giant Trevally, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Chuna, Wahoo and Sailfish.
 
WHERE TO EAT: Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant

Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of choice out there for eateries and restaurants on Christmas Island, but thankfully it does offer quality over quantity.  The Rumah Tinggi serves modern Australian food, fine wine and cocktails with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, a spacious open air veranda and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

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