Christmas Island Sights

Christmas Island has many natural attractions that will suit visitors of all ages and levels of fitness. Here are just a sample of some of the beautiful places to visit on your Christmas Island Adventure.

Flying Fish Cove

Adjacent to the port area and the main mooring sites, the Flying Fish Cove is located at the base of the Settlement area and is home to the Kampong (Malay for village) and the Mosque. The Cove is suitable for both swimming and snorkelling, although it is advisable to wear reef shoes at all times to protect feet from sharp coral and stone fish. It offers many great shore dives and has some of the best diversity and abundance of tropical fish anywhere. The Cove also provides some of the most protected ocean swimming on the island. There are picnic facilities, BBQ's (Halal and non-Halal), public toilets and showers. The island's main boat launching facility is also located here.

The "Cove" is also a great location to join the locals watching the sun setting and slow down to Christmas Island pace.

Tai Jin House

Located just up the hill beyond Flying Fish Cove, this is the original home of the Administrator of the Island - affectionately known locally as "Buck House". The expansive gardens are used for community events and provide excellent views overlooking Flying Fish Cove.

Tai Jin House is also home to the Christmas Island Historical Exhibition which tells the Christmas Island story.  Ask the staff at the Visitor's Information Centre for opening hours.

A little way past Tai Jin House is the naval installed 1941gun and buildings that were used to defend the Cove during the second World War.

The Grotto

Track – suitable for 2WD

Approximately five minutes drive from Settlement located just before the golf course. A mini cave with mix of sea and fresh water pool that is refreshing on hot days or a romantic spot with candles at night. The wave motion through narrow openings provides interesting sound effects.

Margaret Knoll

Track – suitable for 2WD

Located approximately 20 minutes drive from Settlement, on the plateau beyond the airport. There are great views along the east coast of the island from the look out where you can watch the Frigatebirds, tropicbirds and pigeons gliding through the air or Brown Boobies. Also good for seeing fruit bats (flying foxes) at dusk.

The Dales

Track – 4WD needed

On the west coast and one of the few areas on the island having permanent flowing water and permanent wet areas. Permanent water provides a habitat for Blue crabs and there are populations readily observable. There are two marked trails one leading to Hugh Waterfall and the other to Anderson's Dale where access maybe made to the shoreline.

Hugh’s Waterfall

Track - 4WD needed

A medium walk (some uphill) with a boardwalk for most of the way, with interpretive signage offering information on the flora and fauna of the Island. It is well worth it to be greeted by the cool waters of Hugh’s waterfall at the end.

Martin Point

Track – 4WD needed

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Settlement, Martin Point is reached by a short walk from the carpark at the end of the track. A viewing platform on the edge of the Seacliff provides opportunity to photograph and view the extent of the western coast. A popular site to watch the sun set over the coast and waves breaking over the fringing reef and shore platforms. There is a picnic table on site. Robber Crabs are attracted by the smell of food and come out to investigate but don't worry they will not bite.

Blowholes

Track – 4WD needed

Approximately 45 minutes drive from Settlement, located on the western side of the island. A spectacular display of nature - the Blowholes are a series of rock formations that hiss and spurt water when it is forced through from the ocean swell. There is a viewing platform for your safety, however we cannot guarantee that you will not get wet!

South Point

Track – suitable for 2WD

Approximately 30 minute drive along straight mine haulage roads, South Point is the site of the major early settlement at the peak of the phosphate mining days. Little evidence remains of this, except for two Chinese temples and a derelict, overgrown railway station. The larger temple has impressive ocean views and is the focus of annual ceremonies which may include firewalking, as pictured on the walls.

Territory Day Park

Track – suitable for 2WD

An excellent picnic spot, with BBQ and playground equipment. The Nursery lookout, located in the park, is a great place from which to view Flying Fish Cove, the Kampong and Settlement and to watch boating and shipping operations in the port below. It is also an excellent site to watch seabirds flying past on air currents. A Nature Trail offers the opportunity to explore and learn about the unique Christmas Island rainforest. This short circuit walk has signs to inform you about the rainforest environment. Parks Australia's nursery, where plants for the Rainforest Rehabilitation Program are grown, is situated adjacent to the Park.

The Pink House

Track – suitable for 2WD

The Pink House is an Education and Research Station located in the middle of the plateau rainforest. It serves as a base for scientific research and education programs. It is also a work site for Parks Australia staff. The building was at one time housing for railway workers during the period the South Point railway was in operation. If you wish to visit the Pink House please call in to the Park Office at Drumsite to arrange a suitable time with Parks Australia staff.

LB4 Lookout

Track – suitable for 2WD

A panoramic view over the north coast towards Settlement from an on-site gazebo. Surrounded by recent planting's in the Rainforest Rehabilitation Program. Abbott's Boobies may be sighted flying to and from nearby nest sites.