Christmas Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean
About Christmas Island
Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The island was first administered as part of the Straits Settlements, and then as part of the colony ofSingapore. Sovereignty was transferred to Australia in October 1958 and since then, almost two-thirds of the island has been protected as a national park (and one that's managed by the federal government). The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercialspace-launching siteon the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn. Christmas Island rises to a central plateau of stands of rainforest. Its 80-km coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff up to20m (66ft)high, with a few shallow
Top Attractions in Christmas Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Christmas Island:
- ★Dolly Beach
- ★Ma Chor Nui Nui Temple
- ★Margaret Knoll
- ★Tai Jin House
- ★The Blowholes
- ★The Dales
- ★West White Beach
- ★Winifred Beach
Where to Eat in Christmas Island
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Emayson's Cafe
- 🍴Golden Bosun Tavern
- 🍴Longs Bakery
- 🍴Lucky Ho Restaurant
- 🍴Rockfall Cafe
- 🍴Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant
Where to Stay in Christmas Island
- 🏨Swell Lodge
Christmas Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 16 sections including: