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 UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958 Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park
The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn
Tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds
Steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau Rain forest covers the majority of the island, with small areas of the island under rehabilitation from mining Sandy to Rocky beaches scattered along the coastline of the island separated by steep limestone cliffs
As a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken on Christmas Island, but is not universal Many senior residents speak dialects of Chinese and Malay as a first language All signs are in English
The Dales comprises of numerous freshwater streams running roughly parallel to each other The streams originate from underground caves and eventually flows into the ocean The streams over the length of time, have worn out gullies between the cliff walls of the coast, and have created unusually step-like formations terraces There is a waterfall above the terrace formations, vistors are often fond of taking showers under the waterfall
The Dales are located in lush tropical rainforest which is known for its unique fauna, such as the blue crab and blind snake and flora such as giant buttrest root trees
The Dales area has signage and raised walkways/steps installed by the national parks departmant for visitors
Located in the national park at the south west portion of the island The Dales can only be reach via 4WD and trekking by foot
Tragically named after a girl which was swept off the rocks at the beach never to be found The beach comprises of a sandy area running down to a bathing pool, the pool is seperated from the open ocean by rocky basalt/limestone outcrops The pool is constantly fed sea water from the gullies leading to the ocean and the whitewash generated from the waves hitting the cliffs and outcrop
Caution is advised when venturing past the bathing pool on to the rocky outcrops, as large freak waves have known to swamp the rocky outcrops Lest you meet the same fate as Lily!
Located in the 'snout of the dog' eastern part of the island, this beach can be accessed by normal 2 wheel drive vehicles when road conditions are dry and only with a 4WD when roads are wet
Wooden pergola and BBQ facilities are avaliable
A geological feature located along the steep limestones cliffs along the southern coastline of the island, the Blowholes comprise of holes in the ground where air and seawater are blown out due to waves crashing into caves formed along the bottom of the cliffs Depending on wave conditions, the water and trapped air in the caves are forced out from the holes formed at the top of the cliff caves, leading to spectacular plumes of water thrown up into the air Distinctive sound of gushing air can heard from the holes when the waves crash onto the cliffs
An isolated beach, 1 hour drive by 4WD over rocky step tracks and then another 45 minutes trek on foot downhill Well worth the trip
A white sandy beach sheltered and ringed by black basalt outcrops 5 meters from the shoreline The rear of the beach are lined with overhanging coconut trees, there is a clear stream flowing through the middle of the beach from the cliffs above
A fairly scenic beach, this is a favorite camping site for locals and visitors alike, due to availability of drinkable freshwater from the stream and 'exotic secluded beach paradise' ambiance
Dolly beach is also a favorite nesting locations for endangered sea turtles, is it very common on most nights to have one or more turtles make their way up onto the beach from the sea, and lay their eggs into holes dug by the turtles themselves After laying the eggs, the turtle refills the hole with sand and make their way back to the sea Witnessing this event is magically and memorable The turtles if startled prior to laying their eggs, will return back to the sea It is recommended you do not shine any torch light in their eyes or make loud noise Disturbing the turtles or poaching the eggs are illegal
Other Places More details to be added:
The Island has "duty free" status, and shop prices for perfume and alcohol are very low compared to the Australian mainland
Gas refills Open :9am - 11am Monday to Friday Phone :9164 7575 Email :acker@pulaucx
Australian Postal Services, Commonwealth Bank Agency, Stationery, Philatelic Passport Photos, Souvenirs Contact Michelle or Carolyn Phone :+ 61 8 9164 8495 Email :cipost@cipostcx
Gaze Road, Settlement - Usual Supermarket lines / groceries, fresh bread, fruit and vegtables, wine, beer and spirts Open :Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9 am - 1 pm Phone :Eddie Tan on + 61 8 9164 8370 Fax :+ 61 8 9164 8374 Mobile :043 921 5370 Email :et_cismk@pulaucx
Run by the Christmas Island Tourism Association located at the Visitor Information Centre, Gaze Road, Settlement A range of souvenirs from Australia and Christmas Island, local craft, T-shirts, Christmas Island Books, posters, maps and videos, jewellery, pottery, postcards and much, much more To contact the Visitor Information Centre: Phone :+ 61 08 9164 8382 Email :Christmas Island Tourism Association
Australian standard Diesel Automotive fuel and unleaded petrol: 2 stroke mix out board motors: 20L jerricans for loan to refuel yachts - free transport to and from the jetty and able to fuel larger yachts on application Contact Craig Albanus: Phone :+ 61 8 9164 8313 Email :tmackie@gasengcomau
Cosmetics, perfumes, watches, jewellery, sunglasses, leather goods, top shelf liquor, giftware Phone :+ 61 8 9164 8215 Email :sue@goldnthingsdutyfreecomau Website :wwwgoldnthingsdutyfreecomau
Dispersing of prescriptions and supply of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, make-up, first aid items, suncare and sunglasses Open :Mon to Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 12 noon Phone :+ 61 8 9164 8337 Email :cipharm@pulaucx
Family Hair Design "Service with Style" Open :Tuesday - Saturday or by arrangement Phone :+ 61 8 9164 7061 Mobile :0412 536 263
Whitegoods, stereo equipment and accessories Music CDs, DVDs, PC and other console games Open :Mon, Tue, Wed 10:00am - 3:00pm, Thu, Fri 10:00am - 6:00pm, Sat 9:00am - 12:30pm Ph / Fax :+ 61 8 9164 8184
Range of clothing and unique giftware from around the world Open :Mon - Fri 9am till 5 pm and Sat 9am - 1pm Contact Bridgette or Ron Lines : Ph / Fax :+ 61 8 9164 8297
ShopSurf wear and accessories, sunglasses, shoes range of music CDs Phone :+ 61 08 9164 7176 Email :redcrab@pulaucx
Reels, rods, lures and expert advise for your fishing trip Surf and sportswear, camping equipment, ice Phone :+ 61 8 9164 8925 Email :shorefirefishing@bigpondcomau
All your banking or money changing needs Open :9am - 3pm Monday to Friday Contact :+ 61 8 9164 8221
Gallery, Gifts and Homewares Unique Gift Ideas, Handcrafted Australian Jewellery, Christmas Island Photography and Art Located in the Temple Court Open :Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5 pm; Saturday 9am - 12 pm Ph / Fax :+ 61 8 9164 8882 Email :wildpapaya@xivcx
Listing referenced from Christmas Island Tourism Association website http://Christmasnetau
There are several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine
Western and Asian Food - Coffee, milkshakes and cool drinks Located at the Christmas Island Recreation Centre Open :Everyday Phone :+61 8 9164 8106
Rocky Point Complex, Gaze Road Settlement Modern International fare, with a dessert selection and coffee Uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from the restaurant verandah Dinner served 6 nights per week, closed Monday Restaurant : 530pm - 830pm Bar : 4pm till late Phone :+61 9164 7967
Mon - Fri :Fresh bread daily including white, wholemeal, wholegrain and 6 cut rolls Red bean paste; Kaya paste; Coconut and Sambal Prawn buns Chicken and Beef Sausage Rolls Sat :Closed Sun :Fresh bread and french sticks Available from Boong Trading, Meng Chong Trading, and Metro Enterprises
Huge range of burgers, rolls, sandwiches, delicious meals and fresh salads, Fresh coffee and cakes BYO - Eat in or Take away Open :6 days 7:30am - 1:30pm closed Sunday Phone :+ 61 8 9164 7688
Gaze Road Settlement The Rumah Tinggi offers modern Australian fare, fine wine and cocktails With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and a spacious open air verandah - the perfect location to watch the sunset or the moon rise over the Indian Ocean Bar open 5pm till late - Dinner - 9 pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Contact :Mark or Kaz on + 61 8 9164 7667
Poon Saan area - upstairs from the Poon Saan Shops Offers authentic chinese dishes in air conditioned comfort Phone :+ 61 8 9164 7688
List referenced from Christmas Island Tourism Association website http://wwwchristmasnetau/
As Christmas Island is duty free, alcohol is usually lower priced than the Australian mainland Some of the bars and taverns are:
Seven possibilities for accommodation exist on the island, five of which are in the main settlement Of the other two, one is located next to the island's waterfall whilst the other is further out in an area called Poon Saan
List of Accommodation available:
For further details, bookings or enquiries visit the Christmas Island Tourism Association website on http://wwwchristmasnetau/accommodationphp
It is difficult for non-locals to find employment on Christmas Island The largest employers on the island are the small scale phosphate mining and federal/local government
The most common way of obtaining employment on Christmas Island for non-locals is to check government positions advertised on the Australian mainland Federal Government Employment Gazette, there are occasionally posting for teachers on several years contract from Australia
National Parks, Federal Police and positions related to the Detention Center are occasional advertised on Newspaper and Government Gazette
Also check http://apsjobsgovau online for posting at Christmas Island
