Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Australian Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 500 people call Christmas Island home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Christmas Island: Due to its location, 115 miles north of the equator, the weather here is warm year round. Christmas Island experiences wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from 80°F-85°F (27°C-29°C) during the day. Tradewinds of 10 to 20 knots keep the humidity moderate, and rainfall minimal. Sun rays are quite intense near the equator, therefore sun protection of 45 SPF or higher is suggested. The wet season is between November and April, storms are common.
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Christmas Island (Kiritimati Island) was discovered by Captain James Cook on Wednesday, December 24, 1777. Anchored off, he landed on the small islet at the entrance which is now known as Cook Islet. At approximately 380 kilometres south of Java Head at the southern entrance to the Sunda Strait, the island is approximately 1,350 km from Singapore and approximately 2,650 km from Perth. Kiritimati is an island of the Republic of Kiribati. The people of Kiritimati are Micronesian. The come from the Gilbert Islands located 3,200 km west of Kiritimati Island. Kiritimati is home to the world's largest coral atoll and to 18 species of marine birds. The waters surrounding the island offer a profusion of marine life, and provide spectacular diving as well as a clear blue lagoon perfect for This is truly one of the world's last undiscovered pleasures. Covering only 135 square kilometers, this is a small peace of heaven.
First recorded was the landing of 1688 by a crew from the British buccaneer vessel, Cygnet. Tjhey were sent ashore by William Dampier in the vicinity of the Dales for water and timber. Many landings were made in the next 69 years to follow, however it was not until 1857 that an attempt was made by the crew of the Amethyst to explore the Island. Their venture was limited by the inland cliffs and dense jungle. The first extensive exploration wasnt until 1887, when a small party from HMS Egeria reached the summit of Murray Hill. This was the party that collected the rock specimens of almost pure phosphate of lime that were to determine the future of the Island over the next century. In 1888 Christmas Island was declared part of the British Dominion. This was the result of the pressure from two prospective entrepreneurs. George Clunies-Ross from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands wanted exploitation rights and John Murray, a Scottish scientist, wanted to mine phosphate. In 1899 mining began around Phosphate Hill, and later at South Point. The labor was intensive and used mainly Chinese workers. Mining continued up until World War II, at which point many of the European residents were evacuated in anticipation of a Japanese invasion. The Japanese invaded in 1942 and the Island was occupied until 1945. Phosphate was being mined during this time, then discontinued after the first two shiploads were torpedoed. Phosphate mining resumed again in 1946 and has continued ever since, with an exception for the two years 1988-89. On 1 January 1958, Christmas Island, which had been administered as part of the Colony of Singapore, became a separate colony. On 1 October 1958, the sovereignty was transferred to Australia. More workers following World War II were employed from Malaysia, Singapore and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, to assist in re-establishing the mining operation and to build infrastructure. The Union of Christmas Island Workers was then formed in 1975 and improved workers conditions.
In December of 1985, the operations of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas Island were transferred to the Phosphate Mining Corporation of Christmas Island. In November of 1987 due to diminishing resources the Government ceased mining and began winding-up the corporation. In September of 1990, a lease providing for limited phosphate mining was signed between the Government and a private company. A subsequent lease was signed in 1997 for a further 21 years.
Christmas Island's port is located in Flying Fish Cove, on the northeast tip of the island. You will have no problems finding your way around once you reach the port. The island is not very suitable for individual exploration, so that is not advised.
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Attractions |
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The Christmas Island Tourism Association, First place you'll want to visit upon arrival. The office will supply you with maps and brochures, suggest itineraries for your stay, and even book fishing, sightseeing, or scuba diving tours for you. (tel. 08/9164-8382)
Christmas Island National Park:
The most prominent attraction on the island. The park actually covers over sixty percent of the land on the island, about 85 square kilometers worth. Much of the flora and fauna found on Christmas Island is indigenous, with the island's remote location ensuring that most species that find their way here, end up staying here. Over two hundred plant species are found here, to go along with over seventy species of birds, and twenty distinct species of crabs. Christmas Island has become known for its crab population, easily earning the title of one of the world's crabbiest places.
The red crab:
It has become the unofficial mascot of the island. Amazingly, over one hundred million of these crabs make their home on Christmas Island. If you are lucky enough to visit during migration season, you will get to witness one of the most fascinating displays on Earth. Each year, the entire red crab population heads to sea to reproduce. The crabs literally overrun the entire island, and the phenomenon has attracted scientists and nature lovers from around the world.
Bird watching:
There are seven bird species indigenous to the island, including the Christmas Island thrush and Christmas Island frigatebird. The tourist office offers detailed checklists so you can identify each of the different birds as you see them.
Golf:
The 9-hole golf course is situated amongst palm trees and tropical rainforest with fabulous views of the Indian Ocean.
Diving:
Scuba-Diving possibilities around Christmas Island are great. Indian Ocean Diving Academy has boats that take divers out to some of the best dive spots. Reservations for scuba diving should be made prior to arrival on the island.
Beaches:
Lily Beach, a keyhole beach with large trees that provide shade. A large sandy bottomed rock pool, particularly favored by children at low tide when it is calm. When the seas are up Lily Beach is a spectacular place to watch the waves crashing into the cliffs. The boardwalk and blow-holes will add interest to your walk along the beach. Dolly Beach 4WD is needed to reach this beach. It is definately one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island. Usually deserted, it is a popular spot for camping amongst locals, as it has fresh water and a flat area behind the beach. A walk to the beach through the rainforest is approximately 45 minutes along the boardwalk. There are shallow rock pools and a sandy beach that is surrounded by overhanging coconut palms.
Water Sports:
Christmas Island is a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise. Rare species of fish can be spotted off the pristine coral reefs just offshore. Among the fish and plant life often spotted here are butterfly fish, sea anemones, and even the occasional whale shark! Contact Christmas Island Wet & Dry Adventures (tel. 08/9164-8925) for information on dive packages.Christmas Island is fast becoming one of the hottest fishing spots in the world. Yellowfin and dogtooth tuna are plentiful in the Indian Ocean, which surrounds Christmas Island. Sailfish and wahoo are also caught on a regular basis. Fish that weigh in at over one hundred pounds are caught with surprising regularity. Contact Christmas Island Dive and Fishing (tel. 08/9164-8126) for more information.
Shopping:
Christmas Island isn't big on commercialism or consumerism. People here are more content to focus on the island's natural beauty. However, there are some shopping options if you are in dire need of souvenirs. KC's Souvenirs (tel. 08/9164-8184) sells small trinkets and other island related memorabilia. The Red Crab Surf and Sound Shop sells surf and swimwear, along with sunglasses and shoes. Gold and Things (tel. 08/9164-8215) is one of the only jewelry merchants on the island.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Christmas Island:
Christmas Island Travel Information
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