Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Island?

Can you buy alcohol on Christmas Island? That means you can score a great deal on popular duty-free items such as fragrances, leather goods, electronics, jewellery, watches and sunglasses. It also means Christmas Island has some of the cheapest alcohol in Australia – perfect for treating yourself to a beer or a gin and tonic as the sun goes down.

Does Christmas Island have police?

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) provides community policing services to Christmas Island. In addition to normal police functions, the AFP carries out other duties such as immigration, processing aircraft, visiting ships and yachts, and coordinating emergency operations.

Can you drink tap water on Christmas Island?

Carry plenty of drinking water. Local tap water is safe to use. Always follow directions from park rangers – their directions are for your safety.

Can you walk around Christmas Island?

Walking is the best way to explore Christmas Island's extraordinary forests, wetlands and beaches. There are walking trails for all preferences and abilities, ranging from relaxing rainforest boardwalks to rugged hikes into deserted beaches. Many walks have lookouts offering spectacular views of the coastline.

How much does food cost on Christmas Island?

Food on Christmas Island is expensive — some estimate a bag of groceries costs $100 — for the most part due to its extreme remoteness.

Do I need a car on Christmas Island?

Hiring a car is the best way to get around the island, letting you explore the many walks and sights at your leisure. We recommend pre-booking as vehicles are limited.

Can you have dogs on Christmas Island?

The importation of dogs and cats into Christmas Island is prohibited by the Importation of Dogs and Cats Ordinance 1973, due to concerns about environmental, social, cultural, animal health and welfare issues.

Why is alcohol cheap on Christmas Island?

Therefore maintaining good nutrition is essential but almost impossible to do for many residents because of the inflated cost of food. Conversely because of the GST free status on Christmas Island the price of alcohol and cigarettes is extremely affordable.

What is the best month to visit Christmas Island?

Christmas Island Dry Season (May – Sep) The dry season brings with it lower humidity, beautiful picturesque sunsets, blue skies and of course less rain!

Is Christmas Island expensive to visit?

Christmas Island may not be high on the tourist radar, its expensive to get to, accommodation is also expensive but its unique in its own right. Randomly placed in the Indian ocean, not too far from Indonesia, its a great spot over for yachties.

Can people live on Christmas Island?

Today Christmas Island has around 2000 residents. The most common ancestries reported by residents are: Chinese (the largest ethnic group) Australian.

Is it expensive to live on Christmas Island?

Since the detention centre was built on the island in 2006, the island population of about 1,500 locals has jumped dramatically. Mr McDonald says the cost of living is now estimated at about 180 per cent above that on the mainland. An iceberg lettuce at the local store can cost as much as $12.

How warm is the sea at Christmas Island?

The warmest water temperature is in March with an average around 85.1°F / 29.5°C. The coldest month is September with an average water temperature of 79.2°F / 26.2°C.

Is there Internet on Christmas Island?

Internet access on Christmas Island is provided by satellite. There is currently no internet available via the mobile phone network. There is an internet cafe at the Visitor Information Centre, or you can pick up a prepaid voucher for the wifi hotspots located in township areas.

How do people get around in Christmas Island?

Hiring a car is the best way to get around the island, letting you explore the many walks and sights at your leisure. We recommend pre-booking as vehicles are limited. Contact Christmas Island Tourism Association for more details on hiring a car.

Who owns Christmas Island?

Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.

What should I bring to Christmas Island?

Are there shops on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is serviced by small shopping areas located at the Barracks and Temple Court in Settlement, Poon Saan, the Kampong, Drumsite and the airport.

Does an Australian need a passport to go to Christmas Island?

Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Christmas Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence or Proof of Age card, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Customs and Immigration.

What do you wear to Christmas Island?

You might like to carry a wrap or sarong to cover bathing suits, bare arms or revealing clothing. Swimwear is perfectly acceptable on the beach, but public nudity is not allowed anywhere on Christmas Island. You are welcome to visit the island's Chinese temples and take photos if you like.