Can you swim on Christmas Island?

Can you swim on Christmas Island? Swimming at beaches is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove under calm sea conditions.

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.

Are there mosquitoes on Christmas Island?

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Christmas Island. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

Is there fresh water on Christmas Island?

Because of the highly porous rocks of the island, no permanent surface water bodies exist, and all fresh water is sourced from natural springs and caves.

Is Christmas Island inhabitable?

It maintains about 1,500 residents who live in a number of settlement areas on the northern tip of the island: Flying Fish Cove (also known as Kampong), Settlement, Silver City, Poon Saan and Drumsite.

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 you work on Christmas Island?

Working at Christmas Island is a challenging but immensely rewarding experience for anyone who wants to make a difference in a unique and highly fragile wilderness environment. Our current job vacancies are advertised on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.

What happened at Christmas Island?

900 Japanese troops invade and occupy Christmas Island, imprisoning remaining Europeans and hunting 1000 Malay and Chinese workers in the jungle. Islander sabotage and allied submarines lead to suspension of mining. In 1943, half the population is sent to prison camps in Indonesia when food runs low.

What animals are found on Christmas Island?

Are there beaches on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island's beaches are simply breathtaking, with white sands flanked by rugged cliffs and forest-covered hinterland. Many beaches offer excellent snorkelling, and you can often see turtles and red crabs during the breeding season. Sea conditions can get rough, so always take care when entering the water.

Can you drink 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.

Is Christmas Island alcohol free?

Drink. As Christmas Island is duty-free, alcohol is usually lower priced than the Australian mainland. Some of the bars and taverns are: Tracks at Drumsite.

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.

Who owns Christmas Island?

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

Do you need a passport to go to Christmas Island?

A passport is necessary and a visa may be required. Refer to your travel agent or the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for further details. Duty free purchases may be made for travel to and from Christmas Island.

Why is Christmas Island so famous?

Nicknamed the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. Closer to Asia than mainland Australia, it's home to a captivating mix of cultures and some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

What do people eat on Christmas Island?

The cuisine of Christmas Island can best be described as an eclectic combination of traditional Australian cuisine and Asian cuisine, particularly meals from Malaysia and Indonesia.

How deep is the water around Christmas Island?

Surrounding the island is a narrow tropical reef which plunges steeply to the ocean floor. Within 20 metres of the shoreline, you can find some of the steepest drop-offs in the world reaching a depth of about 500 metres within about 200 metres beyond the edge of the reef.

Why is it called Christmas Island?

Christmas Island began appearing on the charts of English and Dutch navigators from the early 1600s. But it wasn't until 1643 that Captain William Mynors of the British East India Company named the island after sighting it on Christmas Day.