Do people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Island?

Do people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Island? Christmas – the island was named on 25 December 1643, making Christmas an extra-special event around town. Expect light displays, carols by candlelight, plenty of parties and a visit from Santa himself.

Do people visit Christmas Island?

Soon after, the Christmas Island Phosphate Company brought in Chinese indentured laborers, Sikh overseers, and a small number of Malays — the beginning of the island's diverse cultural mix. Even today, the 50-square-mile tropical island remains unspoiled by mass tourism.

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.

What is a fun fact about Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is the peak of a steep basalt volcanic seamount that rose 5000 metres from the ocean floor about 60 million years ago. The highest point of the island is Murray Hill, at 361 metres above sea level.

Does Christmas Island have an airport?

Christmas Island International Airport Check-in counters are open two and a half hours before departure. Baggage carousels are located in the Arrivals Hall.

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 do people go to Christmas Island?

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.

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 animals are found on Christmas Island?

Are there 2 Christmas Islands in the world?

It was on this Christmas Island that Britain carried out a series of nuclear tests in the 1950s. The second Christmas Island, which is still known by the same name today, is located in the Indian Ocean, some 960 miles northwest of the Australian mainland.

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 a country yes or no?

Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean. The island is largely covered by rainforest and features many natural attractions such as blowholes, grottos, and wildlife.

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.

Can you live on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is home to a mix of cultures, creating a diverse, vibrant and friendly community. The island's phosphate mining heritage brought workers here from all over the region. Today Christmas Island has around 2000 residents.

How long does it take to go to Christmas Island?

Getting here by air The flight takes about three hours and can be booked directly with the airline or through a travel agent. After dropping passengers on Christmas Island, the plane continues to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Is it safe to swim on Christmas Island?

Use common sense when swimming or wading at any beach – they can be subject to large waves and swell, strong rips and undertows. None of the beaches on the island are patrolled by lifesavers. Swimming at beaches is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove under calm sea conditions.

What do people do on Christmas Island?

From spotting endangered seabirds to snorkelling with turtles and dolphins, there's a lot to delight wildlife lovers in this natural paradise. Throw in beach and jungle walks, world-class diving and year-round festivals, and you'll never be short of things to do.

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.