Do you need a car on Christmas Island?


Do you 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. Contact Christmas Island Tourism Association for more details on hiring a car.


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.


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.


Is Christmas Island beautiful?

It's a tropical jungle paradise Tropical reefs teeming with life lie beyond the shoreline; with water temperatures bobbing around a clement 28°C, they make for some of the best diving and snorkelling spots you'll find anywhere. Christmas Island is a true paradise.


How cold does Christmas Island get?

The island has a tropical climate in which heat and humidity are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. The highest temperature is usually around 29 °C (84 °F) in March and April, while the lowest temperature is 23 °C (73 °F) and occurs in August.


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.


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 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 do people get to Christmas Island?

Christmas Island is around a four-hour direct flight from Perth on Australia's west coast. Some scheduled flights from Perth first fly to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a 95-minute flight from Christmas Island. Hire cars, shuttle services and taxis are available at the airport.


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 TV on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island receives the standard digital television channels from Western Australia. Radio 6RCI is the local radio station, transmitting on 105.3FM from Rocky Point and 102.1FM from Drumsite. Transmissions are in English, Malay and Chinese.


What is the best time to visit Christmas Island?

May to November This period is the dry season where visitors won't run the risk of rainfall.


Can you swim on Christmas Island?

Swimming at beaches is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove under calm sea conditions.


What should I bring to Christmas Island?

What to pack
  • Visitor guide.
  • Sturdy walking shoes.
  • Broad-brimmed hat.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Lip balm.
  • Water bottle.
  • Camelbak or other hydration pack (for walks longer than 1-2 hours)
  • Sunglasses.


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.


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.