Island life: While Christmas Island is a pleasant place to live most of the time, residents say it has its challenges. For example, flights to the island from mainland Australia are expensive.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
Language. English is the official language on Christmas Island. However, more than half of our residents speak a language other than English at home. While on the island, you might hear people conversing in Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Min Nan, Tagalog and a variety of other languages.
In 1958, the island was excised from Singapore and sovereignty was transferred to Australia. As part of the transfer, Australia paid Singapore £2,800,000 as compensation for lost phosphate revenue. Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.
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.
Christmas Island International AirportCheck-in counters are open two and a half hours before departure. Baggage carousels are located in the Arrivals Hall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas Island has a network of well maintained roads ranging from Sealed Roads within the residential area, Formed Unsealed Roads which form the primary mining haul road and 4 wheel Drive Roads that access areas within the National Park.
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.
Today, about 1,300 people, or 80% of the population, live in Flying Fish Cove, the capital city and main port town where much of the action happens. “The Cove is the heart of the community on 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.