This Christmas, if you’re looking for more than carols and festive treats, here’s a unique getaway for you. Did you know there’s a Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean? It is famous for lush rainforests, rare wildlife, and the amazing red crab migration. Scroll down to know more!
Here’s All About Christmas Island
Christmas Island, named by Captain William Mynors on Christmas Day in 1643, is a small but fascinating island in the Indian Ocean. It sits northwest of Australia and south of Java. This island is also known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’. The island is mostly covered in lush tropical rainforest. The best part is that from December to April, heavy rains make this place more beautiful. Here, temperatures hover around a comfortable 27°C the rest of the year.
One of the island’s most spectacular sights is the migration of over 60 million red land crabs. Every year, at the start of the rainy season, these crabs start their journey from the forest to the coast. Christmas Island is also home to rare bird species, including the magnificent Abbott’s booby. Australia’s only shrew, Crocidura trichura, was last seen here in 1985 and was officially declared extinct in 2025.
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History And Population Of This Paradise
According to the 2021 Australian census, Christmas Island has a small population of just 1,692 people. The community is diverse, with ethnic Chinese, a few Europeans, and Malay labourers. Residents speak many languages, including English, Mandarin, Malay, Cantonese, Min Nan, and Tagalog. They also follow a variety of religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Christianity.
Christmas Island has an interesting history. In 1888, Britain annexed the island because of its rich phosphate deposits. Mining rights were first given to private families and later managed by the Christmas Island Phosphate Company.
During World War II, the Japanese occupied the island. After the war, New Zealand and Australia took over the company’s assets. Finally, in 1958, Christmas Island became an Australian territory, with its administrator appointed by the Australian governor-general.
If you’re planning a visit to this island soon, you can explore dense forests, waterfalls, sandy beaches, and clifftops. Food lovers can enjoy a delicious mix of local and Asian flavours, from laksa, roti canai, and satay to hot pot, crispy fried noodles, and Hainanese chicken rice. To visit Christmas Island, fly from Perth, book a 4WD, and arrange accommodation in advance.
When are you visiting this island? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Website/ Indian Ocean Experiences