Natural Beauty and Relaxation on Christmas Island

Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean is around 2300 kilometers northwest of Perth, Australia and is an amazing natural habitat, with a mind-boggling array of animal and plant species. If you want a holiday in the midst of natural splendor, then Christmas Island would be the ideal vacation destination. Scuba diving, bird watching, nature walks and the clear waters of the sea are all there in this tropical paradise.

Hugh's Dale Waterfall

This is located in The Dales, a region on the western end of the island. This area consists of freshwater streams, mangrove swamps and abundant crab life. These freshwater streams, originating from underground caves, ultimately flow into the ocean. The streams eroding the cliff walls have resulted in step-like terraces. The streams turn into cascading waterfalls in these spots, including the Hugh’s Dale Waterfall. The Dales are located in lush, tropical rainforest, which is replete with unique flora and fauna and gives the visitor a glimpse of pristine natural beauty. These areas are to be found in the National Park in the southwest of Christmas Island and have signboards, raised steps and walkways to make the trek a little easier. The Dales can only be reached on a four-wheel drive vehicle or by trekking on foot.

Flying Fish Cove

Flying Fish Cove is in the northern part of the island and provides a favorite yacht anchorage in a small port. There are beautiful beaches along the coastline and it is ideal for those who love scuba diving. If you love golf, there is a lovely course lying east of the city. Near Flying Fish Cove is the renowned Christmas Island National Park.

Christmas Island National Park

The island is a unique natural habitat, having had no human habitation at all until the late 19th century. Many species of plant and animal life have evolved here, free of any human interference. On Christmas Island, 63% of its 135 square kilometers is a national park, which is filled with teeming plant, animal and bird species. A walk through the park with its stunning natural landscape and countless birdlife is a balm to the senses, as it presents a landscape very seldom seen on this overcrowded, polluted planet.

Beaches

A beach lying on the east coast of the island, Lily Beach is a popular spot. Lying in the midst of rocky cliffs, Greta Beach is located approximately 15 kilometers from Flying Fish Cove. The quiet beach surrounded by rainforest is a popular one for families with children. Another attractive sandy beach near Greta is Dolly Beach, which is 20 kilometers from Flying Fish Cove.

Activities

Christmas Island is not a conventional tourist destination with the usual facilities, but offers a plethora of attractions, if you are a nature enthusiast and look forward to an unusual holiday. There is scuba diving and snorkeling at Flying Fish Cove and game fishing on chartered boats. There is mountain biking or if you prefer, a four-wheel drive junket through the National Park. You can look out for whale sharks or relax on the many beaches with a beer in hand, watching the spectacular sunset. If you are an adventurous sort, there is nothing like a walking tour through the rainforest and other natural habitats on the island, and the annual Bird Week, which highlights the incredible variety of bird species on the island, attracts hordes of visitors in September every year.

Christmas Island offers a vacation like no other, if you and your family want a quiet, peaceful break far from the madding crowd in an environment where nature still rules supreme.