What to do on Christmas Island?

Self Guided Tours Christmas Island (land)

Christmas Island offers a unique experience beyond its famous scuba diving spots. For visitors who want to explore the island on foot (with the aid of a vehicle to get you there) or those traveling with non-diving partners, self-guided land tours provide a perfect way to discover the island’s natural beauty, history, and culture. While there are never crowds, these tours allowing you to enjoy peaceful walks and fascinating sites at your own pace.

We've listed several self-guided tours and itineraries, from easy short walks to more adventurous hikes, along with interesting places to visit. Whether you have a couple of hours or a half-day, you will find options that fit your schedule and interests.

Prior to Christmas Island- its worth downloading google maps, and select Christmas Island as an offline map and download it so you always have a map in your phone.

Some GPS apps work well also. Just remember- there is not always phone signal here.

Also download the Christmas Island National Park app - here

This app gives you lots of information about walking trails and our nature.

Easy Walks and Short Itineraries

If you want to spend just a few hours exploring, these shorter routes cover some of the island’s highlights with minimal walking.

Itinerary A: Flying Fish Cove and Historic Sites (2 hours to half-day)

Start your tour at Flying Fish Cove, the main settlement on the island. Here you can visit:

• Tai Jin House Museum (open 12:00 to 15:00, closed on public holidays)

This museum offers insight into the island’s heritage and early settlers. There are some great photographs to view

• WW2 Gun Emplacement

A short walk from the museum, this site shows the island’s role during World War II.

Find out more about the mutiny or how the Japanese occupied the island.

• Canberra Place, Post Office, Christmas Island Club Ruins, and Old European Cemetery

These lesser-known spots reveal layers of the island’s colonial past. The cemetery includes the grave of an unknown sailor from the HMAS Sydney, (who's been identified by DNA recently as "Able Seaman (AB) Thomas Welsby Clark" adding a touch of mystery.

HMAS Sydney was sunk by the German disguised raider Kormoran off the Western Australian coast, resulting in the loss of all 645 crew, Australia's greatest naval tragedy

This itinerary is perfect for visitors interested in history and culture without much walking.

Nature and Scenic Views

Christmas Island’s natural beauty is best experienced on foot. These itineraries include short walks to lookouts, beaches, and natural formations.

Itinerary B: Margaret Knoll and Coastal Highlights (3 hours to half-day)

• Margaret Knoll Lookout

A very short 50-meter walk leads to this viewpoint, where you can spend about 30 minutes enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and island coastline.

• The Blowholes

Witness seawater shooting through natural rock formations, a spectacular sight especially when the ocean is rough.

• Lily Beach

A peaceful beach ideal for a 30-minute rest or picnic.

• Ethel Beach Lookout

Another scenic spot offering views of the island’s rugged coast.

• The Grotto

A 100-meter walk takes you to this natural rock pool, perfect for a 30-minute stop.

• Chinese and Islamic Cemeteries and Gordon Bennett’s Monument

These sites provide cultural context and a quiet place for reflection.

This itinerary combines nature, culture, and easy walking.

Waterfalls and Wildlife

For those who enjoy a bit more walking and want to see waterfalls and wildlife, the next itinerary fits well.

Itinerary C: Crab Bridge and Waterfalls (3 hours to half-day)

• Crab Bridge and Old Locomotive

Spend about 30 minutes exploring this historic site where you can see remnants of the island’s phosphate mining past.

• Hughs Dale Waterfall

A 1.5 km walk (about 30 minutes each way) up a hill to a small flow of water. If you don't make it to the the top, you will still enjoy the Tahitian chestnut trees, and the blue crabs - a refreshing spot to relax.

• Martin Point

A short 400-meter walk (3 minutes each way) to a coastal viewpoint.

• Territory Day Park

A 30-minute stop at this park offers picnic facilities and a chance to spot local birds.

This is the place to view Flying Fish Cove from above in all weather.

Look out for the endangered Christmas Island Flying Fox here.

This itinerary suits visitors who want a mix of history, nature, and moderate walking.

More Adventurous Trails

For visitors looking for longer walks and marked trails, Christmas Island has several options that explore remote beaches, lookouts, and nature reserves.

Itinerary D: South Point and Extended Walks (3 hours to half-day)

• South Point Temple and Railway

A 100-meter walk to explore this historic temple and old railway tracks.

• Golf Course Lookout and Phosphate Hill

A 1 km walk (about 30 minutes each way) with rewarding views.

• Greta Beach

A short 200-meter walk (10 minutes) to a quiet beach.

• Dolly Beach

A 1 km walk (30 minutes each way) to a beautiful sandy beach.

• Smith Point Walk

A 1 km walk (1 hour each way) from the top of the hill to the coast

• Territory Day Park Nature Trail

A 1 km circular trail taking about 1 hour. Information signage along the way about our unique nature here

• Andersons Dale

A longer 3.6 km walk (1 hour each way) through lush forest.

• West White Beach

A 1.4 km walk (about 1.5 hours each way) to secluded beach.

West White is one of the more challenging walks, with a rope and a ladder near the end.

• Winifred Beach 

  This beach, when accessible (currently closed 2026) is a great walk, ending in a low tide crossing to get onto the beach. Unfortunatly the stairs are broken, so access is not possible.

  If you're lucky- you might scuba dive here on long west coast trips.

• Circuit Tracks and Boulder Track

These tracks cover approximately 5 km and 6 km respectively, offering options to extend or shorten your walk as you wish.

These trails are ideal for visitors who want to explore the island’s wild side and enjoy peaceful natural settings.

Other Interesting Places to Visit

Beyond the main itineraries, several unique spots add variety to your self-guided tour.

• Bird Feeding at National Park HQ

Visit the National Park Headquarters to see native birds up close during feeding times.(3pm)

Book at the Visitor information centre in advance, as it is only open one day a week

• Reptile Enclosure at the Pink House (Research Station)

Learn about the island’s reptiles in this small but informative enclosure.

Book at the Visitor information centre in advance, as it is only open one day a week

• Temples of Christmas Island

Explore Nui Nui and South Point temples to experience the island’s cultural diversity.

• Grants Well

A large grassy area with ruins where you can search for the old well, offering a quiet place to rest.

Tips for Your Self-Guided Tour

• Plan your time according to your fitness level and interests. Some walks are short and easy, others require more stamina.

  
  

• Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent to stay comfortable during your walks.

  
  

• Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

  
  

• Check opening hours for places like Tai Jin House Museum, Reptiles & Bird feeding to avoid disappointment.

  
  

• Respect the environment by staying on marked trails and not disturbing wildlife.

  
  

• Download maps and trails from Christmas Island Tourism to help navigate.

  
  

Need help?

We can assist with information about travelling to Christmas Island and the informaiton provided is to help you while here. Contact us via email

But of course- sometimes you want to relax on your holiday and leave it all to someone else- so we reccomend Indian Ocean Experiances, they do island tours and pickups from your accommodation, bring tea and coffee along, but make sure you pre book before arriving on the island- they get booked out quickly