Lying on the Indian Ocean are two stunning islands home to scenic white sands, palm trees and shimmering blue waters filled with unique and gorgeous wildlife. Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) Islands are just 2,750kms northwest of Perth. Take in the picturesque views of the stunning cliffs overlooking the oceans as well as the beautiful wildlife. These tropical islands lying in crystal-clear azure waters are an un-spoilt paradise and certainly won’t disappoint you!
Holidays of Australia has put together an 8 day / 7 night hosted small group tour showcasing the best of these islands. This getaway will be filled with snorkeling, scenic ocean vistas, stunning nature and wildlife and fresh seafood.
Christmas Island:
From the tropical depths of the vast Indian Ocean and surrounded by turquoise waters lies the stunning natural wonder, Christmas Island. Uncover the remarkable surprises this majestic island has to offer. From the fascinating red crab migration to rare birds and glorious deserted beaches this island displays a curious amalgam of cultures, history, and industry, emerging as a place where all these elements create a truly unique travel experience. Your first morning on the island will uncover all the in-depth history of Christmas Island, the culture and the stunning scenic lookouts it has to offer. Take a breathtaking walk to the Golf Course Lookout where you will see all of Christmas Island’s unique and wonderful creatures such as the red-footed boobies, frigate birds and golden bosuns.
Given the islands fascinating history, the culture and cuisine here is equally as diverse being a mix of Malay, Singaporean, Chinese and Australian. The island was named by the Dutch East India Company back in 1643, being seen on 25 December by the captain from the company’s Royal Mary vessel. From then, phosphate was discovered and mined by mainly Chinese workers. It was then invaded and occupied by Japan during World War II, followed by an expansion of the population from Singapore, Malaysia and the Cocos Islands. In 1958, the sovereignty was transferred by the United Kingdom to Australia, with the island becoming an Australian Territory. Since then, conservation of the island has taken place to protect and preserve its extraordinary environment.
Your next three days on the island will consist of visiting the most iconic beaches the Indian Ocean has to offer. Enjoy scenic walks along the boardwalks, lunch at Lily & Ethel beach and swimming in the glistening blue waters. You can also partake in the orphaned bird feeding program. Here you can watch the volunteers feed rescued Christmas Island birds and learn about their rehabilitation project. The small group tour departs on 23 September 2022 during the island’s dry season, which runs from May to October, and is the most popular time for travellers to visit with humidity at its lowest.
