Christmas Island is known mainly for its crab migration from November through January. Cocos (Keeling) Islands is an atoll of 27 which attracts (as does Christmas) divers, and has white sand beaches.
Kelsie Johnston, marketing manager for Christmas Island Tourism Association, says the island’s most famous natural event sees millions of crabs head from the jungle to the ocean to drop their eggs in the ocean, then return back to the safety of the trees. A month later the eggs hatch and it is the baby crabs’ turn to make for the safety of the jungle. Roads are often closed during the movement.
Johnston says intending visitors should not restrict their visit to that time of year. ‘Crabs can be seen at all times and there is amazing birdlife, including the golden bosun (only found on Christmas Island).’
The island has about 180 beds, mainly in family owned apartments and villas, plus a small hotel / motel property and attracts 5,500 visitors a year.
A significant number also visit Cocos, and do a loop flying QantasLink from Perth. Cocos has about 145 guest beds and the best way to get around there is by self-drive. Larissa Heald West (who like Johnston was exhibiting at the recent Australia Tourism Exchange in Adelaide) says the island is known for its mix of southeast Asia cultures, which is also reflected in its food. Restaurants on the main island operate on a rotational basis, with something open every day.
