Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.
The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial '''space-launching site''' on the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn.
Tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds.
Steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau. Rain forest covers the majority of the island, with small areas of the island under rehabilitation from mining. Sandy to Rocky beaches scattered along to coastline of the island separated by steep limestone cliffs.
Twice weekly flights from Perth, Australia with National Jet Systems, who also offer a connecting flight to the Cocos Islands. Oneway/return is A$840/$1680, with advance purchase returns available for $1098.
Malaysia Airlines [http://www.malaysiaairlines.com] currently operates the only weekly international flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The harbor is '''Flying Fish Cove'''.
Walk, ride, or hire of cars/4WD/SUV. You can hike around the settled areas of island, as most locals are happy to give a ride to visitors.
As a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken on Christmas Island, but is not universal. Many residents speak dialects of Chinese and Malay as a first language.
There are several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine.
Seven possibilities for accommodation exist on the island, five of which are in the main settlement. Of the other two, one is located next to the island's waterfall whilst the other is further out in an area called Poon Saan.
Christmas Island District High School is the main school on the island, Year 1 to Year 10 is taught based on the Western Australian Curriculum.
The island is safe all times of the day in the populated areas, locals usually leave their houses and car unlocked. There is no poisonous or dangerous animals/insects on the island.
The most likely danger is large waves at cliffs and coastal waters during the monsoon(October - February).
There are occasional sighting of reef and hammerhead sharks off the coast near the 'drop offs' (underwater coastal shelf which drops off into the ocean depths, usually 5 - 30 meters offshore) , however there have been no reported sharks attacks on Christmas Island in recorded history.
Some 4 Wheel Drive tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season, caution is advised when driving in national parks areas. Many tracks are 4 Wheel Drive only, in particular Dolly beach track and National Park areas.
It is recommended that you bring a local or get local advice before heading off to any unpopulated or national parks areas.
Wear loose fitting clothing suitable to humid tropical conditions. A hat and suncream is recommended if you're intending to be under the sun at the beach or fishing.
Bring water with you, as in a humid environment you will tend to perspire more than normal.
No instances of Malaria have been reported. There are rare occurrences of Hepatitis C. However there is no particular vaccination required when visiting the island.
Nudity is not permitted at beaches, normal beachwear applies.
It's good manners to wave back if waved by locals when driving.
Cocos Island is the closest land to Christmas island, there are weekly connecting flight between the two island. Cocos Island is approximately 1 hours flight from Christmas Island.