Walks to Inspire in Christmas Island
All across Christmas Island, especially in the National Park, you’ll find scenic drives plus maintained and marked walking trails and boardwalks. They are designed to suit all levels of fitness and activity, and offer enjoyable ways to get up close to nature.
Enjoy a meander along shorter, well-developed trails through forests and coastal areas. Or for the more adventurous, take on longer and more rugged tracks that offer challenging climbs, with some leading to remote beaches. Tracks are marked with international standard reflective directional arrows. Explore the terrain along the way and follow trails to excellent lookouts for birds. Wander through tranquil rainforests that include cultural and historic sites, like temples hidden in the jungle. The key is to make sure you plan your walks in advance and you’re well prepared for the experience. And keep your camera handy at all times.
The Dales
The Dales Walking Trails are one of Christmas Island’s iconic sites and one of the few places with permanent flowing water and stunning wet areas, providing significant habitat for endemic blue crabs and impressive stands of Tahitian chestnut trees. The drive to the Dales leads through rainforest to a scenic and tranquil area which has two walking trails. Hugh’s Dale Waterfall – 1.5km – 30 mins each way – mostly boardwalk leading to Hugh’s Dale waterfall. Signage along the trail offers information on the island’s flora and fauna. Anderson’s Dale – 3.6km – 1 hour each way – for the adventurous, a second trail leads on from Hugh’s Dale for about 800m to Anderson’s Dale, a small gorge with a stream that flows to the sea.
Margaret Knoll
100m – 1 minute each way A short drive through plateau forest and a short walk of about 50m. The lookout provides dramatic panoramic views of the land and sea scales of the east coast. Located at the edge of a high inland cliff, it’s a fantastic site to observe seabirds including frigate birds, Red Footed and Brown boobies and the Golden Bosun. Christmas Island flying foxes may also be observed from here in the late afternoon and early evening.
Dolly Beach
1.8km – 40 mins each way – 4WD and walking access From the car park, this is a leisurely walk, mostly on boardwalk, through shore terrace forest to Dolly Beach. It is an isolated and picturesque sandy beach with a coral reef and freshwater stream. Robber crabs inhabit the area above the beach, and turtles nest all year round.
West White
1.5km – 1 hour each way This 1.5km marked trail meanders down through tall plateau and terrace rainforest. It is a moderately difficult walk and includes a short descent down a steep cliff using a rope towards the end of the walk. Walkers are advised to wear sturdy footwear and carry drinking water. The beach has a stunning coral reef off the shore, with views of the north coast – a great place for lunch and a snorkel at low tide.
Winifred Beach
1.4km – 45 minutes each wayThe vehicle track to Winifred beach is a rough but scenic drive mostly through semi deciduous rainforests. It leads to a small car park, and on to a 1.4km marked walking trail through rugged terrace forest. The trail reaches the coast via a steep staircase down the cliff face, leading to a rocky shore and small picturesque cove. Seabirds, including brown boobies and golden bosuns nest in this area.
Martin Point
400m – 5 minutes each way Martin Point is located in the Dales area. A short walk of 400m from the car park leads to a viewing platform on the edge of the sea cliff, providing excellent views along the western coast – great for photographers. It is a peaceful place to watch the sun set over the ocean with waves breaking over the fringing reef and shore platforms. Red-footed boobies perch and nest in the trees above and you may see brown boobies nesting on the sea cliffs. There is a picnic table on the viewing platform.
Territory Day Park
1km – 1 hour each wayThis walking trail leads from Territory Day Park to Tai Jin House. The trail gives you a chance to explore and experience Christmas Island’s unique rainforests as well as visit the historical Tai Jin House. At Territory Day Park there are picnic, barbecue, and playground facilities, as well a lookout offering spectacular views over Flying Fish Cove.
Golf Course Lookout
1km – 15 minutes each way A short but rugged and steep walk from the Phosphate Hill area of the island’s north east. It leads down to a cliff perched above the golf course, passing a historic Chinese cemetery on the way. The site provides spectacular views of the island’s north east coast and is a great place to watch Red Footed boobies, frigate birds, and Golden Bosuns as they soar past you.
