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.

Many island beaches were named after the female family members of early settlers – Isabel Beach after Sir John Murray’s wife, Rhoda, Margaret and Winifred after his daughters. Dolly was John D Murray’s wife, Greta the daughter of a company engineer, and Ethel from the family of a pilot.

Lily Beach
Track : Suitable for 2WD
Lily Beach is a keyhole beach with cuts into sheer cliff on either side. There is a gazebo with table and chairs – the perfect place for a picnic! There are large trees providing shade and it has a large sandy bottomed rock pool, particularly suited to young children at low tide when it is calm, although big waves can crash through anytime and caution is required. When the seas are up Lily Beach is a spectacular place to watch the waves crashing into the cliffs. A boardwalk along the cliff edge between Lily Beach and Ethel Beach provides a look at a variety of birds including Brown Boobys and Red Footed Boobys nesting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. A few blow-holes will add interest to your walk.

Ethel Beach
Track: Rough, but suitable for 2WD
Whilst it is less idyllic in appearance than Lily, Ethel’s rocky shoreline is well worth a stroll. Overhung by pandanus, the beach may reveal a fossil or two and some blue coral rubble which hints at it’s volcanic past. You can swim here, and the snorkelling can be excellent, but it requires the same care as Lily Beach. At the top of the stairs to the beach, there is a water tank and showers for rinsing off after your swim.

Greta Beach
Track : 4WD needed
A short walk of about 300m from the car park, followed by a climb down a steep staircase at the top of a sea cliff leads to Greta Beach. There are signs at the top of the stairs to Greta requesting that you take a bag and help with the ongoing clean-up of Greta Beach, which unfortunately is the collection point for much plastic flotsam and jetsam which is washed ashore on the ocean currents. Turtles nest all year round on this beach, and high numbers of red crabs spawn here during the annual migration, so just by taking some plastic off the beach during your visit will help ensure that local nesting turtles are protected.

Dolly Beach
Track : 4WD needed
Dolly Beach is one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island and is deserted much of the time. It is a popular spot for camping amongst locals, as it has fresh water and a flat area behind the beach. The car park is approximately a 30 minute drive from Settlement and walking time into the beach through the rainforest is approximately 45 minutes on a boardwalk. There are shallow rock pools and a sandy beach surrounded by overhanging coconut palms. Dolly Beach is the larger of the two beaches where marine turtles nest, the other being Greta Beach. Tracks of nesting adults and of emerging hatchlings can be seen amongst the drifted logs, coconuts and other debris.

West White Beach
Track – suitable for 2WD
Visible from Settlement, this white strip of coral beach along the north coast makes for a great day trip. The 1.4 km trail to West White Beach meanders downhill through tall plateau and terrace rainforest. This is a moderately difficult walk and includes a short descent down a steep cliff using a rope towards the end of the walk. The beach has a stunning coral reef off the shore, with views of the north coast. If you don’t want to walk back up the track, request for a boat transfer back to Settlement with one of the island’s dive charter operators.

Winifred Beach
Track – 4WD needed
Tackling the 4WD track to Winifred through rough but scenic drive mostly though semi deciduous rainforest is only half the fun on this day trip. The real challenge comes in the walk through the rainforest to the beach access. The track can be steep in places and traverses 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. Spend some time checking the rock pools, or snorkelling around the rocks, but always be careful here as tides change, and access to and from the beach is only possible during low tide.

Merrial Beach
They say good things come in small packages and Merrial Beach is the perfect example of this theory. Not only is this the smallest beach on the Island, when the tide is in, Merrial is out. Located just to the south of Dale Number 1, the walk into Merrial requires a little climbing and ducking through dense vegetation, but this perfect, white sand beach, surrounded by grotto-like rocky overahangs to either side is well worth the walk.

Christmas Island has many natural attractions that will suit visitors of all ages and levels of fitness. Here are just a sample of some of the beautiful places to visit on your Christmas Island Adventure.

Flying Fish Cove
Adjacent to the port area and the main mooring sites, the Flying Fish Cove is located at the base of the Settlement area and is home to the Kampong (Malay for village) and the Mosque. The Cove is suitable for both swimming and snorkelling, although it is advisable to wear reef shoes at all times to protect feet from sharp coral and stone fish. It offers many great shore dives and has some of the best diversity and abundance of tropical fish anywhere. The Cove also provides some of the most protected ocean swimming on the island. There are picnic facilities, BBQ’s (Halal and non-Halal), public toilets and showers. The island’s main boat launching facility is also located here.The “Cove” is also a great location to join the locals watching the sun setting and slow down to Christmas Island pace.

Tai Jin House
Located just up the hill beyond Flying Fish Cove, this is the original home of the Administrator of the Island – affectionately known locally as “Buck House”. The expansive gardens are used for community events and provide excellent views overlooking Flying Fish Cove. Tai Jin House is also home to the Christmas Island Historical Exhibition which tells the Christmas Island story. Ask the staff at the Visitor’s Centre for opening hours. A little way past Tai Jin House is the naval installed 1941 gun and buildings that were used to defend the Cove during the second World War.

The Grotto
Approximately five minutes drive from Settlement located just before the golf course. A mini cave with mix of sea and fresh water pool that is refreshing on hot days or a romantic spot with candles at night. The wave motion through narrow openings provides interesting sound effects.

The Blowholes
The vehicle track to the Blowholes passes through stunning tall rainforest and you’ll usually see large numbers of red crabs. At the Blowholes, you will find an elevated walkway at the car park with viewing platforms on the coastal terraces close to the sea cliff edge.
Spectacular blowholes spray seawater high into the air when large swells pound against the shore cliffs and there are panoramic views of the rugged southern coastline.

South Point
Approximately 30 minute drive along straight mine haulage roads, South Point is the site of the major early settlement at the peak of the phosphate mining days. Little evidence remains of this, except for two Chinese temples and a derelict, overgrown railway station. The larger temple has impressive ocean views and is the focus of annual ceremonies which may include firewalking, as pictured on the walls.

National Park & Wildlife
If you love getting back to nature, you will love Christmas Island!! 63% of the island’s 135 square kilometres is national park and the island’s close proximity to South East Asia and the equator has resulted in a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Christmas Island National Park is managed by Parks Australia – a division of Environment Australia.

It took millions of years for the island to emerge from the immense depths of the Indian Ocean. Isolation has limited the number of plants and animals able to reach these distant shores and survive. As a result, the island’s ecology has developed in a distinctive way. Some species can only be found here while others are threatened or considered to be endangered elsewhere.

The Christmas Island National Park was declared under Australian Commonwealth law and currently protects 85 square kilometres, over 63% of the entire land and much of the fringing reef. The park protects and preserves the important ecological systems which characterise this beautiful tropical island: the magnificent rainforests, the ocean shores and reefs.

Camping is possible on Christmas Island within Christmas Island National Park. For information and permits please contact the Christmas Island National Park Office on +61 8 9164 8700 or ChristmasIslandNP@environment.gov.au .It is recommended that all necessary requirements for camping are brought with you as there are no purpose built camping areas within the Park.

Christmas Island Flora
There are about 200 species of native flowering plants on Christmas Island. Some 16 plant species are endemic. The distribution of plants on the island can be related to soil depth, moisture retention and exposure to and distance from the sea. The island environment may be classified into the following broad habitats; these are the marine environment, shoreline platforms, beaches, sea cliff zone, terrace forest on the poorer soils of the lower terraces, shallow soil rainforest on the higher terraces, simple rainforest on the deeper plateau and terrace soils, limestone scree slopes and pinnacles, mangrove forest, perennially wet areas, caves, sinkholes and various habitats resulting from clearance and other disturbances.

A dense rainforest has evolved in the deep soils of the plateau and on some terraces. The forests are dominated by 25 tree species. Ferns orchids and vines flourish on the branches in the humid atmosphere beneath the canopy. The 135 species of flora include 16 which can only be found on Christmas Island. There are fewer vines and understorey shrub plants than in the related neighbouring Indo-Malaysian rainforests. Red Crabs eat the leaf litter, abundant tree fruits and seedlings lying on the forest floor.

Christmas Island Fauna
Red crabs are dotted around the forest floor all over Christmas Island, ponderously raising leaves in their claws to eat and retreating down burrows as you come too close. The annual red crab mass migration to the sea to spawn has been described by ecologists as one of the wonders of the natural world and is Christmas Island’s claim to fame amongst naturalists. This phenomenon takes place each year after the start of the wet season, in synchronisation with the cycle of the moon. Nowhere else on earth do crabs occur in these numbers and the spectacle is an experience not to be forgotten.

The land crabs and sea birds are the most noticeable animals on the island. To date 20 terrestrial and intertidal crabs (of which 13 are regarded as true land crabs, i.e., only dependant on the ocean for larval development) have been described. The diversity and abundance of land crabs is not matched by any other island and it has been named “the crabbiest place in the world” and the “kingdom of the crabs”. Huge robber crabs, known elsewhere as coconut crabs, are also found here and are capable of opening and devouring coconuts with their strong claws.

The island is also a focal point for sea birds of various species. Eight species or subspecies of sea birds nest on the island. The most numerous is the Red-footed Booby that nests in colonies, in trees, on many parts of the shore terrace.The widespread Brown Booby nests on the ground near the edge of the seacliff and inland cliffs. Abbott’s Booby (listed as endangered) nests on tall emergent trees of the western, northern and southern plateau rainforest. The Christmas Island forest is the only known nesting habitat of the Abbott’s Booby left in the world.

The endemic Christmas Island Frigatebird (listed as critically endangered) has three well-defined nesting areas on the north-eastern shore terraces and the more widespread. Greater Frigatebirds nest in semi-deciduous trees on the shore terrace with the greater concentrations being in the North West and South Point areas.

The Common Noddy and two species of bosuns or tropic birds with their distinctive streamer tail feathers also nest on the island. Of the ten native land birds and shorebirds, seven are endemic species or subspecies. Some 76 vagrant or migrant bird species have been recorded on the island from time to time. Checklists are available from the Christmas Island Tourism Association.

There are many opportunties for extraordinary experiences on Christmas Island.

Christmas Island Red Crab Migration
Gecarcoidea natalis (Pocock, 1888)
The Christmas Island red crab is by far the most obvious of the 14 species of land crabs found on Christmas Island. It is estimated that 40 – 50 million of these bright red land crabs live in their preferred shady sites all over the island.

Characteristics
Physical Characteristics of Christmas Island Red Crabs
Bright red is the common colour but there are the occasional orange specimens and more rarely some purple animals. They are a big crab. An adult body shell (or carapace) may measure up to 116mm across. The Christmas Island red crabs’ carapace is round shouldered and encloses their lungs and gills. Their claws are usually of equal size unless one is a regrowing claw. Males grow larger overall than females, while females have a much broader abdomen and usually have smaller claws than males. However young Christmas Island red crabs all have the characteristic narrow abdomen of the male. The broader abdomen on the female Christmas Island red crab only becomes apparent in the third year of growth.

Christmas Island red crabs grow slowly, reaching about 40mm in carapace width after 4-5 years. They are sexually mature at this age and begin to participate in the breeding migrations.The Christmas Island red crabs moult their shells regularly during their early growth phases to match their increasing body size. Moulting usually takes place in the protected moist environment of their burrows. Mature Christmas Island red crabs probably moult only once a year, as their growth rate slows.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
Want to Scuba Dive on Christmas island?
Christmas Island boasts some of the best scuba diving trips in Australia and has some of the longest drop-offs in the world. The island rises dramatically from the edge of the Java Trench, the Indian Ocean’s deepest point. This contributes to the endless kilometres of spectacular drop-off diving with most walls being only 20 metres from the shoreline.

Our scuba diving trips boast spectacular wall diving, untouched corals, hundreds of species of tropical fish, dolphins, whalesharks, warm clear water, the opportunity to see magnificent marine life – what more could you expect from the ultimate scuba diving trip and experience?

Christmas Island is surrounded by a narrow tropical reef which plunges into a bottomless abyss. This makes it the perfect destination for scuba diving trips! This reef is laced with many unspoiled corals and abundant species of marine life. The northern coast in particular boasts some of the most unspoiled corals in the world such as Acropora and plate corals which play host to a wide variety of small tropical species such as surgeon fish, wrasse, butterfly fish, gobies, anemones, eels and many others which are a photographers delight.

You may also be paid a visit by one of the larger locals on your scuba diving trip. Pelagics like rainbow runner, trevally, wahoo and tuna cruise along the walls and the occasional shark comes up for a curious look.

You could be graced with the presence of the majestic whaleshark. An encounter with one of these gentle giants who often visit any time between November and April is an experience on your scuba diving trip that you’ll never forget!

Snorkelling
With coral reefs surrounding the Island, snorkelling is a must on every visit to Christmas Island as the abundance of fish and coral to see is breathtaking, just a few metres from the shore. Popular and accessible Flying Fish Cove is great for snorkelling and swimming.

When the waters are too rough at Flying Fish Cove, head over to Ethel Beach which may offer sheltered water and an equally dazzling array of fish and corals.

We recommend that reef shoes be worn on our beaches. Visitors can bring reef shoes with them or purchase them once on island.

Bird Watching
If you are looking for an unforgettable birdwatching holiday, you will love Christmas Island. 63% of the island’s 135 square kilometres is national park and the island’s close proximity to South East Asia and the equator has resulted in a diverse range of bird species.

The island is large enough to have developed its own unique rainforest ecology. There are hundreds of species of birds with seven of the 13 land birds being endemic to the island, including the inquisitive Christmas Island Thrush, whose melodious evening song lends a wonderful musical quality to the tropical, palm-fringed sunsets.

Truly special sightings for those on a birdwatching holiday
Many species are quite inquisitive and those on a birdwatching holiday can be rewarded with some truly special sightings. Highlights include the rarest booby and frigate birds in the world, the Abbotts Booby and the Christmas Island Frigatebird. With little effort is it quite easy to tick off a full list of residents in a busy week or more relaxed fortnight, though the elusive Christmas Island Hawk Owl keeps many coming back for more!

Photography
Christmas Island in your lens
It’s hard to imagine a more visually tantalising place to photograph than Christmas Island. All around you are sights, colours, textures and landscapes you’ll want to capture, so bring nature to life through your lens. From soft, pastel sunrises to glorious sunsets, Christmas Island is bathed in ever-changing tropical light. Vivid colour is everywhere, from the crabs’ rich reds to the rainforest’s deep greens, to turquoise waters. Catch the robber crabs on film, zoom in on gentle orchids and twisting vines, and train your lens skywards to capture the elegance and freedom of rare birds in flight.

Underwater photographers have a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes to shoot. On land the imposing, inspiring and detailed architecture of temples and other built form keeps shutters clicking.

Video cameras capture the sights and sounds of millions of scurrying red crabs, or the hauntingly musical call of the island’s thrush, and the stirring call to prayer from the mosque.

Best spots for best shots
Martin Point – for staggeringly beautiful sunsets and seabirds.
Blowholes – capture the energy of the water on a rugged coastline.
Dolly Beach – impressively large robber crabs plus turtle tracks.
Hughes Dale Waterfall – an iconic island place for your unique shot.
Blowholes Road – get creative with a special tree along the road.
Greta Beach – nesting turtles all year round make wonderful pictures.
Island temples – rich colours fused with wisps of incense smoke.
Tai Jin House – capture the detail of this building and its gardens.
Flying Fish Cove – for underwater photography.

Fishing on Christmas Island is a truly unique experience. Really, anything is possible!
Breathtakingly steep drop-offs enable anglers to target big blue water fish within ridiculously short distances from the shoreline. Whether it be trolling for pelagic species such as tuna, wahoo or sailfish, casting lures for the mighty giant trevally, or jigging for the iconic dogtooth tuna, it can mean just a two minute cruise from the boat ramp before it’s time to put the lures in the water.

From December through to April the monsoon, or swell season, can limit boat fishing opportunities. When conditions allow, trolling is the most productive and easiest way to catch yourself a fish. However, for the experienced angler the options are far greater. If it’s not the big fish you are after, you can drop a line from the jetty at Flying Fish Cove or one of the many spots along the cliff tops. Land based fishing is possible year round, though at its best during the swell season. Through the dry season, when the fish multiply in both size and numbers, there is nothing quite like catching a big fish on a jig or topwater lure. This is where the fishing experience on Christmas Island really excels.

Christmas Island Golf Course
Golf is one of the favourite pastimes of Islanders and the Golf Course is well worth a try for professional golfers or first timers. The 9-hole golf course is situated amongst palm trees and tropical rainforest with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. Green Fees of $15 per round. Clubs are available for hire from the Christmas Island Visitor Centre and visitors are most welcome. Christmas Island Frigate Birds nest inland from the course and land crabs can be a local hazard.

Visitors are most welcome to have a hit or join in Ladies Golf (Wednesday afternoon), Mens Scroungers (Friday afternoon) or the weekend competition.

Christmas Island Golf Open 2020
If you fancy hitting a club amidst a spectacular backdrop with little red crabs crawling the greens, the Christmas Island Golf Open is the event you should be a part of. Hosted by the Christmas Island Golf Club and sponsored by Acker, experience playing golf on one of the most remote Australian Golf Courses, meet the locals and enjoy a series of competitive events which will ensure you get the most of your visit to the island.

Freedive at Christmas Island
What makes Christmas Island one of the best freediving locations in the world?
Perfect water temperature, 26-30 degrees all year round
Very little or no current in most dive locations, courses take place in Flying Fish Cove which is protected from currents. “The Cove” is surrounded by high cliffs that protect it from the winds and swell that prevail from the south east most of the year.

Great visibility, usually 20+ metres
Accessible dive locations, with most being a short swim from the beach at Flying Fish Cove or a short boat ride of under 15 minutes
Spectacular marine life, free dive with an abundance of pelagic, reef and tropical fish, spectacular coral and even whale sharks (November to April)

History and Culture
Christmas Island has a fascinating history and culture which has formed a unique community, architecture and landscape.

You are encouraged to try authentic local experiences through food, celebrations and joining in with community regular and special occasions. A monthly ‘What’s On’ provides the latest information to help you plan your visit.

Take the time to explore the built landscapes and discover temples, historic buildings, old cemeteries and ruins. For a glimpse of the past visit the Exhibition at Tai Jin House, the former District Officer’s Residence and the Chinese Museum on Gaze Rd.

Soft Adventure
Christmas Island is an adventure playground with amazing places to experience.
You can choose your own adventure in the jungle by car, foot, mountain bike or a combination. With 63% of the Island being National Park there are boardwalks and marked trails and more difficult walks for the fitter and more adventurous along paths less trodden. A network of roads and trails can be explored by car or mountain bike. Driving is as much about the journey as the destination as scenic roads wind through the rainforest. Many of the roads are unsealed and may be rough, so take into account your and your vehicle’s ability. The adventure steps up in the wet season when roads can be closed for the crab migration or if washed out by the rain, so check before you set out. Unless you are taking a leisurely ride along the coastal plateau it is a tough ride up the hill to the jungles and exhilarating on the way down. Bikes are available to hire through Extra Divers. If you are bringing your own bike, please make arrangements with the airline or agent when booking.

The underwater world is just waiting to be explored with a myriad of corals, fish and other species in the clear, blue waters. Snorkelling and diving is accessible from the beach or with one of our dive operators. If you are thinking about getting your dive ticket there is no better place to learn or to refresh your skills.

Christmas Island is a tropical environment so take into account the heat and humidity when planning your activities. It’s warm all year around. The wet season extends from around November to April. Temperatures vary little from month to month an average high of around 28 degrees C in April and an average low of around 22 degrees C in August. Humidity ranges from 80 to 90 per cent year-round but is generally lowest during the middle of the year.

Shopping & Restaurants
Tastes of the Tropics
Christmas Island’s restaurants showcase its rich cultural mix. From spicy Asian fare to modern western cuisine often crafted to highlight fresh, local product, you will find something delicious to suit your taste buds.

Restaurants, cafes and pubs offer a variety of styles, from traditional grills to colonial settings to laid back, casual pub options. Many offer the chance to relax over your meal while appreciating stunning outlooks.

Take advantage of the islands’ many picnic and barbecue venues, and pack your own hamper from supplies available at the local shops.
Cafe and restaurant options may be limited during Ramadan, Chinese New Year and Christmas – contact the Visitor Centre for further information as to what cafes/restaurants will be open during your visit.

As most food on Christmas Island is imported the cost for food and meals may be higher than other places to cover the additional transport.

Shopping
A visit to Christmas Island is like taking a step into another world. There are no shopping malls and opening times are varied and short, allowing you to spend more time exploring this natural wonder.

There are a small variety of shops and galleries which offer an excellent range of t-shirts, beach and bespoke fashion, souvenirs, gifts, homeware, handcrafted jewellery, photography and art, snorkelling gear, fishing tackle, pharmaceuticals, groceries, and duty free items.