<strong>Christmas Island:</strong> An overseas territory of Australia that's about a 3.5-hour flight northwest of Perth, Christmas Island's natural beauty has led many to refer to it as the "Galapagos of Australia."
Christmas Island: An overseas territory of Australia that's about a 3.5-hour flight northwest of Perth, Christmas Island's natural beauty has led many to refer to it as the "Galapagos of Australia."
Christmas Island Tourism Association
<strong>Flying Fish Cove: </strong>About 1,300 people, or 80% of the population, live in Flying Fish Cove, the capital city and main port town.
Flying Fish Cove: About 1,300 people, or 80% of the population, live in Flying Fish Cove, the capital city and main port town.
Christmas Island Tourism Association
<strong>Protected land: </strong>About 64% of Christmas Island remains protected national parkland and a vital home to many species.
Protected land: About 64% of Christmas Island remains protected national parkland and a vital home to many species.
Christmas Island Tourism Association
<strong>Red crabs</strong>: The famous red crab migration, which starts when the wet season begins around November, is the island's biggest tourism attraction.
Red crabs: The famous red crab migration, which starts when the wet season begins around November, is the island's biggest tourism attraction.
Justin Gilligan
<strong>A sea of red: </strong>During the migration, an estimated 40 million to 50 million tiny red crabs traverse the island, crawling over roads, cars and blanketing beaches in a sea of red.<strong> </strong>
A sea of red: During the migration, an estimated 40 million to 50 million tiny red crabs traverse the island, crawling over roads, cars and blanketing beaches in a sea of red.
Kirsty Faulkner
<strong>Island life:</strong> While Christmas Island is a pleasant place to live most of the time, residents say it has its challenges. For example, flights to the island from mainland Australia are expensive.
Island life: While Christmas Island is a pleasant place to live most of the time, residents say it has its challenges. For example, flights to the island from mainland Australia are expensive.
Tobias Friedrich
<strong>Christmas on Christmas Island: </strong>The British East India Company first spotted the island on Christmas Day in 1643, and the holiday became its namesake. Many people travel abroad to see family over the holiday period, but those who stay behind tell CNN Travel they enjoy the season's quiet nature.
Christmas on Christmas Island: The British East India Company first spotted the island on Christmas Day in 1643, and the holiday became its namesake. Many people travel abroad to see family over the holiday period, but those who stay behind tell CNN Travel they enjoy the season's quiet nature.
Christmas Island Tourism Association