Walks in the Park
Exploring Christmas Island National Park.
Christmas Island is an ideal place to see the variety of seabirds and experience the spectacular red crab migration in the unique and unspoilt character of the rainforest, rugged land and seascape environments.
There are many places of outstanding natural beauty to visit in the park.
Walking tracks within the Park range from short well developed tracks, such as to Hughs Dale, to longer, less developed and more rugged tracks, such as to Winifred Beach, West White Beach and Dolly Beach. All of these tracks are marked with international standard reflective directional arrows and are maintained regularly. Many of the forest tracks and four wheel drive access roads are also used as walking tracks.
- See also information about Visitor safety and responsibilities
Territory Day Park Nature Trail
The Nature Trail at the Territory Day Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the unique Christmas Island rainforest. Parks Australia's nursery, where plants for the Christmas Island Minesite to Forest Rehabilitation Programme are propagated, is situated adjacent to the Territory Day Park. There are excellent picnic, BBQ and playground facilities, and the Nursery Lookout offers great views over Flying Fish Cove, the Kampong and Settlement and for watching boating operations in the port.
Margaret Knoll Lookout
A short walk at Margaret Knoll leads to a lookout with panoramic views of the east coast of the island. At the edge of the inland cliff, it is one of the best sites to observe flying frigatebirds, boobies, imperial pigeons and flying-foxes.
Greta Beach
A short walk and staircase down the cliff from the carpark leads to Greta Beach. Turtles nest all year round on this beach and Flotsam and Jetsam is washed ashore during the dry season. High numbers of Red Crabs spawn at this beach.
Please do not disturb the fauna and their nests.
Dolly Beach Boardwalk
A leisurely walk, mostly on a boardwalk, through coastal terrace forest from the carpark leads to Dolly Beach. It is an isolated and picturesque sandy beach with a coral reef. A freshwater stream runs from above the beach. Robber Crabs inhabit the beach area. Turtles nest at this beach all year round. Camping is permitted with a permit.
Please do not disturb the fauna and their nests.
The Blowholes
An elevated walkway has viewing platforms close to the spectacular blowholes that spray seawater high into the air when large swells strike the rugged southern coastline.
The Pink House Nature Trail
This Nature Trail is located in the middle of the plateau rainforest close to the Education and Research station. BBQ and toilet facilities are available in the Pink House grounds.
West White Beach Walking Trail
This 50 minute one-way marked trail meanders down through plateau and terrace forest. It is a moderately difficult walk with a short cliff descent using rope towards the end. Walkers are advised to wear sturdy footwear and to carry adequate drinking water. There is a stunning coral reef off the shore from the beach.
Winifred Beach Walking Trail
This marked walking trail leads from the carpark down to the beach via a staircase down the cliff face. Visitors have to wade a short distance through water to reach the actual beach. Be cautious as it is possible to become stranded on the beach or caught in a rip because of rising tides and changing sea conditions. Winifred Beach is a popular swimming and snorkelling spot in good sea conditions. Seabirds, including Brown Boobies and White-tailed Tropicbirds nest in the area.
The Dales Walking Trails
Two walking trails are available from the Dales 4WD carpark. The first is mostly a boardwalk leading down to Hugh's Dale Waterfall. There is interpretive signage along the trail offering information on the flora and fauna of the island. The second trail leads on to Anderson's Dale, where it accesses the shoreline. Those venturing to the shoreline should be wary of sea conditions as large waves are common along this coast.
Martin Point Walk
A short walk from the carpark leads to a viewing platform on the edge of the seacliff, providing excellent views over the western coast. It is a popular place to watch the sun set over the sea and waves breaking over the fringing reef and shore platforms. Red-footed Boobies roost and nest in the area.
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