Why Honeymoon in Christmas Island National Park
The park offers wildlife experiences that are almost impossible to find anywhere else. You can sit on a boardwalk while robber crabs the size of a dinner plate amble past, then watch boobies wheel over a forest that grows on an old coral reef.
The landscape is striking too. The island rises in a series of terraces, the remains of old reefs lifted out of the sea. Freshwater streams cut through them in places, forming the Dales, with their waterfalls and tufa formations. On the coast, cliffs drop straight into deep blue water.
There are no crowds. Even at popular spots like Dolly Beach, you may be the only people on the sand. That makes the park a quiet, intimate place for a honeymoon, best for couples who enjoy walking, exploring and an evening swim before an early night.
When to Go
For hiking and beaches, the drier months from July to October are the most comfortable. Trails are less muddy, 4WD tracks are easier and the sea is often calm enough for a swim at Dolly Beach.
The red crab migration starts with the first heavy rains, usually in October or November. Spawning often falls in November or December. During this period, roads inside the park may close to protect the crabs. You will see them crossing paths, filling gullies and climbing over everything. It is worth timing a trip around if you can.
The wet season runs roughly from November to June, with heavy showers and occasional cyclones. Some tracks may be closed or slippery. Swell Lodge, the only accommodation inside the park, typically closes during the wettest months. Temperatures stay warm all year, so the main question is how much rain you are willing to accept.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay outside the park in Flying Fish Cove, also called the Settlement, or in Poon Saan just uphill. Here you will have apartments, lodges and guesthouses, many with kitchens and ocean views. It is a short drive to most park trailheads and close to restaurants and the dive shops.
Swell Lodge is the exception. It is a small, off-grid eco lodge inside the park, set on a cliff above the sea with views out to the horizon. It is the closest thing to a honeymoon retreat on the island. Rooms are very limited and the lodge usually closes in the wet season, so check dates and book well ahead.
Camping is allowed only at designated sites with a permit from Parks Australia. Whatever you choose, book your car together with your bed. Rentals are scarce. You will need one to reach the best parts of the park.
Romantic Things to Do
Walk the boardwalk through the Dales, a Ramsar-listed wetland of freshwater streams and rainforest. Hugh's Dale waterfall is a short stroll. You may see robber crabs along the way, especially in the late afternoon.
Drive the 4WD track toward Dolly Beach, then walk down the boardwalk to a curve of sand and coconut palms. Sea turtles nest here. The swimming is good on calm days. Pack a picnic and stay a while.
At the Blowholes on the south coast, waves force seawater and air through holes in the cliffs. The noise and spray are impressive, especially at sunset.
Look for Abbott's boobies over the plateau forest and for golden bosuns along the cliffs. Margaret Knoll lookout offers a long view of the coast. In crab season, simply sit by a forest track and watch the march go by.
Getting There and Around
All visitors arrive through Perth. QantasLink took over the route in November 2025, flying Airbus A320s a few times a week, some via Learmonth and some linked with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Check current days carefully, since they are few and seats can sell out in crab season.
Christmas Island Airport (XCH) sits on the plateau, about 15 minutes from the Settlement by car. Most park sites are 20 to 60 minutes away on sealed roads and 4WD tracks.
A 4WD is the best choice for Dolly Beach and other tracks, which can be steep and slippery when wet. Rental options are limited, so reserve one in advance. Stop at the Parks Australia visitor center in the Settlement for maps, track conditions and any closures. During the migration, drive very slowly and follow signs, since some roads close entirely.
Food and Drink
There are no restaurants in the park, so plan picnics. Pick up supplies in the Settlement or Poon Saan, where small supermarkets stock basics and some fresh produce, often at higher prices than on the mainland. Bring plenty of water for longer walks.
Back in town, the food reflects the island's communities. Chinese restaurants serve noodles, dumplings and stir-fries, while Malay cafes in the kampong offer curries, satay and nasi lemak. A few pubs and taverns serve Western dishes and cold beer.
Alcohol is cheaper than in Perth because the island is duty-free, so stocking up on wine for sunset at a lookout costs less than you might expect. Seafood depends on what local boats bring in. Ask at your accommodation which places are open, since hours on a small island can be irregular.
Honeymoon Tips
Check track and road conditions before setting out. The Parks Australia visitor center and local operators know which roads are open, especially during the wet season or the migration.
Bring sturdy shoes, a hat and insect repellent. Trails can be uneven and muddy. Mosquitoes are common in the rainforest. There is no malaria on the island.
Respect the wildlife. Do not feed or handle crabs, give nesting birds plenty of space and stay on marked trails. Robber crabs are strong, so keep fingers and food away from their claws.
Watch the sea. Freak waves can hit rock platforms and beaches, especially during swell season. Currents can be strong too. Swim only in calm conditions and never alone.
Finally, keep plans loose. Weather, crabs and flight schedules all shape life here. Accepting that is part of the island's charm.