Saturday, October 08th, 2011 /
chelseaemorgan
If you cruise along the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean from Australia to Indonesia, about 400km North West of Oz you might land yourself on the tropical paradise known as Christmas Island. Although you may need a magnifying glass to find it on a map, it is better known than you might think.
View from above!
Every November, when the first rains fall marking the start of the wet season, red crabs begin their journey from the depths of the islands’ dense jungle to the ocean to lay their eggs. It is a voyage engrained deep within their DNA, one that has been happening since long before humans every stepped foot here. Millions of red crabs consume the islands roads, buildings and beaches in their quest for procreation. The spectacular Red Crab Migration, which has most recently been documented on National Geographic’s series – Great Migrations, would probably be how most folks would have heard of this tiny little isolated island.
Red Crabs!
I had heard about Christmas Island from Chelsea. When we first started dating she would tell me stories about exploring pitch black caves, hiking through jungle with a machete and riding on four wheel drive tracks to get to your own private beach. She always made it sound like such an incredible place, one that I had to visit for sure. And like so many other on our trip, things lined up for us and an opportunity arose.
Welcome sign just for us 
jk!
The island is unique in that it is made up of European Australians, Chinese and Malay who all live harmoniously even with their different beliefs, religions and customs. The island originally gained its population through the phosphate mining, although the mining has since decreased, there are plenty of other industries to keep them going. Recently it has become the home to hundreds of refugees being held in the detention center, which has added a whole new element to the culture here.
Flying Fish Cove!
Aside from the crabs, which Brad mentioned, the island is full of natural beauties and wildlife. Since it’s a volcanic island with no continental shelf, the snorkeling and scuba is incredible!! The fishing is also a main attraction for many, with Wahoo being a local favorite fish to eat! Christmas Island is the only home to the Abbots Boobie Bird and the Golden Bosun, which are the most beautiful birds to see flying through the air! You’ll drive along and see a flicker of gold in the sky….! I love how no matter what time or where I am, when I look up in the sky, I see gorgeous birds flying in the sky, rather than loud planes! The jungle, the waterfalls, the caves, the beaches….all beautiful and untouched!
Stumbled here when lost in the jungle
When we arrived, my cousin Julie took us on a mini tour around the settled areas of the island, including Flying Fish Cove…the most accessible beach on Christmas Island. This would soon be the spot for many jetty-jumping sessions and snorkelling, and the occasional late-night hangout! Dinner with the whole family followed suit, where we enjoyed delicious home-cooked Malay (eaten with our hands!). Brad held the pet robber crabs that come down in Oma and Grandads back yard for their coconut feed … his first night…so Brave!!
Held one the first night...Brave man!
Brad and I decided it was a must to explore a new area of the island every weekend! And so the journey begins…!
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