Christmas Island’s Flying Fish Cove in Australia’s Top 10
Earlier this year we were delighted to hear that Flying Fish Cove (one of our favorite beaches on Christmas Island!) was named in Australia’s top 10 beaches list!
Flying Fish Cove was ranked Australia’s 9th best beach for 2023, and so we wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little but more this special place and why this beach made the cut out of so much competition.
Where is Flying Fish Cove?
It’s located on the northern coast of Christmas island right next to what we call “The Settlement”. The Settlement itself is a small, picturesque town that is surrounded by lush rainforests and overlooks the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s the island’s most popular beach, not just because it’s so close and assesible but because it has some of the world best snorkelling!
What can I see there?
Flying Fish Cove is home to a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Aside from the surrounding landscape Flying Fish Cove is also the main port on Christmas Island, and it is where ships bring supplies and equipment to the island. The small town was established in the late 19th century when phosphate mining began on the island and since then the port has been a hub of activity for the local community.
The Settlement itself has a range of shops and restaurants that cater to tourists and locals alike. You can find everything from souvenirs and gifts to local produce and seafood within the settlement.
Can I see red crabs at Flying Fish Cove?
Yes, you can see the famous red crabs at Flying Fish Cove, but that’s mainly because they can be seen all over the island, don’t worry, you won’t miss out on seeing them when you visit!
Every year, during the wet season (usually from November to April), the red crabs migrate from the rainforest to the coast to mate and spawn. During this time, millions of crabs can be seen on the roads, beaches, and forests of the island. It is a spectacular sight and a unique natural phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.
Flying Fish Cove is also home to a number of crab-related attractions, such as the Christmas Island Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the red crab’s life cycle and migration patterns. There is also a boardwalk along the coast that provides a great vantage point for viewing the crabs as they make their way to the sea.
So while Flying Fish Cove itself is not the main location for red crab viewing, it is still a great place to visit and explore the island’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. And if you’re lucky enough to be on Christmas Island during the red crab migration season, you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience!
Find out more about Christmas Island Red Crabs or check out more things to see on Christmas Island.
Who Decides Australia’s Best Beaches?
Australia has the largest number of beaches of any country in the world. Our coastal culture is a part of our national identity and given the number of beaches of mainland Australia that’s some pretty tough competition! Flying Fish Cove was ranked 9th overall.
The list of ‘Best Australian Beaches 2023’ is curated each year by Tourism Australia, and this year was created by beach expert Brad Farmer AM for Tourism Australia. Mr Farmer has personally visited and reseached many of Australia’s most assesible beaches for over four decades.