The Dales comprises of numerous freshwater streams running roughly parallel to each other. The streams originate from underground caves and eventually flows into the ocean. The streams over the length of time, have worn out gullies between the cliff walls of the coast, and have created unusually step-like formations (terraces). There is a waterfall above the terrace formations, vistors are often fond of taking showers under the waterfall.
The Dales are located in lush tropical rainforest which is known for its unique fauna, such as the blue crab and blind snake and flora such as giant buttrest root trees.
The Dales area has signage and raised walkways/steps installed by the national parks departmant for visitors.
Located in the national park at the south west portion of the island. The Dales can only be reach via 4WD and trekking by foot.
Lily Beach
Tragically named after a girl which was swept off the rocks at the beach never to be found. The beach comprises a sandy area running down to a bathing pool, the pool is seperated from the open ocean by rocky basalt/limestone outcrops. The pool is constantly fed sea water from the gullies leading to the ocean and the whitewash generated from the waves hitting the cliffs and outcrop.
Caution is advised when venturing past the bathing pool on to the rocky outcrops, as large freak waves have known to swamp the rocky outcrops. Lest you meet the same fate as Lily!
Located in the 'snout of the dog' eastern part of the island, this beach can be accessed by normal 2 wheel drive vehicles when road conditions are dry and only with a 4WD when roads are wet.
Wooden pergola and BBQ facilities are avaliable.
Blowholes
A geological feature located along the steep limestones cliffs along the southern coastline of the island, the Blowholes comprise of holes in the ground where air and seawater are blown out due to waves crashing into caves formed along the bottom of the cliffs. Depending on wave conditions, the water and trapped air in the caves are forced out from the holes formed at the top of the cliff caves, leading to spectacular plumes of water thrown up into the air. Distinctive sound of gushing air can heard from the holes when the waves crash onto the cliffs.
Dolly Beach
An isolated beach, 1 hour drive by 4WD over rocky step tracks and then another 45 minutes trek on foot downhill. Well worth the trip.
A white sandy beach sheltered and ringed by black basalt outcrops 5 meters from the shoreline. The rear of the beach are lined with overhanging coconut trees, there is a clear stream flowing through the middle of the beach from the cliffs above.
A fairly scenic beach, this is a favorite camping site for locals and visitors alike, due to availability of drinkable freshwater from the stream and 'exotic secluded beach paradise' ambiance.
Dolly beach is also a favorite nesting locations for endangered sea turtles, is it very common on most nights to have one or more turtles make their way up onto the beach from the sea, and lay their eggs into holes dug by the turtles themselves. After laying the eggs, the turtle refills the hole with sand and make their way back to the sea. Witnessing this event is magically and memorable. The turtles if startled prior to laying their eggs, will return back to the sea. It is recommended you do not shine any torch light in their eyes or make loud noise. Disturbing the turtles or poaching the eggs are illegal.
Other Places (More details to be added):
Margaret Knoll
Nursery Lookout
Flying Fish Cove
Administrators House known locally as "Buck House"
Historical World War 2 Artillery Bunker past the Buck House
South Point
Greta Beach
Freshwater Caves
Grotto
West White Beaches
Ethel Beach
Waterfall/Casino
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Christmas Island
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Christmas Island - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Christmas Island hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Christmas Island Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
