Christmas & Cocos Islands Discovery

24/10/2023 (D)

On arrival into Christmas Island you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. After freshening up we head out to the mini-market to purchase drinks and other snacks you may like for the week. We then continue on to Flying Fish Cove for a beach BBQ dinner followed by an island briefing, before returning to the hotel.

The Sunset (Ocean View Room)

Christmas Island

25/10/2023 (BLD)

Enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel followed by an orientation tour of Christmas Island where we discover the history and culture and visit interesting sites including Ma Chor Nui Nui Temple, the Grotto, and Poon Saan. Lunch is at the Local Café. After lunch, we visit Pink House Research Station where we learn about the efforts to conserve native reptiles. This is followed by the orphaned bird feeding session which provides us with the best chance to see a few of the islands endemic bird species and learn about the techniques used to rehabilitate them. We then return to the hotel before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

26/10/2023 (BLD)

Today’s touring takes us to The Dales, a series of freshwater springs that have carved their way down to the ocean. This morning we walk along Dale No 2 which culminates at the Hugh’s Dale Waterfall. As we learn about the unique ecology of the area, we are likely to see see three different species of crab. We then move onto Martin Point Track where we stop for a picnic lunch, during which time we have the opportunity to walk around to
Martin Point with its incredible views of the area. After lunch we visit Merrial Beach before returning to our accommodation to rest and relax. Later this evening we head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

27/10/2023 (BLD)

Today we head out to the Blowholes and Boulder Track. First stop will be the Blowholes to view the waves pounding against the rocky Christmas Island cliffs. This is followed by a shaded walk along Boulder Track taking us past pretty forest, where the floor is often covered with numerous red crabs, before stopping at the Grandfather Banyan tree for a photo op. We then enjoy a picnic lunch at South Point Temple, where we also learn about the history of
this remote Chinese Settlement. After lunch we return to our hotel, stopping en route at the old railway station. Dinner this evening is a traditional Malay Curry Buffet.

28/10/2023 (BLD)

After breakfast we head off to Lily and Ethel beaches. We have the opportunity to swim in the shallows of Lily Beach before walking along the boardwalk on a guided tour to see the rugged coastline and sea birds en route to Ethel Beach. The round trip is a leisurely 1.5km walk before returning to Lily Beach for a picnic lunch at the gazebos. After lunch we continue on to Flying Fish Cove Jetty where you we embark on our two hour boat trip. With coral reefs
surrounding the Island, and an abundance of fish and coral to see just a few metres from the shore, this trip is a truly memorable experience. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

29/10/2023 (BLD)

After a continental breakfast at the hotel we head off to Dolly and Greta beaches. Dolly is one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island. We walk through the rainforest along a boardwalk for approx. 2kms, then come to a sandy beach surrounded by overhanging coconut palms and shallow rock pools. Marine turtles nest at both Dolly and Greta beaches so we are bound to see some on our visit. We return to the township for a picnic lunch, and then return to the hotel early afternoon. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

30/10/2023 (BLD)

Today is a more relaxed day starting with a leisurely breakfast at our hotel followed by a free morning to relax and enjoy the facilities of our accommodation or spend time wandering through the township. We then meet up and head to a local café for lunch. Later we visit Flying Fish Cove again which is a great spot for snorkelling and shore diving, or just spending some time just enjoying the area. Being the last night on Christmas Island we enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

31/10/2023 (BLD).

Enjoy a cooked breakfast at the hotel and spend a relaxing morning. After checking out of the hotel you we visit Tai Jin House Museum followed by any last minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Lunch is at a local café before
transferring to the airport for our flight onto Cocos Islands. On arrival into the Cocos Islands we transfer to the hotel, and later enjoy dinner at Salty’s.

Cocos Beach Resort

Cocos Keeling Islands

01/11/2023 (BLD)

Early this morning, we head out on our motorised canoe tour to explore the pristine waters of the Southern Islands whilst winding our way through the lagoon. We have the opportunity to snorkel, fish or just soak up the amazing scenery while looking out for numerous birds, turtles or crabs. Breakfast is served on one of the remote beaches. We return to West Island for a shower and change before heading off to the Big Barge Art Centre for morning tea. The art gallery, housed in a restored old barge, showcases original local artworks made from flotsam and jetsam washed up by the trade winds and currents. This is followed by lunch at Tropika restaurant before returning to our accommodation for some free time. At 3.30pm we transfer to the ferry for the crossing to Home Island, where we take a tour of the island followed by a Malay buffet dinner at the Seafront Restaurant.

02/11/2023 (BLD)

An early start today to catch the ferry to Direction Island where we have breakfast on the beach. Enjoy a relaxing morning swimming and snorkelling in the waters surrounding Direction Island which offer a spectacular array of colourful reef fish and beautiful coral formations. Later we take a walk along the Direction Island Heritage Trail where we learn the fascinating history of Direction Island as we pass by interpretive panels telling its story. After lunch we have the opportunity for a final swim/snorkel, before catching the ferry back to West Island. where we take a tour to explore hidden spots and learn more about its history. Our farewell dinner this evening is at Saltmakers Restaurant.

03/11/2023 (B)

Breakfast this morning is at Salty’s Cafe. There is the opportunity for last minute shopping before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Christmas Island

• Orientation tour including history, culture and photo opportunities
• Beach BBQ at Flying Fish Cove
• Visit Lily and Ethel Beaches for swimming and bird watching
• Tour the Dales including a walk amongst springs culminating in Hugh’s Dale Waterfall
• Visit to the Blowholes
• 2-hour cruise and snorkelling of Christmas Island coastline
• Jungle walk to Dolly and Greta Beaches

Cocos Keeling Islands

• Visit Home Island and delve into the fascinating history of Cocos Keeling Islands
• Visit Big Barge Art Centre
• Motorised canoe safari
• Day trip to Direction Island with opportunity to swim and snorkel

Inclusions

• All accommodation (twin share)
• 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
• All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary (NB: As with all touring on Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands, the itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and tides.)
• Transportation with driver throughout
• Travel Directors’ Tour Leader

A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $500 per person paid at the time of booking. The maximum number of passengers on this tour is 18.