Australia is the largest island in the world, but it is also the smallest continent. It is made up of six states and two territories, each with its own unique culture, environment, and rhythm. Australia also administers territories like the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Coral Sea Islands. In collaboration with the Australian Tourism Board, Travel Plus introduces some of Australia’s lesser-known territories. Let’s explore these islands, boasting breathtaking nature, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.
Christmas Island. /Photo= Australian Tourism Board
Located closer to Asia than the Australian mainland, Christmas Island is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Known as the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,’ this island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, and whale sharks.
It takes about 4 hours to reach Christmas Island from Perth, Western Australia, by direct flight. Some regular flights departing from Perth first stop at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which are 95 minutes away from Christmas Island. From the island’s airport, you can reach the only town on the island by rental car, taxi, or shuttle service. Some accommodations also offer free airport transportation.
Christmas Island has a distinct wet and dry season, and the daytime temperatures are generally warm throughout the year. The dry season typically lasts from May to September and the wet season from October to April. However, as there is a chance of rain even during the dry season, it’s always good to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Every year, between mid-November and mid-December, you can witness the spectacle of 60 million land crabs migrating from the forest to the coast for spawning.
Diving spot on Christmas Island. /Photo= Australian Tourism Board
On Christmas Island, you can explore over 60 of the world’s clearest diving spots. You can immediately enjoy diving through the family-run company Wet ‘n’ Dry Adventures. The company limits the maximum number of divers in each excursion to six to minimize the impact on wildlife. Diving explorations between November and April are fascinating as whale sharks and manta rays join in the feeding activity to eat plankton.
Australian Tourism Board
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, hereafter referred to as the Cocos Islands, consist of 27 beautiful islands forming an almost perfect circle, with only two of the islands inhabited. To get to the Cocos Islands, travel via Christmas Island from Perth. Flights to the Cocos Islands operate twice a week, and the Cocos Islands airport is located on West Island. The airport is a short drive from most accommodations on the island, making it easy to explore the surroundings by car, scooter, or bicycle.
The Cocos Islands have a tropical climate all year round, with temperatures rarely falling below 24°C (75.2°F) at night. Between March and July, there is generally a high amount of rainfall, but the strong winds make it the perfect season for kite surfing. One event not to be missed on the Cocos Islands is the Hari Raya Puasa celebration on Home Island, marking the end of Ramadan. Hari Raya Puasa, the largest and most important festival in the Islamic calendar, sees people dressing up and preparing delicious food to enjoy.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands. /Photo= Australia Tourism Bureau
From June to October, when the southeast wind blows, the lagoons of the Cocos Keeling Islands are the perfect place for kite surfing. At Zephyr Kite Tours, you can take kite surfing lessons with experienced instructors. Beginners can surf in a safe environment up to waist-high, while skilled riders can venture further to practice new techniques and explore the lagoon. During kite surfing, you can spot schools of fish, turtles, and blacktip reef sharks as you cross the lagoon.
Dining party and performance at Norfolk Island. /Photo= Australia Tourism Bureau
Norfolk Island, located on Australia’s East Coast, is a place where descendants using Tahitian and 18th-century English settled. When you visit the island, locals greet you with a warm local greeting. Norfolk Island can be reached by a 2 to 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane or Sydney. Besides flights, you can also enjoy a Norfolk Island cruise trip departing from Sydney Harbor using P&O Cruises. Upon arrival at Norfolk Island, many local tour companies allow you to visit the island’s main attractions, and bicycles are also available for rent to tour the island.
Norfolk Island is best visited between September and November, Australia’s warm spring to summer. During school and public holidays, it is peak season, as many local Australians visit Norfolk Island. If you don’t like crowded places, it’s best to avoid these times. On June 8, the Bounty Day Parade is held. This day commemorates the rebellion and the arrival of the ancestors of Pitcairn Island by the Morayshire ship, allowing you to experience the traditional atmosphere unique to Norfolk Island.
Emily Bay Lagoon. /Photo= Australia Tourism Bureau
To experience a new lagoon in Australia, visit the crescent-shaped Emily Bay Lagoon on Norfolk Island. Emily Bay Lagoon is a tropical beach with very clear water and sand, so you can see the fish passing under the water. Especially when snorkeling, bright fish-like neon lights swarm around the coral during low tide. As part of the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage site, Emily Bay Lagoon is home to over 60 types of marine plants, excluding corals and anemones, and is loved by locals.
By. Kang Ye Shin
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