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Settlement
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Explore Settlement on Christmas Island: a captivating blend of natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination in the Indian Ocean.

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Settlement serves as the bustling hub of Christmas Island. This charming town is the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. As the island's main settlement, it offers a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests and pristine beaches, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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One of the standout features of Settlement is its incredible wildlife. The island is famous for its red crab migration, where millions of crabs make their way to the sea to spawn. This natural spectacle is a must-see and can be witnessed around the town. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the variety of bird species that call the island home, including the rare Abbott's booby.
The town itself is steeped in history, with many buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Settlement, from British colonial architecture to Asian-inspired temples. A stroll through the town will reveal a mix of old and new, with quaint shops, local markets, and modern amenities all within walking distance.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, Settlement offers a range of experiences. You can sample fresh seafood at the local eateries, visit the Christmas Island National Park, or take a guided tour to learn about the island's unique ecosystem. The friendly locals are always eager to share their stories and traditions, making every visit a memorable one.

When is the best time to visit Settlement?

Best: July–September · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30308
February30353
March30325
April30233
May30153
June30102
July (best)3084
August (best)3082
September (best)3093
October30136
November30200
December31273

Getting to and around Settlement

How to get there

Settlement in Christmas Island is accessible primarily by air. The island is served by Christmas Island Airport (XCH), which receives flights from Perth, Australia, and occasionally from other regional destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rental car to reach Settlement, which is approximately a 20-minute drive away.

Transportation

Transportation within Settlement is limited, so renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the area. Taxis are also available but may require booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. There is no public bus system, but some hotels provide shuttle services to key attractions and the airport.

Best landmarks in Settlement

Settlement in Christmas Island offers visitors a captivating mix of historical and natural landmarks. From the intriguing Phosphate Hill, a testament to the island's mining history, to the serene Ethel Beach, perfect for relaxation and stunning sunsets. Explore the charming Flying Fish Cove, bustling with local shops and restaurants, and don't miss the striking World War II gun emplacements scattered throughout the city. With its unique blend of past and present, Settlement is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Explore Settlement on the map

Plan your Settlement trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Settlement

Settlement in Christmas Island offers a diverse dining scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From quaint cafes serving freshly brewed coffee and pastries to seafood restaurants showcasing the island's fresh catch, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. Local food stalls offer authentic Christmas Island cuisine, while upscale dining establishments provide a more refined experience. Whether you're craving Asian fusion dishes, traditional Australian fare, or international cuisine, Settlement has something for everyone to savor and enjoy.

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Best bars in Settlement

Settlement offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to different tastes. From laid-back beach bars where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, to lively clubs with live music and DJs keeping the party going all night long, there is something for everyone. Visitors can expect a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a relaxing evening or a night of dancing and fun, Settlement has it all.

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Best nightclubs in Settlement

Settlement offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to different tastes. From laid-back beach bars where you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, to lively clubs with live music and DJs keeping the party going all night long, there is something for everyone. Visitors can expect a mix of locals and tourists, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a relaxing evening or a night of dancing and fun, Settlement has it all.

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Best shops in Settlement

Settlement in Christmas Island offers a unique shopping experience for visitors, with a mix of local markets, boutique shops, and souvenir stores. Visitors can browse through a variety of handmade crafts, traditional items, and locally sourced products, making it a perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals add to the charm of shopping in Settlement, creating a memorable experience for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

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Settlement essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency on Christmas Island is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Settlement, but it’s a good idea to withdraw enough cash before arriving, as machines can occasionally run out of money.
Safety
Settlement is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel location, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, dial 000 for immediate assistance on Christmas Island. The island has a hospital and a police station located in Settlement. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do wear lightweight, casual clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do use hotel shuttle services where available. Don't expect a public bus system. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and fresh seafood. Don’t refuse food if offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.
Local Tips
To experience Settlement like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and unique island goods. Engage with the friendly residents, who are often willing to share stories about the island’s history and culture. Don’t miss exploring the natural beauty of the island, including the famous red crab migration and the pristine beaches. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the island's natural and historical sites.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalut[sa-loot]
GoodbyeAurevoir[oh-re-vwar]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[nohn]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien[seel voo pleh/dee ryen]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé[ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zo-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?[byen/eh twah]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh suh-coor]
Go away!Allez-vous en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-pay-lay lah poh-lease]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-pay-lay uhn may-sa-dan]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-shetay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
How much is it?Combien ça coûte?[kohm-byen sah koot]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uhr eh-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel eh oon uhr]
Half past (10)Dix et demi[dee ay dem-ee]
MorningMatin[mah-tahn]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[yehr]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor dew-ee]
TomorrowDemain[duh-man]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[twah]
4Quatre[katr]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[set]
8Huit[weet]
9Neuf[nuff]
10Dix[dee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est...?[oo eh]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel eh la-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (surr lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahnd eh luh proh-shain (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Settlement

The Discovery and Early Settlement

Christmas Island was discovered on Christmas Day, 1643, by Captain William Mynors of the Royal Mary, an English East India Company vessel. The island remained largely uninhabited until the late 19th century when the British annexed it in 1888. The small settlement of 'Settlement' began to take shape as a strategic point for colonial interests.

Phosphate Mining Boom

In 1899, George Clunies-Ross, a Scottish businessman, discovered rich phosphate deposits on Christmas Island. This led to the establishment of phosphate mining operations, with Settlement becoming the central hub for mining activities. The influx of workers from China, Malaysia, and Singapore transformed the area into a bustling, multicultural community.

World War II and Japanese Occupation

During World War II, Christmas Island and Settlement were occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The island's strategic position and phosphate resources made it a target. The local population endured hardships, and the infrastructure suffered significant damage. The end of the war saw the British reclaiming the island and initiating rebuilding efforts.

Post-War Development and Self-Governance

After World War II, the British resumed phosphate mining operations and began developing infrastructure in Settlement, including schools, medical facilities, and housing. In 1958, Christmas Island was transferred to Australian sovereignty, and self-governance was introduced. The local administration focused on improving living conditions and diversifying the economy.

Modern-Day Settlement

Today, Settlement is a vibrant community reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of its inhabitants. The legacy of phosphate mining remains evident, but the area has also embraced tourism, driven by its unique natural beauty and rich history. The island's flora and fauna, particularly the red crab migration, attract visitors from around the world, making Settlement a key point of interest.

Settlement in Photos

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Cities near Settlement

The closest cities to Settlement, if you have time for more than one stop.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Settlement, Christmas Island

Discover Settlement with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and maps
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Maximize your trip to Settlement, Christmas Island with Evendo. Explore attractions, book hotels, and uncover local tips with our comprehensive, free travel guide app.

  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience bookings
  • History of Settlement
  • Travel essentials for Settlement
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Free to use with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Settlement, Christmas Island—a paradise waiting to be discovered! With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide, explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences the island has to offer. Imagine standing before the iconic Christmas Island National Park, soaking in its natural beauty, or enjoying a meal at the renowned Golden Bosun Tavern. Whether you're visiting the Settlement Historic Precinct or the Christmas Island Golf Club, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing.

Our app offers detailed information, including high-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for all the must-see locations. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app—no more hassle of planning each detail separately. With features like 'Near Me', curated local tips, and easy navigation, you can explore Settlement like a local and experience its hidden gems. Plus, learn about the rich history and travel essentials for Settlement to make your visit truly memorable.

Don't worry about costs; Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden fees. Download Evendo now and unlock the wonders of Settlement and beyond. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, your next adventure is just a tap away!

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