Setting a place at dinner for an inquisitive robber crab doesn't happen every day, but it's a part of life on beautiful Christmas Island, where nature and the locals live side by side.

This small, serene island of natural wonders in the Indian Ocean has a population of 1500. It lies about 2800km west of Darwin and 2600km north-west of Perth.

To get to this incredible island, you'll fly over what seems like an endless ocean, then when you see the island appear in the distance, you'll also catch a glimpse of giant
seabirds circling pristine rainforest.

Christmas Island was named by British Captain William Mynors after he spotted it on Christmas Day in 1643. However he was unable to get ashore at that time and the island was left uninhabited until 1888.

Also known as the Galapagos Island of the Indian Ocean, this spectacular paradise is home to more than 20 species of crabs. The island's gorgeous red crabs are the main occupiers, with an estimated 60,000 spending their days inhabiting the rainforest floor
and keeping it clean of all leaf litter.

Experience the wildlife

Once a year during the island's wet season - between late October and December - the red crabs begin a long and hazardous migration down the island into the ocean to breed and lay eggs. The sight of this is so magnificent that naturalist Sir David Attenborough lists it in his top 10 best natural life experiences.

Christmas Island is also a captivating stage for many birds. It's here you can see rarest frigate and booby seabirds battle it out each day.

Eight different species of seabirds inhabit the island and 13 land birds sing their song in the rainforest, so there's always company. The sound of the endangered Abbott's booby, which nests high in the rainforest, is without a doubt one of the most unsual calls made by a bird today.

Take a spectacular stroll

A walk through the rainforest to Hugh's Waterfall is a must-do. Follow the boardwalk as it winds its way through the forest and say hello to the crabs on the way. Don't be frightened if you come across them - the crabs are shy and will scurry out of your way.

At the end of the walk is a peaceful waterfall and it's here you can take an outdoor shower in what can only be described as paradise.

A curious Christmas Island goshawk may follow you on your walk, landing on a branch just above you every time you stop. And the elusive iridescent emerald dove will tease you with glimpses as it forages along the forest track and disappears quickly with
a clattering sound of its wings.

The tropical golden bosun is a breathtakingly beautiful and delicate bird endemic to the island, with a golden wash to its feathers enhanced by the sun's reflection.

Christmas Island is the place to see the male frigatebird inflate its scarlet red sac under its beak into a huge balloon during the breeding season.

If you walk through the rainforest and look up you can see what appears to be a collection of red balloons stuck in the branches of the rainforest. If snorkelling, glass-bottom sea kayaking or scuba diving is more your thing, then the crystal clear Indian Ocean surrounding the island is perfect. It's abundant with coral reefs, bountiful tropical reef fishes, pelagic fish, spinner dolphins, manta rays, migrating whale sharks and underwater sea caves.

A 500-metre drop off into the Java Trench, just 20 metres from shore, will give you a big thrill. Hovering above the drop off, the sun's rays beat down as you see the underwater cliff edge disappear into a blue abyss below. It's an exhilarating experience and you don't need diving gear.

Be sure to swim in the Grotto, a sea cave that boasts crystal clear water. When the wind is right, the cave looks like it's turned into the mouth of a breathing dragon as the air escapes and magnifies its roaring breath.

Affordable accommodation

The main accommodation on the island is lodge-style, very comfortable but not fancy. Christmas Island also offers a choice of accommodation outlets ranging from a boutique hotel to self-contained luxury apartments.

Due to the diversity of the local people there are quite a lot of places to eat. Expect modern Australian, European, Chinese and Malay food.

Shopaholics are also catered for - even though the island is an Australian territory, duty-free is available, it's GST free and currency used is Aussie dollars.

You can hire bicycles to explore the island's 80km coastline, which is almost all sea cliffs, or to really get a good look, hire a car. A four-wheel drive is best for visits to the National Park, or alternatively you can drive as close as you can and then go on foot.
Whichever way you get around Christmas Island, you're sure to see a treasure trove of nature's flora and fauna at its very best, which is a truly rare experience.

 
Tip: It's best to bring your passport to Christmas Island. Although you can fly with a driver's licence within Australia, flights to the island depart from Perth out of the international terminal.

To go:

• Christmas Island has a tropical climate with dry and wet seasons. Travelling is best done during the dry season; April to November.
• The crab season occurs between late October to December. Timing depends on the weather and rainfall – visit www.christmas.net.au for more details.
• You can fly to Christmas Island directly from Perth or via the Cocos Islands,
  with National Jet. Visit www.nationaljet.com.au for details and flight schedules.