The best places to stay on Christmas Island

From a luxury eco lodge to a room at an inn known for its sunsets, here are 11 of the best places to stay on Christmas Island.

There is a lot to see and do on Christmas Island. But when you do find time to catch your breath and recover from your day’s adventures, you will need to find somewhere to enjoy some quiet time and creature comforts. Whether you want to live it up at Swell Lodge, one of the most unique places to stay in WA, or you want to hole up in a more humble Airbnb abode, or a boutique Balinese-style retreat will most likely depend on your budget. Much of the accommodation on Christmas Island centres around Settlement, Poon Saan and Kampong and each offers something different. Here are some of the best places to stay on Christmas Island.

Deserted beach, Beach walking tour, Christmas Island, Australia — There’s plenty to see on Christmas Island and finding accommodation in the heart of it all is easy.

Swell Lodge

The first thing that hits you as you walk into one of the two glass-fronted eco chalets that make up Swell Lodge is the immensity of the sea and sky.

Tucked away deep in Christmas Island National Park, Swell Lodge is perched on the edge of one of the island’s jagged sea cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. And when there is a swell running, it’s right in position, with the ocean stirring up a thundering crescendo in surround sound.

Swell Lodge Christmas Island — Enjoy pristine views from your luxury abode at Swell Lodge.

Eco-conscious travellers will love the fact the lodge is solar powered and runs a carbon-neutral program that includes offsetting emissions from its crab-safe lodge vehicle. A stay at Swell Lodge is all about secluded luxury, and includes your own private chef.

Best for: Solo travellers or couples.

Aerial shot of Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, Australia — Swell Lodge is perched on the edge of one of the island’s jagged sea cliffs.

Christmas Island Bali Style Retreat

Although Christmas Island is an Australian territory, it’s nearest neighbour is Indonesia, which means a breezy Balinese-style retreat feels right at home here.

The Christmas Island Bali Style Retreat enjoys elevated ocean views from its position on Phosphate Hill near the small township of Poon Saan. Sit on the expansive deck to soak up some sun and enjoy a drink while drinking in the soothing palette of blue sky and turquoise seas.

The retreat, which accommodates up to six people, is within five to 10 minutes of the town in Settlement and Flying Fish Cove and many of Christmas Island’s best restaurants and bars.

Best for: Families or groups.

Christmas Island Bali Style Retreat, Christmas Island, Australia — A breezy Balinese-style retreat feels right at home here.

The Cocos Padang Lodge

This refurbished heritage accommodation is a welcome addition on Christmas Island. The original building, which was typical of post-Second World War accommodation, was provided to its Cocos Malay workers by the Christmas Island Phosphate Mine until the 1960s.

All up, there are four self-contained apartments within walking distance to the local supermarket and the iconic Golden Bosun Tavern, one of the best places to eat on Christmas Island. Guests of the Cocos Padang Lodge are able to use the BBQ facilities at The Sunset.

Best for: Families or couples.

Cocos Padang Christmas Island accommodation — The Cocos Padang Lodge is a welcome addition to the Christmas Island accommodation offering.

Captain’s Last Resort

One of the biggest highlights of staying at the Captain’s Last Resort on Christmas Island is the frigatebirds-eye’s view over the water. Keep your binoculars handy, as there is a lot of activity, from spinner dolphins lining up in pods to perform synchronised routines to a diverse array of birdlife pootling past the window.

After spending the day enjoying some of the best wilderness walks on Christmas Island, wander down to the main tourism precinct to meet some of the eccentric and warm-hearted locals.

The one-bedroom cottage is best-suited to singles and couples who enjoy exploring off the beaten track.

Best for: Solo travellers and couples.

Exterior, Captain's Last Resort, Christmas Island Accommodation, Australia — The one-bedroom cottage is best suited to those who enjoy exploring off the beaten track.

Diver’s Villa

The reefs off Christmas Island are considered to be one of nature’s great masterpieces amid the scuba diving community, and this villa, built in the 1930s, is designed to accommodate groups who want to share an underwater adventure.

The Diver’s Villa is one of the last pre-war bungalows built by the Christmas Island Phosphate Company that is still standing and the refurbished space, known on the island as Married Quarters 8 has been decorated in a contemporary colonial style.

We love that you can source seasonal ingredients from the garden such as papaya, coconuts, lemongrass, mint, lime and bananas. All up, there are four bedrooms and there is another one-bedroom waterfront villa, Sea Spray , which can also be rented out.

Best for: A group getaway.

Diver's Villa, Christmas Island, Australia — Diver’s Villa is one of the last pre-war bungalows.

CI Apartments

When WA residents pressed pause on their international travel plans, they started rediscovering the wonders of WA, with Christmas Island perfectly positioned to cater to adventurous travellers. Enter CI Apartments, which offers contemporary-style accommodation and a range of one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments.

Comfy digs with a view are one thing, but there’s no substitute for location: after a busy day exploring Christmas Island, you will be grateful for the mini supermarket and Chinese restaurant across the road.

CI Apartments are also within a Malteser’s lob of the outdoor cinema, one of the best things to do on Christmas Island.

Best for: There are apartments to suit solo travellers, couples and families.

Exterior of CI Apartments, Christmas Island, Australia — CI Apartments offer contemporary-style accommodation.

Coconut Cottage

One of the latest additions to Christmas Island’s accommodation offering, Coconut Cottage is light and bright and, true to its name, shaded by coconut trees.

A secluded retreat in the main Settlement area of the island, it comes complete with views of the Indian Ocean and is set against a backdrop of wild national park.

Best for: Families or couples.

Coconut Cottage is an accommodation offering on Christmas Island — Check into Coconut Cottage, shaded by palms.

The Sunset

If watching the sun sink over the ocean is your idea of luxury, then The Sunset will do nicely. Located along the waterfront in the beating heart of the Settlement township, Sunset offers unobstructed views of the ocean and its name is fitting when you’re afforded a front-row view of the sun dipping over the Indian Ocean from your balcony.

The pool at Sunset on Christmas Island — Take a dip in the pool to soak up the ocean views during your stay at Sunset.

The Sunset also has a pool, which isn’t exactly necessary with the big blue on your doorstep, but is greatly appreciated when you want a quick cool-off after exploring the wilderness.

Best for: Couples and solo travellers.

Sunset at Christmas Island, Australia — If watching the sun sink over the ocean is your idea of luxury, then The Sunset will do nicely.

The Retreat, Roundabout Retreat & Breeze Inn

This three-bedroom, centrally located unit is spacious and comfortable with a verandah overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Bid a hasty retreat to The Retreat when the sun is poised high in the sky to watch birds cruising by on the flight path. The Retreat is air-conditioned and has complimentary wi-fi and includes two queen beds and one room with twin singles.

While the best places to eat around Christmas Island are scattered nearby, there is a self-contained kitchen so you can whip up a feast and dine in.

Kitchen in Roundabout Retreat Christmas Island — Cook up a feast during your stay at Roundabout Retreat.

Other options include the newly renovated Roundabout Retreat (which sleeps a maximum of four) and Breeze Inn .

Best for: Families or couples.

Living room, Roundabout Retreat, Christmas Island Accommodation, Australia — Have a relaxing stay at Roundabout Retreat.

Read our guide to Christmas Island for more great travel tips and visit the Christmas Island website to start planning your trip now.

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au