“The world’s greatest migration" is happening right now on Christmas Island. Discover how to witness it.

Christmas Island is a wonder at any time of year; it’s one of Australia’s most remote and beautiful territories, yet many Australians remain unaware of it. But once a year in the wet season of October/November – and in fact, right now – the pristine beaches, remote dirt roads, green jungle floors and even purpose-built wildlife bridges are covered in a sea of vibrant red crabs on their annual migration.

And when we say a sea, we mean it. Right now, estimates of up to one hundred million red crabs are making their way from their usual home (eating leaf litter from the rainforest floor) to descend upon the island’s beaches. Why? It’s breeding season.

Once described by Sir David Attenborough as “the world’s greatest migration", the Christmas Island crab migration phenomenon takes these crustaceans a week or so of travel time before they can mate. About two to four weeks later, their teeny tiny offspring (we’re talking about five millimetres wide) make the reverse trip to join the adult crabs back inland.

How to see it

Besides watching the iconic Attenborough documentary, travellers can reach Christmas Island by taking an almost four-hour flight from Perth. All major towns in Australia fly to Perth.

Upon arrival, you can hire a car from the Christmas Island Visitor Centre, with 4WD recommended. Although during the red crab migration, many roads remain closed and riding a bicycle or walking is the best way to get around.

Once there, it won’t be difficult to spot the heaving red carpet of crabs, but several tours offer a private charter that includes food and a front-row seat to the red crab migration with an expert tour guide providing more context and insight.

What else to do on Christmas Island

The rest of the year still holds so much fascination and reason to travel to Christmas Island – particularly for nature and food lovers.

Almost two-thirds of the island is a national park, offering lush rainforest, quiet beaches and an eclectic mix of flora and fauna on land and in the surrounding ocean.

Some of the world’s rarest birds call Christmas Island home. Join a tour to see the nesting grounds of red-footed and brown boobies, and more. Grab a snorkel and dive into deep-blue ocean drop-offs, where peaceful whale shark giants are often found. Or, pick a secret swimming spot from several deserted grotto pools or spectacular rainforest waterfalls.

Thanks to a unique mix of cultures on the island, the cuisine here is an equally eclectic mix of Malay, Singaporean, Australian and Chinese.