Happy TravellerWelcome to Flying Fish Cove, the capital city and main settlement of Christmas Island, Australia. This charming town is also known as Pantai Ikan Terbang in Malay and 飛魚灣 in Chinese. Established in 1888, it was the first British settlement on the island and is now home to about a third of the territory’s total population of 1,600. Although many maps simply label it The Settlement, Flying Fish Cove is a unique and fascinating destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
One of the main attractions of Flying Fish Cove is its small harbor, which serves tourists with yachts. Recreational diving is also possible at the settlement’s beach, offering visitors the chance to explore the island’s stunning underwater world. But Flying Fish Cove is not just a place for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also a town rich in history and heritage.
The settlement is listed on the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List, citing the following aspects of significance: The buildings that make up the residential precinct are of architectural significance, relatively intact and display considerable unity in a style derived from the British experience in Singapore/Malaya. This unity combines with consistent garden planting and ornamentation and the linear nexus of Gaze Road to create a strong streetscape. The presence of semi-detached servants quarters are also of historic importance and are indicative of the social and economic stratification which prevailed on the island during the colonial period. The residential area is also historically significant as a reminder of the phase of Christmas Island history when the island came under the control of the British Phosphate Commission and the mining industry and the supporting community, underwent substantial expansion. The Services precinct is of social and historic significance. It includes a number of early Chinese terraced houses as well as a range of structures representing each of the various phases of phosphate mining, including one of the oldest structures on the Island. It was also the Islands main meeting place where Asian workers and European staff came together through a common reliance on retail, health, recreational and other services. The precinct contains a number of buildings of special significance to the community and, along with the three cemeteries, strongly reflects the mixed racial origins of the Island. The historic Malay Kampong precinct within the town, the Industrial and Administrative Group precinct overlooking the town and the Administrators House 1.5 km east of the town are also listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
In addition to its rich history and natural beauty, Flying Fish Cove is also a great place to experience the unique culture of Christmas Island. The town is home to a diverse community of people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Malay, and European. Visitors can explore the local markets, sample delicious cuisine, and learn about the island’s fascinating history and traditions.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a culture lover, Flying Fish Cove has something for everyone. So why not add this enchanting destination to your travel itinerary and experience the magic of Christmas Island for yourself?