CAR HIRE CHRISTMAS ISLAND
An unforgettable journey awaits on Christmas Island.
BOOK CAR HIRE
Planning to rent a car on Christmas Island?
Be mindful that Australian road rules, including left-hand side driving, apply on the island. A valid driver's license is a prerequisite, and be ready for off-road driving conditions beyond the main town areas. For added safety, Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are available for hire at no cost from the Christmas Island Police Station. These devices are designed for bushwalkers and solo adventurers, capable of being activated in emergencies requiring immediate search and rescue assistance. If you're exploring the National Park or areas with no mobile phone reception, consider carrying a PLB for alerting authorities in case of a serious incident or emergency. To book or obtain one, contact the Police Station at +61 (8) 9164 8444.
The 'On the Road' booklets, issued by the State Government of Western Australia, are accessible in seven languages: Italian, German, Mandarin, Malay, Korean, French, and English. Covering topics such as left-hand driving, changing road conditions, and the potential wildlife hazards, these booklets are also available in digital format for download from the Road Safety Commission's website.
From 1 February 2024, hire cars and peer-to-peer rental vehicles with ‘3G Hire-and-Drive-Yourself’ third party insurance MUST display the new hire car registration sticker.
New hire car registration stickers have been designed to clearly identify vehicles for hire in the Indian Ocean Territories that are covered by ‘3G Hire-and-Drive-Yourself’ third party insurance. The sticker includes a red strip at the bottom with the words ‘HIRE CAR’, as well as the year of issue, expiry date and registration number. If the vehicle does not display the new sticker, it must not be used as a hire car. The driver and/or registered owner of a hire car or peer-to-peer rental vehicle (individuals rent their privately-owned vehicles on an hourly or daily basis) without ‘3G Hire-and-Drive-Yourself’ third party insurance that is involved in a crash may be liable for the cost of any personal injury claims made to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA). For more information about the new hire car registration stickers, please contact the Motor Vehicle Registry on 9164 7901 ext. 8522.
christmas island DRIVING TIPS
Always drive on the left side of the road.
All visitors need a valid drivers licence to drive. International visitors can use their foreign licence for three months, but will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) if their licence isn’t in English.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory under Australian law.
You must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike or bicycle.
It’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
Road conditions vary across the island, particularly after heavy rains, when roads can become slippery or damaged. Always drive carefully, especially on remote and less-used tracks.
Slow down to avoid hitting crabs or other wildlife.
Consider taking a personal locator beacon (PLB) from the Christmas Island Police Station for emergency situations. This is free to use and a great way to create peace of mind on every adventure.
CHRISMAS ISLAND ITINERARIES.
How to experience the best Christmas Island has to offer... from wandering to secluded stretches of paradise and encountering those bucket list wildlife moments, to taking the plunge to depths you’ve never ventured.