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Winifred Beach

A remote east coast beach below a steep forest descent, rarely visited.

Updated 2 October 2026

Typebeach
WhereChristmas Island
Nearest cityFlying Fish Cove
Best seasonMay to November
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn the east coast; four wheel drive track then a steep walk down
EntryNational park pass

Winifred Beach lies on the east coast at the bottom of a steep descent through rainforest, a small bay of rock and coarse sand with the swell coming straight in off the Indian Ocean. Very few people go, partly because of the track and partly because there is nothing there. Robber crabs work the forest above it and the beach collects drift material from the ocean currents.

What you'll find

  • The forest descent - the steep walk down through rainforest.
  • The open exposure - a bay taking the swell directly off the ocean.
  • The robber crabs - the coconut crabs working the forest above.
  • The drift line - the material the currents deposit on the sand.

When to go

May to November is the dry season and the track is passable. The crab migration closes some access in the wet months. Swell makes the bay unusable at times.

What to expect

The track needs four wheel drive and the walk down is steep and slippery. Swimming is dangerous with any swell. There is nothing there: no shade, no water, no facilities.

Nearby

Dolly Beach is north, and South Point is southwest.

What to pack for Winifred Beach

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
  • Long, light, quick-dry clothing - Covers skin from insects and sun without cooking you in the humidity. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Winifred Beach is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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