The beautifully rugged Ethel Beach is strewn with coral and overhung by tropical foliage.

It’s a superb spot for swimming and snorkelling but – as with all Christmas Island beaches – you need to be careful and consider the conditions.

A boat ramp leads down to the beach from the carpark and there is a shower at the top of the stairs where you can wash off after a swim.

Keep your eyes peeled while walking along the sand – Ethel Beach is a fantastic place to find fossils. You are also likely to see frigatebirds around the beach.

A boardwalk connects Ethel Beach with nearby Lily Beach.