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Cocos Islands

General Information

The islands form 2 atolls, consisting of 27 coral islands encircling a lagoon. Located 2700 kms North West of Perth in the Indian Ocean. There are only two inhabited islands and all accommodation properties, shops and the airport are all located on the one, West Island. Departing from the local jetty, there are several daily ferries to Home Island, which is where the local Malay community live. Updated departure times are available from the Tourism Centre in the heart of town.

The Cocos Keeling Islands offer the traveller, crisp blue skies, fine white beaches all set in a lush tropical environment. You can explore the surrounding reefs and get close and personal with the amazing marine life or lull away your time relaxing in privacy on many of the beautiful deserted beaches. Enjoy the space and opportunity to escape to your own island for a day!

Isolation is the key with tourists visiting the islands, as its nearest neighbour, Christmas Island 900km away to the east. Step back in time as the old and the new mix in gentle quietness. Apart from a few new buildings and houses, the islands look as they did hundreds of years ago quiet, relaxing and beautiful! You'll have to experience the difference to truly understand.

With a population of only 120 on West Island and 550 on Home Island, this destination will not offer hustle and bustle, nor attract the shop-a-holic but if you are interested in an unspoilt, quiet, safe, relaxed and friendly place, you can not look past the Cocos Keeling Islands!

TopCurrency and Time Difference

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are part of Australia and the local currency is AUD Australain Dollars. The Cocos Island are GMT + 6.5 hours.

TopPassport / Visa Requirements

Australian Citizens do not require a visa to travel to the Cocos Islands. Departure to the islands from Australia will require photographic identification, passports are preferred. Applicable visas for International visitors for travle into Australia will need to be obtained prior to departure from country of origin.

TopLanguage

English is the official language although the traditional Cocos Islanders speak a dirivative of Malay.

TopClimate

A tropical humid climate with daily maximum temperatures generally 27 - 30 degrees Celsius. The Cocos Islands seasons can vary and move from year to year. On average the south-east trade winds are from April to November and are heaviest from the end of July to September (wind and kite surfing season). The Cyclone season can start from November to April, with February and March being the higher risk months. The wet season is more common in the first half of the year although most rain falls at night or in the early morning, so it shouldn't effect your holiday plans. With 27 islands to choose from, there is always a sheltered side for protected diving and snorkelling!

TopFood

As all fresh food is brought to the islands via air freight, the cost to purchase food from the island supermarket is higher than the mainland. We recommend visitors staying more than a few days and not wanting to eat out for every meal, to pre purchase fresh food from Perth, to be included in your luggage allowance. A receipt of purchase will be required for Australian Quarantine. As the island is small and not all brands and types of food are available, to avoid disappointment we recommend consumers bring those "must have" items.

TopSpending Money

Although the initial cost of your holiday to the Cocos Islands is perhaps higher, once you arrive, there is "Relatively NO Additional Spending Required". Any preferences in Tours, Diving, Fishing Charters, Car Hire and Accommodation can be pre-booked (often at a cheaper price), providing a "Total Holiday Cost". With the islands offering limited shopping facilities, the only additional monies required is for food, beverages and the all important Duty Free Products.

Things to Do

TopDiving

Has attracted professional groups and individuals from all over the world. Cocos offers some of the best diving with pristine waters and maximum visibility, often in excess of 25 metres. With more than 20 uncrowded dive sites to visit, it boasts an abundant and diverse marine life including over 100 different coral species, barracuda, grey reef sharks, dolphins, manta-rays, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna, sailfish fish, butterfly fish and the endemic Cocos Angelfish. Pre-booking with Island Explorer Holidays is essential!

Snorkeling

Is as easy as walking into the water! Bring your own gear or purchase what you need from the local dive shop. Due to sharp coral, sea urchins and the possibility of stone fish, we recommend "Reef shoes" are worn for protection.

Wind and Kite Surfing

Is common from July through to September, as the south east trade winds pick up. With waist deep warm water and continuous breezes, the lagoon on Cocos is the perfect place to play and improve your skills.

Surfing

With only one accessible left hand surf break, it is quietly becoming popular.

Bike / Scooter

Bikes and scooters are available for hire on West Island although some accommodation properties provide bike hire for free. As the islands are flat, both are an easy relaxing way to get around and see the sights. Pre-booking with Island Explorer Holidays is essential!

Swimming

There are only two swimming beaches on West Island one is located about 5km north of the main settlement area and the other is 5km south of the main settlement area. The Waterhole is another popular option, located in the front of Settlement on the Ocean Side South of Cocos Castaways - North of Cocos Seaview it is 4m x 4m. Direction Islands offers great swimming and isolation to fully relax. If you can arrange transport, many other smaller islands are also available to spend time relaxing.

Golf Course

Is available for use although clubs are not supplied on island. The tranquil 9 whole course is located next to the airport over looking the lagoon. For details enquire at the tourist bureau.

Glass Bottom Boat

Day Tours are available for pre booking, although specific departure days can be changed. The owner Geof will know the best day to go, as weather can be unpredictable at certain times of the year.

Camping

On Direction Island is possible however you will need to bring all of your own equipment and organise your own transport to and from the island on arrival at Cocos. There is no regular ferry to DI and with no facilities or permanent camp site, you must be completely self sufficient. The local Cocos Island Shire Council will need to know of your intention and there is a maximum of 7 days allowed.

Fishing

Is an abundant pass time for the locals. Unfortunately no professional charter service operates at the moment but that doesn't mean you cant bring your own! Ask the locals once you arrive for some friendly advice, perhaps they will even offer to take you out on their boat?

Reef Walking

Reef Shoes are a must! Enjoy this exploratory "free" pastime! With some help from good tides, why not try Atoll Walking? The southern atolls are a great area to explore at the right time of year! Remember to check the tides before heading out, gain some local advise and make someone aware of your plans.

TopCanoe and Kayak Hire

Explore the beauty of the Cocos Islands and its surrounding crystal clear waters as you paddle around in either your motorised canoe or kayak. Guided tours are available or you can hire a kayak or Canoe and do your own self exploring. The crystal clear waters and warm tropcial weather make this the ideal place for spending time on the water.

TopBird Watching

Bird watching is not only for the Christmas Island visitors, there are over 39 different species of birds on Cocos as well. Explore and Photograph these birds for yourself!

Shopping

TopDive & Fishing

Cocos Tackle and Dive sells all fishing, diving and snorkelling gear. Open with restricted hours, they also have credit card facilities available for purchases.

Surf Shop

Cocos Surf Shop has a range of surf wear, rash vests and souvenirs. Open Monday to Friday only with restricted opening hours. Credit card facilities are available for purchases.

Duty Free

Cocos Co-Op Duty Free has a small range of various items including perfumes, skin care, hand crafted jewelry, t-shirts, souvenirs and post cards. Open Monday to Friday only with restricted opening hours and have credit card facilities available for purchases.

Supermarket

The Co-Op supermarket sells general convenience store items including liquor and also has a bakery which open 3 times per week. Open Monday to Friday only with restricted opening hours. They have credit card facilities available for purchases.

Island Facilities

TopTele Centre

Open Monday to Friday the Tele centre, has internet access, sells phone cards, hires DVD's and has full office equipment available for hire.

Hospital

The Cocos Island Medical Clinic is fully equipped working hospital with experienced staff. Open Monday to Friday only with restricted opening hours although a nurse is on call 24 hours a day. Australian Medicare cards can be used as on the mainland.

Post Office

Has an office on West Island and Home Island. Both have restricted opening hours and are not open weekends. An Eftpos machine is available for cash out in the West Island office and they have credit card facilities available for purchases.

Bank

A Commonwealth Bank agency is located in the CO-OP Duty Free shop which is open various times. Please note there is no ATM or banking machine facility available on Cocos Islands.

Food and Beverage

TopTropika

Restaurant is the main eating house for tourists. It is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with restricted opening and closing times. Pre-booking is preferred and the local tourism centre can advise current opening times on your arrival. Picnic baskets are also available and must be pre-ordered the day before.

Cocos Club

Has fortnightly food nights from 5pm onwards. Mix with the locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. A chalk board will be placed outside with the nightly menu.

Home Island

Bunga Melati on Home Island, offers the chance once a week, for tourists to visit Home Island for lunch or dinner to experience the customs, culture and a variety of Malay food. Bookings are essential and further information can be found at the tourism centre.

Dory's Cafe

Newly opened cafe, offering light meals and lunches, coffees and milkshakes. Open Daily from 10-2pm. Enjoy a coffee and home made bread as you gaze out at the ocean!