Travel Inspiration 7 days in unspoilt paradise
This Friday-to-Friday itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of relaxation, nature and local experiences.
- Best for: first time visitors and relaxed adventurers
- Pace: balanced, with a mix of activity and downtime
- Highlights: Direction Island, Home Island culture, snorkelling and local experiences
- Good to know: book car hire, tours and some dining in advance
Many experiences are available on request and bookings are essential. Book online or get in touch if you need help organising your own itinerary.
Friday Selamat Datang, welcome!
Head out for an explore or start settling into island life with a quick dip. If you need groceries, drop by the local supermarket before it closes at 3pm or pre-order a box to pick up on arrival from Salty’s.
Our Visitor Centre is open till 3:00pm today where you can grab a map and the latest food guide. We can arrange tour bookings or snorkel gear to hire too.
Dinner is on at Salty’s, Tropika or Burger Bouys. The Cocos Club is open for a cold one from 5pm with happy hour from 5 – 6pm.
Saturday Spend a day on the idyllic paradise that is Direction Island.
What’s On:
- 7.30am: Salty’s opens
- 9.30am: Ferry departs West Island for Direction Island
- 10.00am: Visitor Centre opens
- 3.30pm: Ferry departs Direction Island and returns to West Island
Pack a picnic and jump on the ferry to head to Direction Island, voted Australia’s best beach. Enjoy six hours lounging on white-sand beaches under the palms, and swimming in the azure surrounding waters filled with marine life.
Be sure to pack plenty of suncare, food and drinking water, as well as your swim fins, reef shoes and snorkel.
Sunday Slow down, disconnect and enjoy the chilled out vibe of Sundays on Cocos
What’s On:
- 7.30am: Surfer Girl Restaurant opens for brunch
- 5.00pm: Salty’s opens for pizza
Soak up the relaxed vibe of Sundays on the Cocos Islands. Consider heading out to the southern end of West Island for a snorkel at Pulu Maraya.
Check the schedule to join the motorised canoe safari tour – tide dependent. If you’re keen to head out further, local skippers offer tailored tours into the lagoon or offshore for snorkelling and fishing (must be pre-booked).
You could also rent an e-bike and explore the island on your own. Or simply relax under the palms, take a nap or go for a dip.
Monday Get out on (or under) the water
What’s On:
- 7.30am: Salty’s opens for coffee and treats
- 11.45am: Ossie’s cultural tour on Home Island
Get out on the water and seeing a different side of Cocos. Join one of the local skippers for a day of exploring the lagoon or heading further offshore.
Scuba divers can discover Cocos’ pristine underwater world with Cocos Dive, while Cocosday and Cocos Blue offer custom fishing and snorkelling trips to some of the atoll’s most memorable spots.
Connect with the Cocos Malay culture and uncover the fascinating history of the islands with Ossie’s cultural tour.
If you’re on today’s flight, Salty’s are open early for pre-flight meals.
Tuesday Art under the palms and coconut ice cream
What’s On:
- 7.30am: Salty’s opens for coffee and treats
- 9 am – 12pm: The Big Barge Art Centre and Sula Sula Servery
- 10.00am: Wild Coconut Discovery Centre Tour
- 4.30pm: Join the locals at Hash House Harriers for a walk or jog. Details on the Cocos Club Blackboard
- 5.00pm: Surfer Girl opens
Discover two of the Cocos Islands local artisans along the Sydney Highway – Big Barge Art Centre and Wild Coconut Discovery Centre.
Check the schedule for the motorised canoe tour, or spend a few hours on the water with a local skipper.
Wednesday A day on Home Island
What’s On:
- 6.30am: Salty’s opens for coffee and treats
- 9 am – 12pm: The Big Barge Art Centre and Sula Sula Servery
- 11.45am: Ossie’s Cultural Tour on Home Island
- 2:30pm: Oceania House Historic Tour
- 6:30pm: Sweet as Makan opens for a Malay buffet on Home Island. Bookings essential.
- 8:00pm: Jump on the late ferry from Home Island to West Island
With extra ferries operating today, Wednesday is the perfect day to spend on Home Island. Make sure to book experiences in advance and pack your swimmers for a dip at the stunning Turtle Beach.
Please respect the local culture here, and make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Thursday E-bike or spend another day in paradise on Direction Island
What’s on:
- 7.30am: Salty’s opens for coffee and treats
- 7.30am: Ferry leaves for Direction Island, via Home Island
- 2.00pm: Ferry leaves Direction Island for West Island, via Home Island
- 3.30pm: Join the locals for a round of scroungers at Cocos Golf Club
- 5.00pm: Surfer Girl Restaurant opens for dinner (book via the board out the front)
Why not spend another day in paradise on Direction Island? If you’re ready for something different though, head out on an e-bike for a fun way to explore West Island or treat yourself to a gourmet spread with a friend or loved one with Cocos Picnics.
Keen to catch dinner? Join local fishing guru Anthony on a land-based fishing tour around secret locations on West Island.
Friday One last dip
What’s on:
- 7.30am: Salty’s opens for coffee and treats, and stays open for lunch
- 1.30pm: Cocos Club opens for a farewell drink
Last day! Check with your host on check-out times and car return details. If you’re looking for one last dip, a snorkel around Pulu Maraya or at Trannies Beach is a good option to stay local.
There are also early ferries to Home Island, returning by 11am, if you’re up for a final visit.
Salty’s stays open late today, so you can grab made-with-love curry puffs, baked goods, Malay meals and gourmet pizzas before you fly out.
Friday flights to Perth include a stop at Christmas Island, offering the perfect opportunity to include both islands in your trip!
Ready to start planning your trip?
Explore places to stay, practical information for before you arrive, and extra travel tips to help make your Cocos holiday easy and enjoyable.
