Island Life The cultural heart of Cocos
Home Island is home to the Cocos Malay community, whose culture, traditions and way of life have shaped the island for nearly 200 years. Take time to wander the kampong, meet locals and experience the island at its own relaxed pace.
Island Life A history far bigger than its size
From the Clunies-Ross era and the islands’ copra plantations to the dramatic events of two World Wars, Cocos has played a remarkable role in Indian Ocean history.
Island Life Slow down and connect
The best cultural experiences aren’t rushed. Spend time on Home Island and experience a different rhythm of island life.
Island Life Meet the people and stories of Cocos
A visit to Cocos is about more than beautiful beaches. On Home Island, the Cocos Malay community has maintained a strong connection to family, faith, language and tradition across generations.
The islands also have a fascinating and sometimes complicated history. From early settlement to today, layers of history can still be found throughout the atoll.
Stay on Home Island in local accommodation or base yourself on West Island and take the ferry across for a taste of island life.
Connect with culture on Cocos
Seven days of island stories
A 30-minute ferry connects West Island and Home Island, but each offers a very different side of Cocos. Base yourself on one island and catch the ferry between them, or spend a few nights on each to experience the different rhythms, landscapes and communities of Cocos.
Day One - Art, Coconuts and Island Creativity on West Island
Discover the creative side of Cocos at the Big Barge Art Gallery, then visit Wild Coconut Estate to learn how coconuts have shaped life and industry on the islands.
Day Two - Life on Home Island
Join Ossie for a candid conversation about the history and cultural heritage of the Cocos Malay community. Wander through the ancestral home of the Clunies-Ross family at Oceania House, then explore the Pulu Cocos Museum and its collection of island artefacts and stories.
Day Three - Direction Island
Take the ferry to Direction Island and follow the heritage trail to discover the important role Cocos played in both World Wars. Then slow down and enjoy the island’s natural beauty — swim, snorkel the famous Rip or simply relax on the beach and take in the view.
Day Four - History on Horsburgh
Join a local skipper and head out to Horsburgh Island and beyond. See the remnants of the six-inch naval guns that once guarded the islands, then customise your day with fishing, snorkelling, island hopping or exploring some of the atoll’s more remote corners.
Day Five - Unwind on Home Island
Spend a slow day enjoying Home Island as the locals do. Throw a line, take a BBQ to one of the pondoks around the island or simply find a shady spot and soak up the calm rhythm of island life.
Day Six - A Taste of Cocos
Discover the flavours of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands over a local meal. From traditional Cocos Malay dishes to Western influences, food offers a delicious way to experience the islands’ culture and connect around the table.
Day Seven - Your Cocos story
Before heading home, revisit a favourite place, pick up a locally made keepsake or simply enjoy one last slow morning by the lagoon. Leave with a few stories of your own.
Plan your trip
Visiting Home Island
Please respect the local community on Home Island by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Getting to Home Island
The ferry between West Island and Home Island runs every day except Sunday and public holidays. The ferry journey is about 30 minutes and costs $2.50 per person each way.
When to Visit
The Cocos Keeling Islands have a tropical savanna climate year-round making anytime a good time to visit. Evenings rarely drop below 24°C and the water temperature hovers around 26°C.
Ramadan is an important time for the Cocos Malay community. If visiting during this period, please be aware that some businesses and services on Home Island may operate reduced hours or be unavailable. Visitors are welcome but are encouraged to be respectful of those observing the fast.
What to know
Planning a trip? We recommend booking well ahead to get the best deal on flights and secure your accommodation.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are beautifully remote, with simple, back-to-basics facilities — and that’s exactly what makes them so special. Take a look at our FAQs to see if Cocos is the right fit for your kind of getaway.
How to get here
QantasLink flies to the Cocos Islands twice weekly from Perth on Mondays and Fridays.
Flights include a stop at Christmas Island, offering a chance to visit two islands in one trip. Use the Multi-city function in the booking engine to book a trip that includes both Cocos and Christmas.
Where to stay
On West Island, you’ll find beachside bungalows, self-contained apartments and family-friendly holiday homes.
Head across to Home Island stay in the Clunies-Ross ancestral home or welcoming homestays.
