A Paradise for Nature Lovers A refuge in the middle of the Indian Ocean
As the only land mass within a 900-kilometre radius, Cocos provides an important resting place for migratory birds and a refuge for an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.
A Paradise for Nature Lovers Wildlife is never far away
From blue-tailed skinks and colourful crabs to seabirds soaring above the atoll, Cocos offers opportunities to encounter wildlife wherever you go.
A Paradise for Nature Lovers More nature, fewer people
Cocos’ remote location and limited visitor numbers mean you can experience its wildlife without the crowds. Wander quiet beaches, explore the lagoon and look closely at the natural world around you.
A Paradise for Nature Lovers A little atoll with a lot of life
Cocos’ remote location has created an ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Australia. The islands attract birds from the East Asian–Australasian and Indian Flyways, as well as occasional visitors from much further afield. They’re also home to species found nowhere else in Australia, including the endemic Cocos Buff-banded Rail.
But birds are only part of the story. Look for robber crabs and colourful land crabs on the islands, blue-tailed skinks in the southern atoll, or head into the lagoon to encounter turtles, rays, tropical fish and healthy coral gardens.
Still Australia – just wonderfully different.
Connect with nature on Cocos
Seven days in nature
Day One - Explore the Southern Atoll
Travel by Motorised Canoe through the turquoise waters of the southern atoll, with opportunities to drift snorkel at Pulu Maraya and spot marine life along the way. Search for rare blue-tailed skinks on Pulu Blan Madar and take in the quiet beauty of South Island.
Day Two - Discover Cocos' Birdlife
Join a local skipper to reach some of Cocos’ more remote islands, such as Horsburgh Island, where you can look for seabirds and keep watch for the endemic Cocos Buff-banded Rail. Take your time, bring your binoculars and let the birds come to you.
Day Three - Direction Island
Catch the ferry to Direction Island and spend the day surrounded by pristine beaches, tropical forest and turquoise lagoon. The famous Rip drift snorkel offers another glimpse into the incredible marine life living beneath the surface.
Day Four - Meet the Marine Life
Head out on a dive or snorkelling boat tour and discover the wildlife of Cocos beneath the waves. Visit the manta ray station and keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and colourful reef fish as you explore the lagoon and surrounding waters.
Day Five - Slow down on land
Explore Cocos at your own pace by e-bike or on foot, following quiet roads and island trails through coconut palms and coastal vegetation. Look closely for birds, crabs, skinks and other wildlife along the way.
Day Six - Drift Snorkel
Return to the water for a drift snorkel at Pulu Maraya, where coral gardens and tropical marine life await beneath the surface. Back on West Island, spend some time around the Yacht Club watching the birdlife and enjoying the changing colours of the lagoon.
Day Seven - One Last Look
Before your flight home, take time for one last swim or snorkel and soak up the island’s natural beauty. Slow down, look around and savour a final taste of Cocos before you leave.
Plan your trip
When to visit
The Cocos Keeling Islands have a tropical savanna climate year-round. Evenings rarely drop below 24°C and the water temperature hovers around 26°C.
- The doldrums season from November to April is ideal for birdwatchers
- Diving and snorkelling can be done year round, but the calmer conditions during November – April can make this the best time for being out on the boat
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.
