Just a short ferry trip from West Island, a visit to Home Island offers the chance to connect with the local Cocos Malay culture.
For visitors interested in culture and everyday island life, Home Island provides a meaningful contrast to West Island. It’s a place to learn about local history, meet members of the Cocos Malay community and enjoy simple, unhurried experiences shaped by tradition.
Things to do on Home Island
This compact island invites visitors to wander at their own pace. Discover heritage sites, enjoy simple seaside moments, and learn about local traditions that continue today.
Visit the Pulu Cocos Museum
The Pulu Cocos Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the history and culture of the Cocos Islands. The museum is attended on Wednesdays, or you can collect the key from the Shire office for a self-guided visit at other times.
Inside, you’ll find cultural and historical artefacts spanning early settlement to modern life, including the coin machine used to produce Cocos Rupee and traditional jukong boats once used for transport and fishing.
Explore Oceania House
A scenic walk along the Home Island foreshore leads to Oceania House, the former ancestral home of the Clunies-Ross family. Built in 1893 using bricks imported from Glasgow, the Federation-style house played a central role in the islands’ history until 1985.
Today, Oceania House operates as accommodation, but visitors can join the Oceania House Historical Tour to explore inside and learn more about the building’s past. Even without a tour, the surrounding botanic gardens and beachfront grounds are well worth a visit.
Enjoy a beachside BBQ
Home Island’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a slow lunch outdoors. Several public BBQ areas are scattered around the island, offering shaded spots to cook and unwind. Sandy Point is a local favourite, with calm surroundings, shelter and a small playground.
Fishing from the shore
Fishing is a popular pastime on Home Island, and visitors are welcome to throw a line in from the beach. Bonefish and other sportfish can often be found close to shore. Bring your own fishing gear or pick up basic supplies from Shamrok’s Supermarket.
Visit the Home Island Cemetery
Located at the northern end of the island, the Home Island cemetery is a quiet, reflective place with views across to Direction Island. Established around 1900, the cemetery sits on Pulu Gangsa, an area once separated from Home Island before land reclamation in the late 1940s.
Still in use today, the cemetery serves the local Cocos Malay community and includes several Clunies-Ross family graves.
Join a cultural experience
One of the most meaningful things to do on Home Island is to spend time learning from the local Cocos Malay community. Cultural experiences include hands-on cooking classes featuring traditional Cocos Malay cuisine, as well as basket-weaving workshops led by Cocos Malay elders.
These small-group experiences offer insight into daily life, traditions and skills passed down through generations.
Explore the island on foot
Compared to West Island, Home Island is compact and easy to explore on foot. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s possible to walk around the entire island in just a few hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection and allow time to pause and take in the views.
Grab a bite from a local cafe
Enjoy a coffee and sample traditional flavours at Sweet As Makan or Kampong Cafe. Visit for breakfast or lunch, or book ahead for the popular Wednesday night buffets for a relaxed evening meal.
Browse the local shops
Home Island offers a small selection of local shops close to Sweet As Makan. Browse their selection of wares and pick up a little something for to take home.
Tips for visiting Home Island
Dress respectfully
Please wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting, in respect of local culture.
Don’t forget a map
Like on the rest of the Cocos Islands, phone reception is not available on Home Island. Don’t get caught out and bring a map (available from the Visitor Centre) or download one before you go.
Order food early
Cafes often close earlier than on the mainland, so pre-order lunch if you’re planning a full day on the island.
Where to stay on Home Island
If a day just doesn’t feel like long enough, book accommodation on Home Island to stay overnight and truly settle into the island’s rhythm.
Oceania House
Staying at Oceania House offers a rare opportunity to sleep within the Cocos Islands’ most historically significant buildings. Set on three acres of beachfront land, the house retains original furnishings and provides a unique step back into the islands’ colonial past.
Cocos Kampong Homestay
For a more local and immersive experience, Cocos Kampong Homestay offers affordable accommodation with a Home Island family. The spacious two-bedroom unit sleeps up to five guests and includes access to paddleboards and kayaks, making it ideal for a relaxed, longer stay.
When to visit Home Island
Wednesday is the best day to plan your visit, with extra ferry services running and several experiences available only on that day. The Pulu Cocos Museum is attended on Wednesdays, allowing visitors to speak directly with staff and learn more about the exhibits.
During Ramadan, Home Island remains open to visitors, though most cafes will be closed. If visiting at this time, bring snacks or pick up supplies from Shamrok’s Supermarket.
Whether you’re wandering through historic grounds, sharing a meal at a local café, or simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of island life, Home Island rewards those who take their time. With meaningful cultural experiences, tranquil surroundings and welcoming local hospitality, it’s a place to slow down, learn, and reconnect.
