Planning your first trip to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands? You're about to discover one of Australia's best-kept secrets.
What you will find is turquoise water so clear it looks fake, empty white-sand beaches, unhurried days, and locals who genuinely love having you there.
If you’ve been craving a place that still feels truly unspoilt, this is it. The Cocos Keeling Islands offer Australia’s most remote island holiday.
Where are the Cocos Islands?
Picture the Indian Ocean, roughly halfway between Sri Lanka and Australia. That’s where you’ll find the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The remote atoll of 27 coral islands is an Australian external territory, with Christmas Island as our closest neighbour some 900 kilometres away.
We’re off the map for most travellers, which is exactly why it’s worth the trip.
How Do You Get to the Cocos Islands?
The easiest way is on the twice-weekly QantasLink flights from Perth, departing Mondays and Fridays with a stop at Christmas Island along the way. Friday’s direct leg from Perth clocks in at just over four hours.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also sail in by yacht and moor at Direction Island.
How Long Should You Stay?
A week is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to properly settle into island time, explore multiple islands, and not feel like you’re rushing to tick things off a list.
Short on annual leave? A 3-night stay (Friday to Monday) or 4-night stay (Monday to Friday) will still give you a taste of the highlights. Just be warned – most people wish they’d booked longer.
What Can You Do Here?
The short answer: whatever pace suits you. The Cocos Islands reward both the active adventurer and the dedicated beach-sitter equally well.
What lies beneath: snorkelling and diving
The lagoon is the star of the show. Snorkel straight off the beach, join a tour to scuba dive pristine coral gardens, or simply float in water so warm and clear it feels like a swimming pool — except with turtles.
Cast off: fishing on the Cocos Islands
From beach casting to deep-sea charters, the fishing here is exceptional. Bag limits are generous and the locals will happily share their favourite spots.
Meet the locals: a day on Home Island
Catch the ferry across the lagoon to connect with the friendly Cocos Malay community, explore local culture and history, and discover one of the most unique corners of Australia.
Island hopping the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
With 27 islands and most of them uninhabited, hiring a boat or joining a local skipper to explore is a genuine highlight. Direction Island, in particular, has been named one of the best beaches in Australia.
Ride the trade winds: kitesurfing
Steady trade winds and warm shallow waters make the Cocos Islands a top location for kite surfers of all levels.
A birdwatcher’s paradise
The islands are home to 39 resident bird species, joined by vagrant species during the northern hemisphere winter. For twitchers, it’s genuinely unmissable.
Beyond the beach
Don’t miss quirky local creators like Wild Coconut Estate and Big Barge who utilise local resources to craft uniquely Cocos products.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Cocos Islands?
The good news: with warm tropical weather year-round, there’s no bad time to visit. Snorkelling, fishing, diving and many other activities are good to do all year, while kitesurfing relies on the tradewinds. The best time really comes down to what you want to do.
| Season | When | Best for |
| Trade wind season | May – October | Kitesurfing, windsurfing |
| Doldrums | November – April | Birdwatching |
Things to Know Before You Come
Small Islands, Limited Beds: Why You Should Book Early
With just 144 beds on the islands and a small group of local operators, accommodation, car hire and tours fill up fast. You’ll also score the best deals on flights by booking in advance. Don’t leave it to chance.
Where to eat
There’s a handful of restaurants and cafes on both West and Home Island, plus a supermarket on each. Contact the visitor centre for the latest eating-out guide before you arrive, and bring any specialty items with you.
Baggage rules
You can check up to 30kg of luggage. Pack medications and essentials in your carry-on and note that standard international liquid restrictions apply to hand luggage on this route.
Connectivity on the islands
There’s WiFi in the accommodation, but no mobile coverage on the islands. Lean into it. This might be the most genuinely unplugged holiday you’ve had in years.
Don’t skip travel insurance
With only one airline operating the route, disruptions — while rare — can happen. Domestic travel insurance that covers in case of delays or cancellations is strongly recommended.
Island time is real
Things run at a slower pace here, and that’s the whole point. The sooner you stop watching the clock, the better your holiday will be.
View our full list of things to know before you come here.
What to Pack
The dress code is relaxed — as in, genuinely casual. Here’s what to throw in the suitcase:
- Reef shoes and snorkelling gear
- Sunscreen, hat and lightweight, sun-smart clothing
- Activity-specific gear (fishing, surfing, kitesurfing)
- Medications and basic first aid (bandaids, antiseptic, pain relief)
- Mosquito repellent
- Some cash for the ferry and in case of outages
- Clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you’re planning on visiting Home Island
View our full packing guide here.
Where to Stay
Only two of the 27 islands are inhabited: West Island and Home Island. The airport and the majority of accommodation are on West Island, making it the natural base for most visitors. For a quieter, more immersive experience, a handful of small accommodation providers on Home Island offer something a little more off the beaten track.
Browse accommodation options here.
How to Get Around
- Ferry — Runs daily (except Sunday) between West Island and Home Island, with stops at Direction Island on Thursdays and Saturdays. Costs just $2.50 per person, no booking required.
- Car hire — Highly recommended. Many of the best beaches and points of interest on West Island sit outside the main settlement, and having your own wheels makes a real difference.
- Bike and e-bike hire — A brilliant way to explore at your own pace, uncover hidden tracks, and stumble across beaches you’d never find otherwise.
- Shuttle bus — Runs between the West Island jetty and the settlement to meet the ferry.
Ready to book?
If you’re ready to plan your trip to the Cocos Keeling Islands and don’t know where to start, get in touch with our friendly Visitor Centre team or our recommended travel specialists.
