Baggage How much luggage can I bring?
The weight limit on Cocos Keeling Islands flights is 30kg per person of checked luggage and 7kg of carry-on baggage.
You can book extra baggage up to a max of 65kg. Excess baggage, such as surfboards, golf clubs or food boxes, are carried on a subject-to-load basis. They are not guaranteed to uplift on the same flight and can arrive on following flights.
With this in mind, always pack essentials, such as medication and spare clothes, in your carry-on.
Baggage What should I pack for the Cocos Islands?
- It’s casual here, so your dress can be too. When visiting Home Island, please bring clothing to cover your shoulders and knees
- Swimming costume, beach towel, hat, mossie spray and sun protection
- Shoes for bush and reef walking, flip flops for around town
- A light raincoat for occasional showers
- Any medication (in your carry-on)
- Food options that meet dietary requirements or pre-order a food box
- Gear for adventuring, catching fish or surfing
Swim fins and snorkel masks are available for hire from The Visitor Centre, open Monday – Saturday.
What is accessibility like on the Cocos Islands?
Travel to Cocos is recommended for those who have a reasonable level of mobility.
Swimming spots on West Island are only accessible via stairs or off-road beach access and are located at each end of the island – at least 5km from the main settlement. They are therefore usually reached by hired vehicle or e-bike. Public transport to the ferry is available, however it is not wheelchair accessible.
There are small health clinics on both West and Home Island but please note there is no hospital and resources are limited.
Do I need to book travel insurance for the Cocos Islands?
We recommend purchasing comprehensive domestic travel insurance when you book your trip to cover you in the case of unexpected disruptions to your travel plans.
Given our remote location with just one airline in operation, travel plans to Cocos can be disrupted.
Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Cocos Keeling Islands?
No, passports and visas are not required when travelling from Perth. However, you will need to show photo identification for each traveller – including children – to clear customs and immigration.
We recommend bringing a valid passport nonetheless in the case of a flight diversion to another country. For more information, please see here.
What groceries and essentials can I buy on the Cocos Islands?
You can buy a small range of groceries from local supermarkets on both West Island and Home Island but fresh produce can be very limited.
Sunscreen, insect repellant, bandaids and basic pain relief are usually available to purchase, but we recommend bringing your own in case supplies run low.
Salty’s offers a pre-order food box service for fresh produce and baked goods, ready to pick up when you arrive.
Duty-free beer, wine and spirits are available to purchase for takeaway or drink in from the Cocos Club on West Island.
Are there restaurants and cafes on the Cocos Islands?
There are a handful of local restaurants and cafes on West Island and Home Island. You’ll receive the latest Eating Out Guide on arrival or check out some of the options here.
Should I bring my own food to the Cocos Islands?
We recommend bringing some food with you if you have special dietary requirements or favourites you can’t go without.
Most food can be brought into the Cocos Keeling Islands, except tomato and capsicum stems, fresh honey and homegrown produce. Seafood is also out but don’t worry, there’s plenty to catch!
If you’re bringing fresh food, please make sure to keep your shopping receipts. You will need to show these to Customs on arrival.
What is the best time to visit the Cocos Islands?
The best time to visit the Cocos Islands depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for.
From May to October, steady trade winds create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. From November to April, the winds are generally lighter, making it easier to access more remote parts of the atoll. These calmer months are especially well suited to diving and birdwatching.
Whenever you visit, you can expect warm days and balmy evenings, with temperatures usually sitting between 25 and 30 degrees.
How many days should I spend on the Cocos Islands?
We recommend staying at least 7 nights to make the most of the Cocos Islands.
With flights arriving and departing on Monday and Friday, a shorter stay of 3 or 4 nights is enough to experience some of the highlights. But with a full week, you’ll have more time to slow down, explore both West Island and Home Island, and enjoy the best of the atoll at a more relaxed pace.
If you’re planning to visit both Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands in one trip, we recommend allowing around a week in each destination.
What should I book before arriving?
Book all accommodation, car or bike hire and experiences before you arrive.
With just 144 beds, along with small number of car hire providers and tour operators, things book out quickly.
Restaurants require bookings for dinner only, which can usually be made by popping your name on a board out the front. The exceptions are the Wednesday night Cocos Malay buffets at Sweet as Makan or Kampong Cafe, which should be booked online at least 24 hours in advance.
Get in touch if you need any help making a reservation.
How do I get between the islands?
A ferry runs daily except Sunday between West Island and Home Island.
You can get to Direction Island from West Island or Home Island with the ferry on Thursdays or Saturdays.
You can walk to Pulu Maraya from Scout Park at low tide. To visit other islands of the atoll including Horsburgh, South Island, Prison Island and Pulu Blan Madar, you’ll need to join a tour with a local skipper or hire a boat.
Can I surf on the Cocos Islands?
Yes, you can surf a couple of breaks on West Island.
Cocos is one of the safest places in Australia and locals often leave their own boards out for personal use. Please respect the community culture here and don’t use any items that don’t belong to you without permission.
Is there internet or mobile reception on the Cocos Islands?
There is no mobile reception here, but most accommodation providers offer WiFi access. A holiday on Cocos is a chance to slow down, and disconnect.
Computers are available for use and MiFi internet dongles available for hire from the Community Resource Centre (CRC),
You can book a MiFi internet dongle online in advance of your trip or by dropping in when you land from Monday – Friday, 8am – 3pm. At the CRC you’ll also find printing services, stationary, tide charts, a book swap and more.
What timezone are the Cocos Keeling Islands in?
Cocos operates one-and-a-half hours behind Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), which is GMT +6:30.
Is there a Post Office on the Cocos Islands?
Australia Post has a postal agency on both West Island and Home Island. These are open on weekdays, over varying hours.
Express Mail is dispatched and received on Cocos Keeling Islands every second Friday, weather and freight loads depending.
Are the Cocos Islands safe?
Yes! Families love the Cocos Keeling Islands; kids can safely roam free and explore. There are no snakes, no dangerous spiders. The island has a 30-50 kph speed limit and the roads are shared by everyone – walkers, bikes, scooters and vehicles.
There are plenty of picturesque spots for all swimming levels to take a dip but please be extremely mindful of water safety. There is no coastguard here.
Is there an ATM on the Cocos Islands?
An ATM is available during opening hours at the Community Resource Centre on West Island, which dispenses $100 at a time at a cost of $2.50 per transaction. There’s also an ATM on Home Island, located at Shamroks supermarket.
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but not everywhere. We recommend to bring some cash with you in case of outages and small change if you plan to hop on public transport. The currency is Australian dollars.
What healthcare is available on the Cocos Islands?
There is a small health clinic and pharmacy on West Island and Home Island, staffed by one GP and four nurses. Overnight care is only provided in the event of awaiting a medical evacuation to Perth.
Please bring medication in your carry-on luggage as supplies are limited. Ladies, sanitary pads are available but tampons are often not.
What power plugs and voltage are used on the Cocos Islands?
The same as mainland Australia – 240V AC 50 cycles, three pin plug.
Looking after paradise
Please help us care for our incredible Cocos Keeling Islands environment and marine life. Your hosts will advise you on recycling but if bringing food items, please be mindful of packaging and take your keepcup and water bottle. Tap water is completely safe to drink.
You’ll love watching the reef sharks and turtles play in the shallows but please don’t feed them or any other wildlife, including the local chooks.
