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Getting Around The best swimming beaches, BBQs and spots to cast a line are located at each end of West Island, best accessed by car. 

You can walk, but it’s a fair distance – especially in the tropical sun. Cars are limited on Cocos Keeling Islands, and hiring in advance is recommended to make sure you don’t miss out.

Bikes and e-bikes are also available to hire from local operators. Get in touch if you’re keen to explore on two wheels.

Hire transport
A view of coconuts out the car window

Public Transport A ferry runs between West Island and Home Island every day except Sunday, with return trips to Direction Island twice a week.

A local bus service operates between the West Island Settlement and the Rumah Baru ferry jetty, timed to align with the ferry schedule.

The bus is a handy option for ferry connections, but for sightseeing and getting around more freely, we highly recommend arranging your own transport.

Please note that the ferry and bus services do not operate on public holidays, except for flight days.

Ferry Timetable
A drone shot of the public ferry pulling into the jetty at Direction Island.

It is rare, in this day and age, to come upon a place so delightful in both looks and temperament that, on the very first sighting, one’s jaw does genuinely drop.

Georgia Rickard Australian Traveller

If going with the flow is how you roll, you will love the Cocos Keeling Islands. They have a small – very small – country town vibe. Your activities revolve around the exquisite lagoon whether they be snorkelling, diving, fishing, parasailing, or just relaxing under a coconut palm reading a book while inhaling the frangipani infused air

Steve Klein Curious Campers

Scuba diving at Cocos Keeling islands is nothing short of spectacular. Fabulous visibility, pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life and all the trappings of a tropical paradise without the flashy resorts. Yes, it is isolated and it takes some effort to get there, but this is more than offset by the quality of the diving, the friendly locals and the very laid back and relaxing ambience of the entire place. It is quirky, fun and a great place for a holiday. We will return and soon

Phillip Tubb Melbourne

Don’t miss this place. My wife and I recently spent a fantastic week on Cocos Keeling Islands. We took the opportunity to take the twice weekly ferry service from West Island to Direction Island... we loved it so much we came back for a second time.

Mike G Joondalup

Home Island is definitely quieter than West Island with religion a big part of daily life but the locals were so friendly and welcoming. It was so nice to be able to swim straight off the shore in amazing turquoise water while we cooked BBQs at sunset. Highly recommended!

Pete