Pulu Keeling National Park
Region: North Keeling Island
Nature
National park protecting entire uninhabited island with rare seabirds and primitive vegetation, entry by permit only
Tourism in Cocos Islands
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Cossies Beach
Region: Direction Island
Nature
Uninhabited beach with pure white sand and turquoise waters
The Rip (Snorkel Point)
Region: Direction Island
Nature
Channel famous for strong currents, drift snorkeling with colorful fish schools
Home Island Kampong
Region: Home Island
Cultural Heritage
Island's largest settlement with Malay-style stilt houses, mosque, and traditional craft viewing popular
West Island Foreshore
Region: West Island
Modern Architecture
Main street and pier with administrative offices and cafes
Big Barge Art Centre
Region: West Island
Culture
Community art space repurposing old cargo ship
Trannies Beach
Region: West Island
Nature
Relatively calm swimming beach famous for sunsets
Oceania House
Region: Home Island
Historical Heritage
19th century colonial architecture, former Clunies-Ross family mansion
Cocos Keeling Islands Museum
Region: Home Island
Cultural Heritage
Dioramas and photos introducing copra industry and Ross family rule history
North Lagoon Kayak Route
Region: South Keeling Atoll
Nature
Sea kayaking experience freely paddling through crystal-clear lagoon
Suggested itineraries
3-Day Essentials Island Hopping
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: West Island beach, Home Island Kampong walk, Cossies Beach snorkeling
After Perth flight, relax on West Island. Day 2 ferry to Home Island for cultural experience, afternoon Direction Island snorkeling. Final day lagoon kayaking and duty-free shopping.
5-Day Nature & Dive Tour
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: The Rip drift dive, Pulu Keeling National Park landing, Sunset fishing cruise
Conservation officer-accompanied North Keeling National Park cruise centered, diving from day one. Evening beach BBQ with fresh tuna.
1-Week Local Living Experience
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Homestay, Copra harvest experience, Islander sports event participation
Stay with Malay family, participate in coconut harvesting and Malay cooking. Weekend join local futsal for bonding.
Travel tips
- ATM only at West Island post office, prepare sufficient cash before arrival
- Strong sunlight and UV, frequently apply SPF50+ sunscreen
- Ocean has fast current points, carry life jacket
- Rental bicycle convenient for transport, limited numbers recommend advance booking
- Drinking water from filtered rainwater supplied, bottled water recommended for safety
- Drone photography requires aviation authority permit, nature reserve areas flight prohibited
- Home Island restaurants close early evening, secure dinner by 6 PM
- Sandals walkable but beach shoes recommended to avoid coral fragment cuts
- Australian mainland flights weather-delayed easily, allow buffer time for return
- Mosque visits require long sleeves and pants, women prepare scarves
- Lagoon fishing requires no recreational license but observe catch limits
- Cycling helmet mandatory
- Power from diesel generation and solar, nighttime conservation recommended
- Island medical care only basic clinic, serious symptoms require Perth emergency transport