The '''Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands''' (or simply Cocos Islands or Keeling Islands) is in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island.

''For information on Cocos Island a nationally protected jungle-covered island and national park, 300m off the coast of Costa Rica. please see Cocos Island National Park.''

Regions

There are two inhabited islands in the group West Island and Home Island.

Passenger ferries run to Direction Island every Saturday.

There are several uninhabited islands.

  • Horsburgh Island
  • North Keeling Island - A national park, with access only with permission from Parks Australia.
  • South Island
  • Understand

    The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Cocos lies approximately 12__ south and 96.5__ east, locating the islands in the humid tropical zone.

    There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William Keeling discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

    Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

    Climate

    Cocos experiences two main seasons which tend to overlap: the trade wind season from April / May to September / October and the calmer doldrum season from November through to April. Expect higher rainfall during March through to July. January through to August, may also generate the occasional low pressure system (usually between February and April). However these systems do not normally interfere with holiday plans. Rain usually falls in the evenings, bringing glorious sunny days! The average annual rainfall is 2000mm! Temperatures are fairly consistent no matter what the season, remaining around a comfortable 29__C with a minimum evening temperature rarely dropping below 20__C.

    Landscape

    Flat, low-lying coral atolls, thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation.

    Tourist Information

    Monday: 0800 to 1700 Tuesday - Thursday: 0800 - 1430 Friday: 0800 - 1600 Saturday (early flight): 1300 - 1600 Saturday (late flight): 1400 - 1700 Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

    info@cocos-tourism.cc

    Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association Inc. PO Box 1030 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Indian Ocean WA 6799 Ph: +61 8 9162 6790 Fax: +61 8 9162 6696

    Get in

    By plane

  • There is one airport on West Island that receives two National Jet [http://www.nationaljet.com.au/] flights a week from Perth, usually stopping over at Christmas Island and Exmouth either on the way or the way back. Oneway/return is A$840/$1680, with advance purchase returns available for $1098.
  • Every second Saturday, an additional flight from National Jet departs to the Islands operating every two weeks. Flight departs Perth at 0945 (WST) on an alternating schedule. More information can be obtained through your travel agent.
  • The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are one and a half hours behind Western Standard Time (WST) and three and a half hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).
  • Australian citizens do not need a passport, but must carry some form of photographic identification.
  • By boat

    There are no harbours.

    Get around

    A local bus service from West Island Settlement to the jetty operates approximately 20 minutes prior to the departure of the ferry to Home Island. On Saturday the ferry diverts to Direction Island to allow tourists and locals access to this remote paradise. The ferry returns in the afternoon to return you to West Island. Timetables are available from the Tourism office or the Duty Free Shop.

  • <listing name="A Car Rental" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+61 8 9162 7646" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="Contact Geof Christie for availability and rates"></listing>
  • <listing name="Cocos Autos" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+61 8 9162 7661" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="AW & KJ James Car Hire" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+61 8 9162 7717" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="Quality vehicles available for hire. Contact Ash or Kylie for availability and rates.
  • "></listing>

  • <listing name="Cocos Surf Shop" alt="" directions="" address="In the Airport Complex" phone="+61 8 9162 6768" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • Buy

  • Supermarket. lunies-Ross Avenue. 61 8 9162 6676. +61 8 9162 7605.
  • Telecentre. dministration building . 61 8 9162 7707. pen 5 days a week.
  • Australia Post . 61 8 9162 6645. 61 8 9162 7500.
  • Cocos Club. 61 8 9162 6688. pen 7 days a week.

    Costs

    Eat

    There are two restaurants on Cocos. The Tropika Restaurant is located on West Island, whilst Bunga Melati is located on Home Island.

    Malay cuisine is a selection of rice, noodles, curry and chilli, featuring chicken, beef, lamb and seafood dishes. Food is prepared to be flavoursome and not particularly hot, unless requested. The Tropika caters to western style meals with a selection of meats, vegetables and salads available from the bistro. In the case of all three restaurants, meals are reasonably priced and rarely exceed AUD20.00 per person.

  • Tropika. ocated on West Island in the Cocos Beach Motel. 61 8 9162 6672.
  • Bunga Melati. ocated on Home Island in the small business centre. 61 8 9162 7633. he restaurant will open for lunch or dinner on request.

    Don't want to eat at a restaurant? Usually, every third Friday, the different social clubs of Cocos prepare a "food night" at the Cocos Club. Excellently priced meals are offered along with raffles and good natured fun. Come along, share a meal. The Cocos Club also offers visitors a great venue to get to know the locals and join in with any activity that is happening.

    Sleep

    This 28 room motel is centrally located right in the middle of town, right on the beach and only across the road from the Cocos Club, airport and a short walk to the supermarket. Many of the rooms have direct views to the Indian Ocean. Ideally suited to couples, singles or twin. Private ensuite and air conditioned. Three family rooms are available. On site restaurant - The Tropika.
  • Cocos Beach Motel. 61 8 9162 6702. bm@CocosCoOp.com. 61 8 9162 6764. ttp://cocoscoop.bizland.com/accom.htm. UD $100-160.

    Architecturally designed cottages, purpose built tourist accommodation, overlooking the golf course and the lagoon. They offer spacious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large undercover deck areas and on site BBQ area. Located within easy walking distance of the supermarket, Cocos Club, tennis courts, golf club, restaurants and other facilities.

  • http://www.cocos-cottages.cc/. 08) 9244-3801. nfo@cocos-cottages.cc. 08) 9244-3802. ttp://www.cocos-cottages.cc/.

    Explore

    Take cultural tours with some of the local tour operators or guide yourself around the islands to explore why they call the Cocos Islands a "nature and water lover's paradise".

    During the year, as well as the traditional events such as Easter, New Year, Christmas etc, Cocos hosts a number of unique events. These include the annual Lagoon swim, where competitors swim from Home Island across the lagoon to West Island. Individuals or teams may enter and whether you are a serious contender or wish to join in with the Hash House Harriers (who always seem to get themselves disqualified for one thing or another), everyone has a load of fun. It finishes in the evening with dinner and presentations to the winners and boat drivers.

    Other unique events are the mid-year Cocos Ball, quiz nights, Music & Wine festival, Ardmona Cup and Cocos Olympics. All visitors are encouraged to join in with these festivities and activities. Exact dates vary from year to year. Please check with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association before booking for particular events.

    Don't forget visitors to the Island are also welcome to participate in the School Fete, Sports Carnival and concert events.

  • <listing name="COCOS DIVING" alt="" directions="" address="Cocos Dive, PO Box 1015, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean WA 6799,Australia" phone="+61 8 9162 6515" email="scuba@cocosdive.com" fax="" url="http://www.cocosdive.com/" hours="" price="AUD $200-2320"></listing>
  • <listing name="2ND WIND SAILBOARDS" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.2ndwind.com.au/" hours="July through to August only" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="KEBUDAYAAN & HOME ISLAND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TOUR" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="7:30AM-2:30PM" price="$15 per adult, $10 per child 5-12 years"></listing>
  • <listing name="WEST ISLAND ORIENTATION TOUR" alt="" directions="" address="Bookings are essential at the CKI Tourism Visitor's Centre" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="AUD $12.00 per adult, children below 16yrs free"></listing>
  • <listing name="PULU KEELING NATIONAL PARK" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="cocos-lodge@kampong.cc" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • Stay safe

    Cyclone season is October to April.

    Stay healthy

    Fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs.

    Contact