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Cocos Islands, or Keeling Islands, is an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, closest to Sumatra, Indonesia. The territory consists of two atolls comprised of 27 islands, only two (West Island and Home Island) of which are populated. West Island hosts the capital of Cocos Islands and their only airport. It is possible to fly here from Perth, Australia, for 4.5 hours. Locals are mainly of Malay origin and practice Sunni Islam, which should be considered before embarking here.
https://www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au/the-islands/cocos-keeling-islands/
Cocos Islands is an amazing destination for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts, for this territory is a part of one of the largest sea sanctuaries in the world (467,054 km²). Marine life (over 500 species, with fish from both Indian and Pacific Oceans), sea and land birds (including many migratory ones), as well as some rare animals and manifold flora (61 native and 69 introduced species), can be observed here, in their natural habitat, in abundant numbers. What can you amuse yourself with on Keeling Islands? There is a wide array of things to do: island-hopping, fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, cycling, having picnics, visiting a museum and even playing golf — the choice is yours!
https://www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au/the-islands/cocos-keeling-islands/
The activity takes approximately four hours to explore Southern Atoll Lagoon and its remote islands.
https://sowherenext.co/travel-australia/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-cocos-keeling-islands-42792
The tour includes approximately two hours of observing sea turtles in their grazing areas while riding a motorised canoe. The population of turtles in the lagoon counts up to 30,000! Half of them are Green turtles, and half are Hawksbill turtles; the latter are considered critically endangered. Besides, you can see sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and an array of tropical fish in the lagoon reef.
Both tours also feature mooring at uninhabited islands, snorkelling with abundant wildlife, visiting historical sites, jungle walks, coconut husking, bird-watching, etc.
https://www.mikedrewtravel.com.au/cocos-keeling-islands-an-unspoilt-paradise/
You can choose either a glass bottom boat (min/max four guests) or a Polycraft (offshore and lagoon boat). By choosing the first option, you get the opportunity to snorkel, fish, and island-hop - all this in a small group. On your way, you will visit Direction, Prison, and Home Islands. By choosing the second option (in the lagoon), you sail to Horsburg Island, Phaeton and Catalina wrecks, plus snorkel and fish on the outer reefs of the atoll. Polycraft offshore tour is a bit different, providing more options for fishing and exploring offshore waters and requiring min/max of four guests. Snorkelling and island-hopping are also included.
https://www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au/the-islands/cocos-keeling-islands/
Over 20 fantastic diving sites are scattered throughout Cocos Islands lagoon. Transportation to Direction Island (considered Australia's best beach) is by sea scooter; the tour takes half a day and is suitable for families (with children over 12 y.o.), groups, couples, and solo travellers. Along the way, you will have a scenic boat ride during which you can expect encounters with diverse marine wildlife. Before snorkelling, you will be given a comprehensive tutorial (an SSI-certified programme).
https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/th/destinations/australia-and-south-pacific/cocos-keeling-islands-australias-actual-hidden-gem/
Shallow, warm lagoons and constant trade winds make Cocos Keeling Islands one of the best places on Earth for kitesurfing. The seasons for this activity last from May to June and from September to October. One-on-one lessons are available for all levels.
This exciting activity involves an 8-hour trek across 12 islands. During the walk, you will experience the beauty of the Cocos Islands and may encounter incredible wildlife.
Visit Cocos Farm, a coconut production company whose team will demonstrate its techniques and products. You can also participate in coconut chips, cream, and ice cream tastings and buy the products you like in the Farm Shop.
Besides, there is an opportunity to participate in a coconut jewellery workshop, where you will join local artisans in crafting your own unique piece of jewellery and a coconut bowl.
During the tour, participants will learn about history, a way of life, and cultural activities. They will also participate in a basket-weaving workshop and a sunset dinner.
https://www.indianoceanexperiences.com.au/the-islands/cocos-keeling-islands/cocos-keeling-accommodation/oceania-house/
The six-bedroom mansion was built by George Clunies-Ross in 1893 from bricks imported from Glasgow. In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited Oceania House; in her honour, one of the rooms was named. The mansion has an impressive library with over 2,000 books, several ballrooms, living rooms, and a study. In our days, Oceania House became a hotel, the most luxurious one in the Keeling Islands.
Tour guides will tell you the story of the Clunies-Ross dynasty and the house itself, showing you the rooms and the spacious botanical garden around the mansion.
https://thesmartlocal.com/read/cocos-keeling-islands-australia/
This institution on West Island offers various workshops, from mosaics to lino prints, basket weaving, and jewellery crafting. Come enjoy learning about the traditional crafts of the Cocos Islands and make your one-of-a-kind souvenir.
The museum's collection tells of Keeling Islands' history from the establishment of the first settlement (around 1826) to the present. You will learn about World Wars I and II's impact on Cocos Islands and see unique artefacts and treasures. The visit to the museum may be combined with the visit to Oceania House.
Tropika is a Halal-certified Cocos Malay/ Australian cuisine restaurant open seven days a week. It serves breakfast, lunch, and buffet dinner. In case you'd like to reserve a table, write your name on the blackboard.
Salty's Bakery & Grill is a little eatery located outside Cocos Airport. It serves coffee and a range of bakery goods which can be preordered. Working days are from Monday to Saturday; on Tuesdays and Fridays — the so-called plane days — the assortment of snacks is broader, including some takeaway to be enjoyed on the plane: for instance, sourdough bread is available (also for preorder). On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, Salty's Bakery serves homemade pizza; delicious Malay dishes can also be tasted on Tuesdays. Friday is a Fish & Chips Day; besides, you can enjoy local seafood. Another nice feature of this cafe is a 24/7 fridge (available also after hours) containing cold drinks and snacks. The payment can be put through the so-called honesty box.
Cocos Club is the main bar on Cocos Keeling Islands where you can have a cold drink and chat with the locals. Happy Hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The club contains a liqour store selling drinks that can be taken to your accommodation.
Kampong Cafe and Restaurant serves Cocos Malay meals and international favourites. It offers buffet dinners every day.
Sweet As Makan, a short walk from the jetty, offers views of Home Island's foreshore. It serves local and Western dishes, as well as coffee and sweet treats. On Wednesdays, you can join a Sunset Dinner (booking is required).
Cocos Picnics invites you to a 2.5-hour private picnic for two, set in a secluded location with all the amenities you may need. This experience won't allow you to stay indifferent, creating a magical reminiscence of beautiful Cocos Keeling Islands.
The number of options is pretty modest, with only 144 beds across West and Home Islands. Mind this when planning your holiday and book your stay in advance. However, accommodation types found here are various: self-contained apartments, beachside bungalows, family holiday houses, and so on. Let's review each of the available options on West and Home Islands.
Name |
Type |
Max. guests |
Highlights |
Amenities |
Cocos Cottages |
Cottage (2-4 nights) |
5 (in each) |
Views of the lagoon Cooling breeze Golf course Close to West Island settlement |
Two bedrooms WiFi Kitchen Laundry Bathroom (shower) BBQ Outdoor shower |
Cocos Seaview |
Apartments |
2 (in each) Children are not catered for |
Voted best accommodation 2012/213 and 2014/2015
|
Free airport transfer Free laundry WiFi Outdoor BBQ area On-site owners |
The Breakers |
Bungalow (down- and upstairs) |
2 (in each) No children under 14 y.o. |
Gardens surrounding the property Positioned in the heart of West Island’s village Complimentary access to tennis equipment, games, and books Close to the supermarket and eating-out spots Close to the ocean |
Twin/ king bed Private ensuite bathroom with toiletries Wardrobe Cookware Microwave oven Alarm clock TV Linen and towels Air conditioning Verandah (upstairs) |
The Castle |
Open plan holiday home |
8 (three bedrooms) |
Short walk to the beach, supermarket, Cocos Club, eateries, tennis courts, golf club Car hiring available
|
King beds Built-in robes Air conditioning (in living room /kitchen) Cooking and laundry facilities Linen and towels Internet Outdoor heated shower Lounge and dining area |
ninetysixeast |
Bed & breakfast |
2 |
Airport transfer Reef rock poo Oceanfront position 200 m to the settlement centre Cocos Buggy (for 2 days) Introductory Buggy tour |
Queen-sized, ensuite room Air conditioning TV, radio, wireless internet bar fridge tea/coffee making facilities |
The Bird’s Nest |
Self-contained apartment |
2 |
Private garden and a patio Easy access to the beach Views over the ocean Airport transfer Less than 100 m from the centre of town |
Queen-sized bed, sofa Air conditioning En-suite bathroom Linen and towels Fridge with freezer Washing machine Microwave oven Cookware Picnic pack TV and DVD player Safe Car parking |
Beachcombers Cottage |
A holiday house (self-contained) |
8 (4 rooms) |
Waterfront position (30 m to the beach) Complimentary use of biking, paddleboarding,kayaking, snorkelling, fishing equipment Large alfresco area with an outdoor kitchen Airport shuttle Outside entertaining area (board games, books) |
King-size x 1 Single bed x 2 Kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine) WiFi Linen and towels BBQ TV, DVD Cot on request On-site parking Outdoor bath /shower |
Seaward Cocos |
Self-contained cottage |
4 (2 rooms) Accepts children over 10 |
Environmentally responsible Close to the beach Lagoon view deck for outdoor dining Ocean view deck for lounging 5-minutes walk to the town centre |
King-size and queen-size bed Fully equipped kitchen WiFi Linen and towels Sound system Apple TV Washing machine BBQ Separate shower (+ outdoor) |
Cocos Escape House |
Self-contained cottage |
4 (2 rooms) |
Ocean and lagoon views Two patio decks A short stroll to the main street |
One king and one queen bed Fully equipped kitchen Tea and coffee facilities Smart TV, DVD Linen and towels Washing machine Internet |
Tropical Nook |
Self-contained studio |
2 |
150 m stroll to the beach 500 m stroll to the town centre Secluded deck surrounded by lush vegetation Free airport transfer |
Queen bed Full kitchen (no oven) Air-conditioning Bathroom Basic laundry facilities |
Name |
Type |
No. of guests |
Room name |
Room capacity |
Oceania House |
Federation-style mansion built between 1887-1904 |
3
|
Daphne Room
|
A queen bed and a single bed with ensuite |
2 |
George Clunies-Ross Room |
One queen bed, no ensuite |
||
2 |
John Sidney Room |
One queen bed, no ensuite |
||
4 |
King’s Room |
Two queen beds with ensuite |
||
3 |
Queen Elizabeth II Room |
One queen bed with ensuite |
||
2 |
Rose Room |
One queen bed with ensuite |
https://www.mikedrewtravel.com.au/cocos-keeling-islands-an-unspoilt-paradise/
Cocos Keeling Islands is a unique piece of paradise found in the Indian Ocean. It may not have historic architecture, museums with rich art collections, and many things to do. Instead, here, you can feel united with nature, see the way people live away from civilisation, and experience the simple joys of their lives. Interact with wonderful tropical surroundings, exploring them both on land and underwater, and observe the plants and animals you have never seen before. Learn to do things customary for local people and unusual for people living in modern metropolises. Let all your worries and cares float away as you relax and breathe out in the beautiful, pristine Cocos Keeling Islands.