Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia's Last Unspoilt Paradise

 

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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!

 

See And Do

 

Motorised Outrigger Canoeing Tour

 

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.

 

Turtle Tour

 

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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.

 

Boat Ride

 

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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.

 

Scuba Diving

 

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).

 

Kitesurfing

 

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.

 

Atoll Walk

 

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.

 

Coconut Discovery Tour

 

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.

 

Home Island Cultural Tour

 

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.

 

Oceania House Historic Tour

 

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.

 

The Big Barge Art Centre

 

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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.

 

Home Island (Pulu Cocos) Museum

 

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.

 

Dining Venues

 

West Island

 

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.

 

Home Island

 

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.

 

Accommodation

 

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.

 

West Island — a total of 19 accommodations

 

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
Queen-size x 2

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

 

Home Island

 

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

 

In Conclusion

 

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.