island, ocean, sea, lagoon, beach, landscape, nature, water, tourism, bay, tropical, sand, coast, idyllic, travel, aerial view, summer

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a remote Australian coral atoll territory in the Indian Ocean, where quiet lagoons, palm-lined beaches and Cocos Malay culture create a low-key tropical escape.

Passengers

Luggage

About Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a remote Australian external territory formed by two coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia. With a small population, warm tropical waters and an unhurried pace, it offers a quiet island experience far removed from mainstream tourism.

Most of the territory's residents live on West Island, the administrative centre, and Home Island, home to the Cocos Malay community and the settlement of Bantam. Nearby Direction Island is a popular day-trip destination, while North Keeling Island forms the protected Pulu Keeling National Park.

The islands feature turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, coconut palms and rich marine life, with snorkelling, kite surfing, fishing and beachcombing among the main activities. Local culture blends Cocos Malay traditions, Islamic heritage and Australian administration, and historic sites reflect the islands' coconut-plantation and shipping past.

As an Australian territory, the islands are reached mainly by scheduled flights from Perth to Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport on West Island. Travel is low-volume and nature-focused, appealing to divers, kite surfers, birdwatchers and travellers seeking a genuinely remote tropical escape.

The territory's small transport network includes the airport on West Island, a passenger ferry linking West Island and Home Island, and a short network of local roads. Private transfers, rental cars and organised group transport are practical for short island journeys and connections between the airport, accommodation and the ferry.

Turquoise lagoon and coconut palms fringing the white-sand shoreline of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands atoll in the Indian Ocean.

Country Information

Capital
West Island
Region
Southeast Asia (Indian Ocean)
Population
593
Area
14 km²
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Best time to visit
April – November
Visa
Australian visa or ETA rules apply

Why Visit Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

Pristine Lagoon

Swim, snorkel and dive in a clear tropical lagoon fringed by coral reefs, white-sand beaches and calm turquoise water.

Cocos Malay Culture

Experience Home Island's Cocos Malay community, traditions, cuisine and historic Bantam settlement.

Remote Atoll Escape

Explore a low-key Australian atoll territory of coconut palms, seabirds and quiet island life in the Indian Ocean.

Travel Services in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Transfers

Travel between Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport on West Island, accommodation and the West Island–Home Island ferry with private transfer options.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel around West Island, ferry connections, sightseeing or local errands.

Charter Bus

Arrange charter buses or minibuses for group transfers, tours and event travel across West Island and to the ferry terminal.

Car Rental

Rent a car on West Island for independent trips between the airport, beaches, golf course, shops and ferry connections.

Travel Essentials

Language
English (official), Cocos Malay
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time zone
CCT (UTC+06:30)
Driving side
Left
Emergency
000
Power plug
Type I
Country code
+61

Frequently Asked Questions