Flights to Cocos (Keeling) Islands from AUD $1,099*

Travelling to Cocos Keeling Islands

Virgin Australia offers two flights each week to the Cocos Keeling Islands departing from Perth.

The islands are Australian territory so a passport and/or visa is not required. However, you will need to show photo identification for each traveller - including children - to clear customs and immigration.

Please note that departures leave from the international terminal at Perth Airport, and we recommend arriving at least two-hours before your flight departure time

Baggage

Baggage is restricted to 23kg per person for checked baggage and 7kg for carry-on baggage.

Excess baggage, like food boxes or fishing equipment, are carried on a subject-to-load basis. They are not guaranteed to uplift on the same flight and can arrive on following flights. Always pack your essentials, such as medication, in your carry-on.

If you’re travelling with additional baggage, you can nominate one checked item as priority.

Airport transfers

All flights to the Cocos Keeling Islands land on West Island. The island exceeds 10 km end-to-end and hiring a car or an e-bike in advance to get around is highly recommended.

There are no taxi services or public transport buses available, beyond a local bus to the ferry jetty.

The public ferry runs six days a week between West and Home Island, check out the timetable here.

At the airport, most accommodation hosts offer a free meet and greet, and transfer - just ask if you’re unsure or you need a ride.

If you’re staying on Home Island, do as the locals do and hire an electric buggy to get around and explore.

Money

The currency on Cocos Keeling Islands is Australian Dollars. Most outlets accept credit cards but it’s recommended to bring cash and some small change with you in case of outages, and for the public ferry.

Weather & climate

With its tropical climate, the Cocos Keeling Islands are warm year round. Any time is the perfect time to go!

Cocos Keeling Islands has two main seasons. From May/June to September/October there are trade winds, which make the islands a mecca for kitesurfers. The calmer, less breezy season is from November to May.

There’s an average annual rainfall of 2000mm and while tropical showers can be frequent, most days are sunny. With the water temperature rarely dropping below 26 degrees celcius, jumping in the ocean when it’s raining is an ideal activity.

What to pack

It’s low key and relaxed on the Cocos Keeling Islands, with shorts and thongs - or barefeet - the local attire.

When visiting Home Island though, please respect the local culture and bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

You’ll also need to pack items for days on the beach and ocean swims, mosquito spray and suncare. For those bringing food, pack food options that meet dietary preferences or restrictions as groceries are limited. There are two small supermarkets, one on West Island and one on Home Island, with a range of ingredients including frozen meat and some fresh produce available.

There is a health service available staffed by one GP and nurses, however it is essential to bring all required medication with you.

Communications

You can pack your phone but please be aware there is no mobile reception available anywhere on the islands. Some accommodation properties offer WiFi or data can be purchased from the local Community Resource Centre and used at several WiFi hotspots.

Want to know the best time to travel to the Cocos Keeling Islands and what to do? Check out our guide below.

Best time to visit

It’s warm year-round on Cocos Keeling Islands, and the water temperature stays at a balmy 26 degrees celcius.

For those interested in kitesurfing, the trade wind season from May/June to September/October is the best time to go.

As accommodation and tours are limited - which is part of what makes the islands so special - it’s recommended to book as far in advance as possible.

Things to do

The islands have been called a place where time forgot, where locals follow a relaxed island time rhythm and activities are all about getting back to nature.

For ocean lovers, the Cocos Keeling Islands offer over 450,000 square kilometres of protected marine park, making the destination ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, sports fishing, swimming and more.

Of the 27 islands that make up the atoll, only two are inhabited - the rest are waiting to be explored.

All tours are run by locals, with activities ranging from island hopping via boat or motorised canoe, e-biking on West Island to gourmet picnics on secluded beaches under the palms.

There’s also a cultural tour where visitors can explore Home Island and the unique Cocos Malay culture, hear about the incredible wartime dramas and history, and visit 1890’s mansion Oceania House.

Spaces are limited for organised activities and do fill up. It’s recommended to book well ahead.

Travel insurance

Given the remote location of the Cocos Keeling Islands and limited infrastructure, purchasing travel insurance ahead of your trip to ensure you’re covered for unforeseen events is highly recommended.

Our partner Cover-More offers two levels of insurance coverage for travel, Comprehensive and Essentials. Get a quote for travel insurance today.