Flights to Cocos (Keeling) Islands

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Travelling to Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Get ready for the ultimate tropical island holiday. A remote dot on the map in the vast Indian Ocean, laze on idyllic white sand beaches, snorkel in clear, warm waters, and adventure with boating, fishing, kitesurfing, birdwatching, diving and more. With its unique Cocos Malay community and laid-back, relaxed culture, the Cocos Keeling Islands is the perfect destination to explore and disconnect.

Ready for your next holiday adventure? Book flights to the Cocos Keeling Islands with Virgin Australia today.


Aerial view of Cocos Keeling Islands

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.

Car riding between palm trees on Cocos Keeling Islands

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.

Colourful entrance of the Pulu Cocos Museum

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.

Blue sky day at Cocos Keeling Islands

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.

Man in linen shirt and shorts fishing on the white sand shores of Cocos Keeling Islands

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.

Travellers stop at a white sand atoll while exploring the Cocos Keeling Islands

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.

Flying to Cocos Keeling Islands - Quick facts

Plane

Airbus A320

Airport

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport (CCK)

Airport transfer time

5mins to West Island accommodation

Average flight time

6hr

Timezone

GMT +6:30

Cabins

Economy


Flying to Cocos Keeling Islands - Frequently asked questions

The average flight time of a flight to Cocos Keeling Islands on Virgin Australia from Perth is 6 hours, with one stop.


*Note: flights to Cocos Keeling Islands times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.

No, as the islands are Australian territory, a passport and/or visa is not required. However, you will need to show photo identification for each traveller.


*Changes must be made prior to your travel date. Fare differences may apply. Cancellation to Travel Bank only as a Future Flight credit. Refund to original form of payment is not available.

Economy Lite: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Lite fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seat selection and checked baggage are not included in Economy Lite fares. Payment surcharge may apply. Economy Lite fares are not recommended if you require flexibility with your travel as cancellations are not permitted and you may need to pay a fee and any fare difference to make a change. For other fare types, a fee and fare difference may be payable for changing or cancelling your booking. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for Economy Lite and Choice fares if you cancel your booking. Refunds are permitted for Economy Flex fares on payment of a fee. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full terms and conditions at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Choice: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for this fare if you cancel your booking but may be requested for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Flex: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are permitted for a fee if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Business: Price is based on a one-way Business fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply. Changes incur any applicable fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees page for details. Refunds are permitted if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com