Cocos Islands

The Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands (or simply Cocos Islands or Keeling Islands) is in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island.

For information on Cocos Island a nationally protected jungle-covered island and national park, 300m off the coast of Costa Rica. please see Cocos Island National Park.

Understand

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Cocos lies approximately 12° south and 96.5° east, locating the islands in the humid tropical zone.

There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William Keeling discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.

Climate

Cocos experiences two main seasons which tend to overlap: the trade wind season from April / May to September / October and the calmer doldrum season from November through to April. Expect higher rainfall during March through to July. January through to August, may also generate the occasional low pressure system (usually between February and April). However these systems do not normally interfere with holiday plans. Rain usually falls in the evenings, bringing glorious sunny days! The average annual rainfall is 2000mm! Temperatures are fairly consistent no matter what the season, remaining around a comfortable 29°C with a minimum evening temperature rarely dropping below 20°C.

Landscape

Flat, low-lying coral atolls, thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation.

Tourist Information

Monday: 0800 to 1700 Tuesday - Thursday: 0800 - 1430 Friday: 0800 - 1600 Saturday (early flight): 1300 - 1600 Saturday (late flight): 1400 - 1700 Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

info@cocos-tourism.cc

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association Inc. PO Box 1030 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Indian Ocean WA 6799 Ph: +61 8 9162 6790 Fax: +61 8 9162 6696

Climate

Cocos experiences two main seasons which tend to overlap: the trade wind season from April / May to September / October and the calmer doldrum season from November through to April. Expect higher rainfall during March through to July. January through to August, may also generate the occasional low pressure system (usually between February and April). However these systems do not normally interfere with holiday plans. Rain usually falls in the evenings, bringing glorious sunny days! The average annual rainfall is 2000mm! Temperatures are fairly consistent no matter what the season, remaining around a comfortable 29°C with a minimum evening temperature rarely dropping below 20°C.

Regions

There are two inhabited islands in the group West Island and Home Island.

Passenger ferries run to Direction Island every Saturday.

There are several uninhabited islands.

• Horsburgh Island

• North Keeling Island - A national park, with access only with permission from Parks Australia.

• South Island

Getting there

By plane

• There is one airport on West Island that receives two National Jet flights a week from Perth, usually stopping over at Christmas Island and Exmouth either on the way or the way back. Oneway/return is A$840/$1680, with advance purchase returns available for $1098.

• Every second Saturday, an additional flight from National Jet departs to the Islands operating every two weeks. Flight departs Perth at 0945 (WST) on an alternating schedule. More information can be obtained through your travel agent.

• Virgin Blue will commence services from Thursday 1 April 2010 with twice weekly flights to Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island and an additional third weekly flight to Christmas Island only which will be reassessed after six months, subject to demand. This service will be underwritten by the Federal Government.

• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are one and a half hours behind Western Standard Time (WST) and three and a half hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Australian citizens do not need a passport, but must carry some form of photographic identification.

By boat

There are no harbours.

Traveling around

A local bus service from West Island Settlement to the jetty operates approximately 20 minutes prior to the departure of the ferry to Home Island. On Saturday the ferry diverts to Direction Island to allow tourists and locals access to this remote paradise. The ferry returns in the afternoon to return you to West Island. Timetables are available from the Tourism office or the Duty Free Shop.

• A Car Rental, +61 8 9162 7646

• Cocos Autos, +61 8 9162 7661

• AW & KJ James Car Hire, +61 8 9162 7717

• Cocos Surf Shop, +61 8 9162 6768, In the Airport Complex

Eat

There are two restaurants on Cocos. The Tropika Restaurant is on West Island, whilst Bunga Melati is on Home Island.

Malay cuisine is a selection of rice, noodles, curry and chilli, featuring chicken, beef, lamb and seafood dishes. Food is prepared to be flavoursome and not particularly hot, unless requested. The Tropika caters to western style meals with a selection of meats, vegetables and salads available from the bistro. In the case of all three restaurants, meals are reasonably priced and rarely exceed AUD20.00 per person.

• Tropika, +61 8 9162 6672, Located on West Island in the Cocos Beach Motel

• Bunga Melati, +61 8 9162 7633, The restaurant will open for lunch or dinner on request, Located on Home Island in the small business centre

Don't want to eat at a restaurant? Usually, every third Friday, the different social clubs of Cocos prepare a "food night" at the Cocos Club. Excellently priced meals are offered along with raffles and good natured fun. Come along, share a meal. The Cocos Club also offers visitors a great venue to get to know the locals and join in with any activity that is happening.

Sleep

This 28 room motel is centrally located right in the middle of town, right on the beach and only across the road from the Cocos Club, airport and a short walk to the supermarket. Many of the rooms have direct views to the Indian Ocean. Ideally suited to couples, singles or twin. Private ensuite and air conditioned. Three family rooms are available. On site restaurant - The Tropika.

• Cocos Beach Motel , +61 8 9162 6702, +61 8 9162 6702

Architecturally designed cottages, purpose built tourist accommodation, overlooking the golf course and the lagoon. They offer spacious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large undercover deck areas and on site BBQ area. Located within easy walking distance of the supermarket, Cocos Club, tennis courts, golf club, restaurants and other facilities.

• http://www.cocos-cottages.cc/ , (08) 9244-3801, (08) 9244-3801

Buy

• Supermarket, +61 8 9162 6676, Clunies-Ross Avenue

• Telecentre, +61 8 9162 7707, Open 5 days a week, Administration building

• Australia Post , +61 8 9162 6645

• Cocos Club, +61 8 9162 6688, Open 7 days a week

Stay healthy

Fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs.

Safety

Cyclone season is October to April.

Explore

Take cultural tours with some of the local tour operators or guide yourself around the islands to explore why they call the Cocos Islands a "nature and water lover's paradise".

During the year, as well as the traditional events such as Easter, New Year, Christmas etc, Cocos hosts a number of unique events. These include the annual Lagoon swim, where competitors swim from Home Island across the lagoon to West Island. Individuals or teams may enter and whether you are a serious contender or wish to join in with the Hash House Harriers (who always seem to get themselves disqualified for one thing or another), everyone has a load of fun. It finishes in the evening with dinner and presentations to the winners and boat drivers.

Other unique events are the mid-year Cocos Ball, quiz nights, Music & Wine festival, Ardmona Cup and Cocos Olympics. All visitors are encouraged to join in with these festivities and activities. Exact dates vary from year to year. Please check with the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association before booking for particular events.

Don't forget visitors to the Island are also welcome to participate in the School Fete, Sports Carnival and concert events.

• Cocos Diving , +61 8 9162 6515, +61 8 9162 6515, Cocos Dive, PO Box 1015, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean WA 6799,Australia

• 2ND WIND SAILBOARDS , July through to August only

• KEBUDAYAAN & HOME ISLAND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TOUR, 7:30AM-2:30PM

• West Island Orientation Tour, Bookings are essential at the CKI Tourism Visitor's Centre

• Pulu Keeling National Park,