Discover West Island and find hotels
Accommodation in West Island
West Island is home to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport and most of the accommodation in the island group. If you are looking for a hotel, the distribution of accommodation is a helpful starting point; it may change. So check current listings when planning your stay. As well as helping you get your bearings for your trip, the island offers club activities, an art gallery and ferry connections to other islands.
Getting to and finding your way around West Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport is on West Island. The ferry to Home Island and Direction Island departs from Rumah Baru. The jetty is about five kilometres north of the settlement on West Island. This makes the airport and ferry jetty distinct landmarks to consider when planning your trip. Ferry details can change; check the latest information before travelling.
Club activities and local art
Visitors can take part in Hash House Harriers activities and golf activities run by the Cocos Club. Details are posted on the board outside the club. Activities are usually organised by volunteers, so checking the board will help you get the specific information you need for your plans.
Another part of the island’s offerings is the Big Barge Art Gallery on West Island. Housed in the restored Big Barge, it showcases original local artworks for sale. These include paintings, photographic canvases, textiles, carvings and jewellery. The selection features a range of materials and forms, from paintings and photographic canvases to textiles, carvings and jewellery. If you are interested in local art, the gallery is a specific place to visit on West Island.
A nearby destination: Pulu Maraya
Pulu Maraya is near West Island. From Scout Park, the island can be reached on foot at mid to low tide; plan your visit according to the tidal conditions. At the southern tip, you can watch fish beneath the rock overhangs on a drift snorkelling tour. Getting there and the snorkelling experience are separate aspects of the outing: the tide matters for walking there, while watching the fish is described as part of the drift snorkelling tour.
More experiences on Cocos Islands
On Home Island, local operators offer guided cultural tours that include snorkelling, diving, island hopping and fishing. What is available may vary; check availability in advance. Experiences on Home Island also include Ossie’s Culture Tour and traditional crafts such as basket weaving and woodwork. These offerings are on Home Island and provide a separate way to enjoy your stay on Cocos Islands.
The public ferry to Direction Island runs from West Island and Home Island twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. As ferry details can change, check the service before you travel. Direction Island is home to Cossie’s Beach and a lagoon with crystal-clear water. The Rip is a natural drift snorkelling spot there. The surrounding sea is home to reef fish, colourful corals, reef sharks, Maori wrasse and parrotfish; sightings may vary. Check local conditions before entering the water.
Direction Island has wood-fired barbecues and shaded pondoks, or shelters, for picnics. If these facilities are important to your plans, confirm their current condition before travelling. This will help you distinguish between the offerings on West Island, the tide-dependent access to Pulu Maraya, and destinations on Home Island or Direction Island when choosing your outings.
For the broader travel overview: Cocos Islands.
