Getting here and park information
The location of Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Perth on mainland Australia.
Travel to Cocos Islands from Australia is administered as International Travel and quarantine, immigration, visa and passport controls apply.
There are commercial tour operators who offer scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, sailing and fishing experiences for visitors to the Cocos Islands, however no commercial fishing tours or sailing is permitted in the park. Visitors to North Keeling Island can explore the park's reef and ship wreck of SMS Emden (with a permit). Virgin Blue offers flights to Cocos Island every Tuesday and Saturday find out more at the Cocos (keeling) Islands tourism website.
Getting to Pulu Keeling National Park
Access to Pulu Keeling National Park, on North Keeling island, can be hazardous as it involves swimming, from a boat across the reef, to the shore. Permits are required to access the park. Visitors must be guided around North Keeling Island by either park staff or a permitted tour guide.
The journey from the main Cocos atoll to North Keeling Island takes 1.5 hours. Visitors get taken by inflatable boat to as close to the shore as is safe, and they must then swim through the surf over the reef to land on the island. Depending on weather conditions, the island can be inaccessible.
Before going ashore visitors footwear and clothing will be checked by the guide to minimise the accidental introduction of weeds and pathogens.
Good sun protection, stout footwear and plenty of drinking water and food is necessary for an enjoyable stay ashore.
