ROAD RULES & REGULATIONS
Most Western Australian road rules apply on Cocos, which include wearing
seat belts and not carrying any passengers in open utes. The AFP
is responsible
for policing these rules and we ask that visitors respect them. Please
note that on the "highway" the maximum speed limit is
50km and around town 30km. Pushbike helmets are mandatory.
AIRPORT MANAGEMENT
Cocos (Keeling) Islands airport enjoys the rare luxury of not being fully
fenced. However due to recent changes in Federal Aviation Transport Security
Legislation, access across or onto the runway is no longer
permitted , except under specific circumstances for authorised
persons only. You will notice the runway strip is defined by white gable
markers. These markers act as an invisible fence-line. Please remain outside
these markers at all times or you may risk prosecution. Your co-operation
is essential in maintaining airport safety and benefits our community's
efforts endeavour to not fence the whole airport.
RESTAURANTS:
Located in the Cocos Beach Motel complex is the Tropika Restaurant
which serves three meals a day. Again, the emphasis is to eat early as
the restaurant closes 8.00pm sharp! Bookings are essential. Please write
your name on the chalk board outside the restaurant prior to 4pm.
Dory's on Cocos. Located in the old Admiralty building. Dory's of Cocos offers home made cakes & slices,sweet & savoury muffins and pastries, freshly brewed coffee and tea and Sunday breakfast. If you have a special occasion and would like a delicious evening meal, speak with Pam who is only too happy to assist.
On Home Island the "Bunga Melati" offers authentic Malay cuisine. Bunga Melati is opened Wednesday evenings (except during Ramadan & Hari Raya celebrations) to coincide with the return ferry service to West Island. It is also opened for lunch on requests. Bookings are essential.
Don't want to eat at a restaurant? Every three weeks, 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 and get to know the locals. There are also several picnic / bbq areas on West Island for visitors to use. The supermarket carries a small variety of frozen meat, chicken and fish and fresh salad vegetables. Or for the fisherman, sizzle a freshly caught trevally or sweetlip on the bbq!
TRANSPORT:
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.
Bike hire is available on West Island from The Surf Shop. Vehicle hire can be organised with Cocos Autos, Geof Christie's A-Rental or Ash & Kylie James, all have a selection of utes or twin cabs. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you pre-book your vehicle with Cocos Solutions or your travel agent prior to your arrival.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Packing for a holiday can be interesting, especially when you get there
and find you really don't have the right attire. Pretty simple on Cocos!
Shorts, t-shirts, sarongs and swimming costumes has it covered. For the
feet, we usually suggest comfortable sandals or joggers and footwear for
reef walking. Unless you are visiting when there is a special function,
evening wear is definitely not required. Apart from covering shoulders
and knees on Home Island, casual and comfortable is the dress code. We
suggest you ask your travel agent or contact us regarding likely up and
coming "formal" events.
WHAT TO BRING:
Baggage allowance with National Jet Systems is strictly limited
to 20kg plus 4kg carry on luggage. Excess baggage is charged
at AUD$10.00 per kilo and there is no guarantee it will travel with you.
Essential services, ie mail, fresh produce and vital supplies to the
Islands are given priority. We suggest where possible to limit your clothing
and bring the important items you
just
can't
be without.
The supermarket is well stocked, however being small, it does not always have the food you may be used to. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be ordered from the supermarket if your visit to Cocos is say longer than one week. Ask your accommodation provider to assist.
Alcohol may be purchased at usually less than duty free prices from either the West Island Supermarket or the Cocos Club. Quarantine allows the entry of food purchased in Perth. However, please declare at entry to Cocos.
HINT: If you are travelling as a group, check in together and spread the weight between everyone. It is amazing just how much extra you can bring.
Oh! And if you have a newspaper, this is highly sought after and considered as legal tender.
CLUBS ON COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS:
There are a number of "sporting / drinking" clubs on Cocos all of whom welcome visitors to their midst.
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS: A drinking club with a running problem. A scheduled 3km walk and a 5km run happens every Tuesday afternoon. Bring along your favourite tipple for after run "down downs". Details of meeting place usually on blackboard outside the Cocos Club.
TENNIS: Although Island fixtures are usually held on Tuesday evening. Visitors to the island may gain access during other times of the day and non-fixture evenings.
GOLF: Scroungers is held on Wednesday afternoon. Golf clubs may be accessed at other times of the day. Have fun on our acclaimed "runway" golf course. If you hear the runway siren, a plane is on its final descent! Adds a new dimension to: "look left, look right and look left again"!
NORTH PARK: For the men of the Island. Held every Friday afternoon at 4.30pm at North Park just north of the main Settlement. A $8.00 donation gets you access to the Esky. Solve the problems of the world with "the committee that really cares".
SOUTH PARK: For the ladies of the Island. Held every Friday afternoon at a venue to be advised. Check out the blackboard at the Cocos Club for details. Everyone is welcome!
ANNUAL FUNCTIONS:
During the year, the locals of Cocos kick up their heels and celebrate!
On West Island functions such as the Mid-Year Ball (held in June), Wine
& Music Festival, St Patrick's Day, Melbourne Cup and the New Years
Eve extravaganza are also available for tourists to enjoy. The highlights
of the Cocos Malay calendar are Ramadan and Hari Raya religious festivals.
Before visiting Cocos (Keeling) Islands check with the Tourism Association or your travel agent to see if you can be a part of any of these great events. Alternatively, please email Cocos Solutions for details.
