Birdwatching

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer the avid birdwatcher.

the chance to combine sightings of 39 breeding or resident bird species with an iconic and remote tropical island experience. Unforgettable!

East Asian - Australian flyway The Cocos (Keeling) Islands intercept the southwest extremity of the East Asian - Australian flyway, while Pulu Keeling National Park is inscribed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. Migratory shorebirds are the most travelled migrants, following the sun on their 25,000 km annual round trip from the Arctic Circle through South-East Asia and Australia to New Zealand. The non-breeding cycle, which takes place in the southern hemisphere, occurs from September to April. While feeding and replenishing their fat reserves during this time, sightings occur across all the islands of the Cocos Keeling group. Dedicated birding tours work closely with on-island operators and Parks Australia to access many sighting spots across the atoll. Travel to Pulu Keeling National Park is limited, as there is no regular ferry service. The best possible months are November to April, although there are no guarantees that any planned day trip will actually depart due to weather conditions. Travel is restricted to permit holders and any landing is only ever possible with a Parks Australia officer. Recent sightings Recent recorded sightings of the endemic Cocos Buff-banded Rail, Saunders Tern, Red-tailed Tropicbird (or Silver Bosunbird), White Tern, Sooty Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Masked Booby, Common Sandpiper, White-throated Needletail and Ruddy Turnstone are to name but a few.
	Cocos Buff-banded rail
	White tern
	Frigate bird

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Locals

The Cocos Malay inhabitants of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have been largely sealed off from the outside world. Few outsiders have lived among them and very little has been recorded of their cultural practices and traditions. This tiny society has been held together for eight generations by its very isolation, shared economic endeavour, strong family loyalty, a deep commitment to Islam and a unique version of the old 'Trading Malay' language of the East Indies.

Cocos Playground

Surrounded by the serene sapphire-blue of the Indian Ocean, Cocos is the perfect playground for water-based activities. Start with a day trip to the holiday paradise of Direction Island where you can relax on exquisite white sand beaches and swim in the cool, clear water of the lagoon.

Direction Island is the place to snorkel the world famous 'Rip', renowned for its diverse marine life of colourful fish and corals, reef sharks, huge wrasse and moray eels. Exploring 'the Rip' is a spectacular experience - make sure you familiarise yourself with signage on the island before you plunge in.

If more leisurely snorkelling suits you, wander off the beach and find one of the many coral 'bommies'. You can hover above and watch what goes on in Cocos' busy aquatic communities.

Explore the interior

Direction Island is just as fascinating on land. Palm trees are covered with calling card paraphernalia and memorabilia from visiting round-the-world yachties, shelters dot the island, and a maze of pathways criss-cross the interior.

Of course, you can also just laze away the day in a hammock strung between two palm trees - the perfect Cocos Islands experience!

Camping

If you'd like to truly get to know the tranquillity and remoteness of Direction Island, camping is permitted. To make the most of your adventure, you'll need to arrive fully self-sufficient as there is no drinking water or electricity.

The ferry operates twice a week on Thursday and Saturday to whisk you across the lagoon, so get packing!

National Park

The conservation significance of North Keeling was clearly recognised when the island was recommended to become a national park or nature reserve by two House of Representative committees in 1990 and 1991, following its listing on the Register of the National Estate in 1990.

In 1993, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council resolved in principle to lease North Keeling Island to the Commonwealth for the creation of a national park. The lease was finalised in 1995 and stipulated that the island must be developed as a national park of world standard.

Proclamation of Pulu Keeling National Park in December 1995 ensures the long-term conservation of the island's unique biodiversity and safeguards its natural and historical attributes for the benefit of the local, national and international communities.

As of July 2000, wildlife protection and management and national park management in the territory is carried out under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Regulations.

Pulu Keeling National Park is also the final resting place of the remains of the infamous German Raider, the SMS Emden which was sent to destroy the Cable Station on Direction Island in November 1914. A battle raged between the HMAS Sydney I and the SMS Emden. Being totally outgunned by the Sydney, the captain of the Emden finally ran his vessel aground. Not much remains of this once mighty warship, however, it is now protected by the Historical Shipwrecks Act.

Access to the Park can be hazardous and the island's habitats and animals are sensitive to disturbances by humans. Public access is only permitted in the company of Parks Australia staff or licensed tour operators. Please check with the staff at the Parks Australia office for current visitor access requirements.