Christmas Island & Cocos (Keeling) Islands Combo
Depart from Perth and spend 7 nights on each island, exploring red crab rainforests, coral reefs, and Malay village atolls.
This itinerary is structured around Monday flights: fly to Christmas Island on Monday, transfer to Cocos the following Monday, and return to Perth on the third Monday, staying 7 nights on each island. Christmas Island focuses on rainforests, red crabs, and rugged coasts (requiring a 4WD), while Cocos highlights lagoons, ferry hops, and Home Island's Malay culture. Though long, the daily pace is relaxed, making it ideal for birdwatchers, divers, and remote island enthusiasts. If short on time, Friday flights can be used to shorten the trip.
Red crab migration usually occurs from October to December, with dates varying based on the wet season; some roads close during the migration.
Day by day
Day 1 · Monday: Fly to Christmas Island
Christmas Island（Flying Fish Cove、Territory Day Park）
Fly about 4 hours from Perth to Christmas Island on Monday, pick up your 4WD, and spend the afternoon around Flying Fish Cove.
Book flights as a multi-city ticket. Schedules are subject to change, so verify with the airline.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 2 · Chinese & Malay Culture & Grotto
Christmas Island（Tai Jin House、The Grotto）
Take short drives around the Settlement and Poon Sa, and head to the Grotto in the northeast corner in the afternoon (under 30 minutes one way).
Restaurant opening days vary and online hours can be inaccurate; confirm details once on the island.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 3 · Southern Beach Hike
Christmas Island（Greta Beach、Dolly Beach）
Drive your 4WD south along unsealed roads to the trailhead, then hike to the beach (takes most of the day round-trip).
Dolly Beach is a nesting site for sea turtles; do not approach their nests, and avoid swimming when waves are rough.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 4 · The Dales & Blowholes in the West
Christmas Island（The Dales、The Blowholes）
Drive through the national park to the west coast (about 1 hour on dirt roads). Both the freshwater streams and blowholes require hiking.
The only petrol station is in Flying Fish Cove and is closed on Sundays; fill up before you head out.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 5 · Rainforest Red Crabs or Diving Day
Christmas Island（Christmas Island Red Crab Migration、Christmas Island National Park）
During migration season, walk around the Settlement to view the crabs. In other seasons, go diving or drive into the national park.
Drive slowly during the red crab migration and detour if roads are closed; check local road status updates.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 6 · East Coast Beaches & Snorkeling
Christmas Island（Ethel Beach、Lily Beach）
Drive about 30 minutes to the east coast. Ethel Beach and Lily Beach are adjacent; spend the day snorkeling and watching boobies.
Sea conditions are better during the dry season from June to August. Ethel Beach is one of the easier spots to enter the water.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 7 · Birdwatching & Free Day
Christmas Island（Margaret Knoll Lookout）
Drive to the lookout in the morning to spot frigatebirds. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or catching up on missed sights.
The petrol station and some shops are closed on Sundays; stock up on supplies in advance.
Stay: The Settlement (Flying Fish Cove)
Day 8 · Monday: Fly to Cocos
Return your car in the afternoon and fly about 1.5 hours to West Island. Take a shuttle or walk to your accommodation, and watch the sunset by the beach.
Supermarkets are closed when you arrive on Monday; pre-order food through a local cafe.
Stay: West Island
Day 9 · West Island Town & Lagoon
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（West Island Settlement）
Walk around the settlement in the morning to visit the art center. Rent a car or motorized buggy to explore the main road, and join a lagoon boat tour in the afternoon.
Stay: West Island
Day 10 · Wednesday: Home Island Culture Day
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（Home Island、Home Island Museum (Pulu Cocos Museum)、Oceania House）
Take a 25-minute ferry to Home Island in the morning and explore on foot. There is a late ferry back to West Island on Wednesdays.
As this is a Muslim community, please dress conservatively (covering shoulders and knees). Cultural tours and Oceania House require reservations.
Stay: West Island
Day 11 · Thursday: Direction Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（Cossies Beach, Direction Island、The Rip）
Take the morning ferry via Home Island to Direction Island, spend about 6 hours there, and return the same way in the afternoon.
The ferry only runs on Thursdays and Saturdays. There are no shops on the island; bring your own food, water, and snorkel gear.
Stay: West Island
Day 12 · Lagoon Island Charter
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（Prison Island、Horsburgh Island）
Charter a boat with a local skipper for a half-day or full-day trip to islands not served by the ferry, such as Prison Island and Horsburgh Island.
These islands are only accessible by charter or boat rental; contact a skipper in advance.
Stay: West Island
Day 13 · Wading & Snorkeling at the South End
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（South Lagoon & Pulu Maraya）
Drive to the southern end of West Island's main road. Wade across to Pulu Maria at mid-tide, or try kiteboarding here.
Wading and snorkeling are highly tide-dependent; around mid-tide is the best time.
Stay: West Island
Day 14 · Sunday: Beach Relaxation
Cocos (Keeling) Islands（Trannies Beach）
Take a short drive along the main road to the beach. No ferries run today; enjoy a picnic or arrange a canoe lagoon tour.
With no ferries and supermarkets closed on Sundays, prepare your food the day before.
Stay: West Island
Day 15 · Monday: Fly back to Perth
Enjoy one last swim in the morning, check out and return your car after midday, and fly about 4.5 hours back to Perth, landing late at night.
You will arrive in Perth close to midnight; make sure to book your accommodation for that night in advance.