Direction Island - General Info
Where is Direction Island – Cocos Keeling?
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an archipelago of 27 islands in an almost perfect circle – only two of which are inhabited. They are located in the Indian Ocean, 3685kms (2290 miles) west of Darwin, northern Australia and 900km (560 miles) of Christmas Island and are an external territory of Australia.
Direction Island lies 1.5NM north of Home Island and is the main yacht anchorage in the islands.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Direction Island:
The GPS position of the entrance into the lagoon, west of Direction Island, is reported not to accord with most charts, both paper and electronic. Entrance to the lagoon of South Keeling is between Horsburgh Island and Direction Island. The entrance pass to the atoll is deep, wide, and well lit.
There are now (unlit) buoys leading into the yacht anchorage at Direction Island. Anyone arriving in the dark might be best advised to anchor in a convenient area outside the yacht anchorage until daylight. Be aware that the supply ship often arrives at night and will anchor in the area of the entrance range lights.
It is advisable to follow the channel markers when moving between Direction Island and Home Island as there are numerous shallow areas and coral outcrops along the route.
Cruiser Highlights for Direction Island – Cocos Keeling:
Of the 27 islands, just two are inhabited – West Island and Home Island. The rest are waiting to be explored. The Cocos Keeling Islands have a total population of 600 people, including around 450 Cocos Malay. For birdwatchers, West Island has some amazing spots to see special vagrant species. One of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in the world, covering 467,054 square kilometres with over 500 species of vibrant fish, majestic manta rays, fat hawksbill and green turtles, and bottlenose dolphins.
Home Island has a small shopping precinct with oriental and western groceries, fishing gear, hardware and local products. Some provisions are available including frozen meat and eggs which can be pre-ordered for your Indian Ocean crossing.
Position:
12° 05’28″S, 096°53’01″E (anchorage)
Last updated: August 2024
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Related to following destinations: Cocos Keeling, Direction Island (South Keeling)
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We were delighted to find Wi-Fi in the shelter. Very useful! Getting to West island to clearing/out was less easy especially as there was no consensus on the ferry timetable. I have since laminated one and attached to the notice board.
There is a ferry from Direction to Home island on Saturday a.m. at 10:00 but the connections don’t really work to get back again. So it’s best to dinghy the 1.5nm to Home island giving the chance if the last ferry back from West island at 16:00. Ferry is AU $3.50 single or $5.00 return.
The bus meets the ferry for $0.50… everything shuts at 15:00 on Saturday and there was no cafe or bar open. The Community Centre was helpful with Wi-Fi, and the shop reasonably stocked.