The perfect island escape…
Come along as we relax in some of the most breath-taking, secluded islands of Australia—Christmas Island and Cocos-Keeling Islands. Both are unique in their offerings and characteristics, with prolific marine and wildlife. Christmas Island is home to many crab varieties, the most well-known being the red crab. Just watch out for those cheeky robber crabs! Cocos-Keeling Islands is an under-water haven for snorkellers and divers alike. An array of tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins and many, many turtles call the islands their home, and for the next two weeks, we will too.
Will you join us?
Important! We strongly advise guests to arrive in Perth one day prior to the start of this tour in case of delays. The included flight from Perth to Christmas Island on Day 1 departs in the morning (exact time will be confirmed closer to tour departure). Two’s a Crowd can assist with any pre-accommodation needs in Perth.
DAY 1 Tuesday 1st Nov 2022
PERTH – CHRISTMAS ISLAND (D)
Join the group this morning as we catch our flight from Perth to Christmas Island. On arrival, we will settle in at our accommodation before an island briefing at The Sunset.
Meet your fellow travellers at our Beach BBQ dinner at Flying Fish Cove—BYO alcohol (we will stop at a mini-market during the day for anyone wishing to purchase drinks and other snacks they might like for the week).
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 2 Wednesday 2nd Nov 2022
CHRISTMAS ISLAND (B/L/D)
This morning we start with a hotel continental breakfast before we embark on our Christmas Island Orientation Tour where we will discover the local history and culture of the island, as well as visiting places of interest. We will then stop for lunch at a local café. After a nice lunch break, we will then take in some breath-taking views as we trek to Golf Course Lookout. You will need good mobility for this! It is a short walk, but the track is steep! This will be a fantastic opportunity for seabird spotting as red-footed boobies, frigate birds and golden bosuns glide over the picturesque cliff tops. You will then return to the hotel and get ready for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 3 Thursday 3rd Nov 2022
LILY & ETHEL BEACHES (B/L/D)
Enjoy the start to a new day with a continental breakfast at the hotel. We then head off to Lily & Ethel beaches. Take a swim or a walk along the boardwalk between the two beaches to view the birds nesting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Lunch will be a picnic at Lily Beach before returning to town for some rest and relaxation time. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 4 Friday 4th Nov 2022
LIZARD LODGE (B/L/D)
Start the relaxing day with a cooked breakfast at the hotel, and take your time as you have all morning to laze around your hotel and do things at your leisure. We will all meet up and head to a local café for lunch. Then it’s off to visit Lizard Lodge where you will learn all about the reptile conservation program on Christmas Island. From there, we will visit the Orphaned Bird feeding program where you will have a chance to watch volunteers feed rescued Christmas Island birds and learn about the rehabilitation project. Return to the hotel for a rest before dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 5 Saturday 5th Nov 2022
HUGH’S DALE (B/L/D)
Enjoy a continental breakfast before we set off for a walking tour to Hugh’s Dale Waterfall. This is one of the only places on the island with flowing water all year round, with the surrounding rainforested wetlands home to mighty Tahitian chestnut trees, blue crabs and an array of rare and endemic species. The Hugh’s Dale track is a raised boardwalk that leads to a permanent waterfall in the rainforest (good mobility and some endurance is required for this walk!). We will stop for morning tea along the way. Further into the day, we will have a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel for some rest and relaxation, with dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 6 Sunday 6th Nov 2022
FLYING FISH COVE (B/L/D)
After a continental breakfast, we are off to the Blowholes where you can walk through towering rainforests and watch seawater rocketing high into the air. Lunch will be a delicious fish lunch served at Flying Fish Cove. With coral reefs surrounding the Island and an abundance of fish and coral to see just a few metres from the shore, you will have the time of your life on the two hour snorkelling boat trip. Return to the hotel for relaxation before dinner at a local restaurant. You can then enjoy the Outdoor Cinema for a $5 donation (subject to being open).
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 7 Monday 7th Nov 2022
DOLLY & GRETA BEACHES (B/L/D)
Rise and shine for your continental breakfast and then head out to Dolly & Greta Beaches. Dolly is one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island. Walk through the rainforest along a boardwalk for approx. 2 kms and you’ll reach a sandy beach surrounded by overhanging coconut palms and shallow rock pools. Marine turtles nest at both Dolly and Greta beaches, so you are bound to come across some on your visit. Morning tea will be provided. You will return to the township for a picnic lunch before heading back to the hotel to relax before a group dinner.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 8 Tuesday 8th Nov 2022
CHRISTMAS ISLAND – COCOS ISLANDS (B/L/D)
Enjoy a cooked breakfast and a relaxing morning before it’s time to pack and check out of the hotel. We’ll have some time for any last minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Lunch will be at a local café before returning to the airport for your flight to Cocos Islands. On arrival, you will be
taken to your hotel to settle in, with dinner at Salty’s.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 9 Wednesday 9th Nov 2022
WEST & HOME ISLANDS (B/L/D)
Today we’ll be picked up early from the hotel and taken to Trannies Beach for breakfast and a swim. Afterwards, we’ll have a tour of West Island including a visit to The Big Barge Art Centre. Lunch will be at Salty’s. In the afternoon, we travel to Home Island by ferry for a tour and a visit to the museum and Oceania House. Dinner will be delightful Malay cuisine at Sea Front Restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 10 Thursday 10th Nov 2022
DIRECTION ISLAND (B/L/D)
An early start today with a 7:30am ferry departure to Direction Island where we’ll enjoy both breakfast and lunch. Today is the day to relax, swim and snorkel, or even have a ride on the glass bottom boat (takes 5 people at a time). In the afternoon, try your luck at Golf Scrounges Ambrose—the only golf course in the world crossing an airport runway! Dinner will be at Tropica Restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 11 Friday 11th Nov 2022
SOUTHERN ISLANDS (B/L/D)
After breakfast at Salty’s, we’ll be taken on a motorised canoe safari exploring the Southern Islands. Lunch will be served on one of the isolated islands. Spend the rest of the day visiting historical sites, swimming and snorkelling. Dinner will be at Saltmakers Fish & Chips.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 12 Saturday 12th Nov 2022
DIRECTION ISLAND (B/L/D)
Today will be spent on beautiful Direction Island. After breakfast at Salty’s, catch the ferry for a day of swimming, snorkelling and walking the trails on the island. Lunch will be served on Direction Island. At about 4:00pm, return to West Island and meet for dinner at Cocos Club.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 13 Sunday 13th Nov 2022
CANOE BEACH (B/L/D)
After breakfast we’re off to Canoe Beach for a Turtle tour with lunch at Canoe Beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the beautiful island surrounds. Tonight it’s pizza night at Saltmakers.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 14 Monday 14th Nov 2022
CANOE BEACH (B/L/D)
As the tour nears the end, the morning is yours to relax as you like. We will be taken to Canoe Beach for lunch, then have a try on the stand-up paddleboard or kayak. You may find it is easier than you think! Our final dinner will be held at House 20 where you can reminisce over the last two weeks of your stay in paradise.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 15 Tuesday 15th Nov 2022
COCOS ISLANDS – PERTH (B/L)
On our last morning together, we’ll have breakfast at Salty’s. At 11:45am, enjoy a cooking lesson at Christmas Island District High school followed by lunch with the students and NEK NEKs. This afternoon, it’s back to the airport for check-in for our flight back to Perth where we will say our fond farewells.
Important! The included flight from Cocos Islands to Perth on Day 15 is estimated to arrive in Perth at approx. 11:50pm (2350 hrs). We strongly advise guests to organise their own flights to depart Perth after the 15th November. Two’s a Crowd can assist with any post-accommodation needs in Perth.
TOUR DATES: 1ST – 15TH NOVEMBER 2022
TOUR PRICING: A$7,848 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES
VQ3 Lodge
Located in the heart of the Settlement precinct, the VQ3 Lodge is surrounded by lush gardens and is within walking distance to Taverns, Cafes, Supermarket, Restaurants and Christmas Island’s main shopping area.
Our boutique style hotel provides clean, comfortable and quiet accommodation, with a range of facilities to help make your stay with us enjoyable and hassle free.
Cocos Beach Resort
The Cocos Beach Resort is beautifully located right next to the ocean, and within short walking distance to local amenities on Cocos Keeling Island’s West Island.
The Resort provides accommodation and catering services to a wide range of organisations and individuals which include the Royal Australian Air Force flight crews, contractors, ship’s crews, Australian Army units, school groups, kitesurfing groups, bird watching groups, and individual tourists from Australia and beyond.
No matter where our guests come from, they can be assured of the warmth of traditional Cocos Malay welcome which seeks to provide the services that one would expect in such an exotic island environment.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Christmas Island, a rocky speck in the Indian Ocean 2,600 kilometres (1,616 miles) north west of Perth, is not your typical tropical island paradise. Nicknamed the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”, the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. Almost two-thirds of the island is national park. Closer to Asia than mainland Australia, it’s home to a beguiling mix of cultures and some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Witness one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, the annual crab migration, dive some of the longest drop-offs in the world, or swim in a cave and bathe beneath a waterfall in the rainforest.
COCOS-KEELING ISLANDS
Welcome to Paradise ……
Australia’s last unspoilt paradise lies in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean offering spectacular snorkelling, world-class diving, excellent fishing and the adrenalin-rush of kitesurfing. Relax on empty beaches, visit uninhabited islands by canoe, watch spectacular birdlife or catch the ferry to Home Island to stay at the original Clunies-Ross residence and discover the culture and traditions of the Cocos Malay people.
Situated 2,750 kms northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and 900km from Christmas Island, the Cocos Keeling Islands are a group of coral islands that form two atolls. Only two of the 27 islands are inhabited – the rest are waiting for you to explore them.
Tour Inclusions:
- Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
- 14 nights’ accommodation
- Solo room – always!
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Flights from Perth to Christmas Island on Day 1, Christmas Island to Cocos Islands on Day 8, and Cocos Islands to Perth on Day 15
- All sightseeing, guided tours and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
Tour Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance (we can assist)
- International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs and phone calls
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation (we can assist)
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Any tours listed as “Optional Tours” (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes)
- Gratuities (optional)
The perfect island escape…
Come along as we relax in some of the most breath-taking, secluded islands of Australia—Christmas Island and Cocos-Keeling Islands. Both are unique in their offerings and characteristics, with prolific marine and wildlife. Christmas Island is home to many crab varieties, the most well-known being the red crab. Just watch out for those cheeky robber crabs! Cocos-Keeling Islands is an under-water haven for snorkellers and divers alike. An array of tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins and many, many turtles call the islands their home, and for the next two weeks, we will too.
Will you join us?
Important! We strongly advise guests to arrive in Perth one day prior to the start of this tour in case of delays. The included flight from Perth to Christmas Island on Day 1 departs in the morning (exact time will be confirmed closer to tour departure). Two’s a Crowd can assist with any pre-accommodation needs in Perth.
DAY 1 Tuesday 1st Nov 2022
PERTH – CHRISTMAS ISLAND (D)
Join the group this morning as we catch our flight from Perth to Christmas Island. On arrival, we will settle in at our accommodation before an island briefing at The Sunset.
Meet your fellow travellers at our Beach BBQ dinner at Flying Fish Cove—BYO alcohol (we will stop at a mini-market during the day for anyone wishing to purchase drinks and other snacks they might like for the week).
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 2 Wednesday 2nd Nov 2022
CHRISTMAS ISLAND (B/L/D)
This morning we start with a hotel continental breakfast before we embark on our Christmas Island Orientation Tour where we will discover the local history and culture of the island, as well as visiting places of interest. We will then stop for lunch at a local café. After a nice lunch break, we will then take in some breath-taking views as we trek to Golf Course Lookout. You will need good mobility for this! It is a short walk, but the track is steep! This will be a fantastic opportunity for seabird spotting as red-footed boobies, frigate birds and golden bosuns glide over the picturesque cliff tops. You will then return to the hotel and get ready for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 3 Thursday 3rd Nov 2022
LILY & ETHEL BEACHES (B/L/D)
Enjoy the start to a new day with a continental breakfast at the hotel. We then head off to Lily & Ethel beaches. Take a swim or a walk along the boardwalk between the two beaches to view the birds nesting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Lunch will be a picnic at Lily Beach before returning to town for some rest and relaxation time. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 4 Friday 4th Nov 2022
LIZARD LODGE (B/L/D)
Start the relaxing day with a cooked breakfast at the hotel, and take your time as you have all morning to laze around your hotel and do things at your leisure. We will all meet up and head to a local café for lunch. Then it’s off to visit Lizard Lodge where you will learn all about the reptile conservation program on Christmas Island. From there, we will visit the Orphaned Bird feeding program where you will have a chance to watch volunteers feed rescued Christmas Island birds and learn about the rehabilitation project. Return to the hotel for a rest before dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 5 Saturday 5th Nov 2022
HUGH’S DALE (B/L/D)
Enjoy a continental breakfast before we set off for a walking tour to Hugh’s Dale Waterfall. This is one of the only places on the island with flowing water all year round, with the surrounding rainforested wetlands home to mighty Tahitian chestnut trees, blue crabs and an array of rare and endemic species. The Hugh’s Dale track is a raised boardwalk that leads to a permanent waterfall in the rainforest (good mobility and some endurance is required for this walk!). We will stop for morning tea along the way. Further into the day, we will have a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel for some rest and relaxation, with dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 6 Sunday 6th Nov 2022
FLYING FISH COVE (B/L/D)
After a continental breakfast, we are off to the Blowholes where you can walk through towering rainforests and watch seawater rocketing high into the air. Lunch will be a delicious fish lunch served at Flying Fish Cove. With coral reefs surrounding the Island and an abundance of fish and coral to see just a few metres from the shore, you will have the time of your life on the two hour snorkelling boat trip. Return to the hotel for relaxation before dinner at a local restaurant. You can then enjoy the Outdoor Cinema for a $5 donation (subject to being open).
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 7 Monday 7th Nov 2022
DOLLY & GRETA BEACHES (B/L/D)
Rise and shine for your continental breakfast and then head out to Dolly & Greta Beaches. Dolly is one of the prettiest and most secluded beaches on the island. Walk through the rainforest along a boardwalk for approx. 2 kms and you’ll reach a sandy beach surrounded by overhanging coconut palms and shallow rock pools. Marine turtles nest at both Dolly and Greta beaches, so you are bound to come across some on your visit. Morning tea will be provided. You will return to the township for a picnic lunch before heading back to the hotel to relax before a group dinner.
Accommodation: Your own room at VQ3 Lodge or similar
DAY 8 Tuesday 8th Nov 2022
CHRISTMAS ISLAND – COCOS ISLANDS (B/L/D)
Enjoy a cooked breakfast and a relaxing morning before it’s time to pack and check out of the hotel. We’ll have some time for any last minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Lunch will be at a local café before returning to the airport for your flight to Cocos Islands. On arrival, you will be
taken to your hotel to settle in, with dinner at Salty’s.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 9 Wednesday 9th Nov 2022
WEST & HOME ISLANDS (B/L/D)
Today we’ll be picked up early from the hotel and taken to Trannies Beach for breakfast and a swim. Afterwards, we’ll have a tour of West Island including a visit to The Big Barge Art Centre. Lunch will be at Salty’s. In the afternoon, we travel to Home Island by ferry for a tour and a visit to the museum and Oceania House. Dinner will be delightful Malay cuisine at Sea Front Restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 10 Thursday 10th Nov 2022
DIRECTION ISLAND (B/L/D)
An early start today with a 7:30am ferry departure to Direction Island where we’ll enjoy both breakfast and lunch. Today is the day to relax, swim and snorkel, or even have a ride on the glass bottom boat (takes 5 people at a time). In the afternoon, try your luck at Golf Scrounges Ambrose—the only golf course in the world crossing an airport runway! Dinner will be at Tropica Restaurant.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 11 Friday 11th Nov 2022
SOUTHERN ISLANDS (B/L/D)
After breakfast at Salty’s, we’ll be taken on a motorised canoe safari exploring the Southern Islands. Lunch will be served on one of the isolated islands. Spend the rest of the day visiting historical sites, swimming and snorkelling. Dinner will be at Saltmakers Fish & Chips.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 12 Saturday 12th Nov 2022
DIRECTION ISLAND (B/L/D)
Today will be spent on beautiful Direction Island. After breakfast at Salty’s, catch the ferry for a day of swimming, snorkelling and walking the trails on the island. Lunch will be served on Direction Island. At about 4:00pm, return to West Island and meet for dinner at Cocos Club.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 13 Sunday 13th Nov 2022
CANOE BEACH (B/L/D)
After breakfast we’re off to Canoe Beach for a Turtle tour with lunch at Canoe Beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the beautiful island surrounds. Tonight it’s pizza night at Saltmakers.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 14 Monday 14th Nov 2022
CANOE BEACH (B/L/D)
As the tour nears the end, the morning is yours to relax as you like. We will be taken to Canoe Beach for lunch, then have a try on the stand-up paddleboard or kayak. You may find it is easier than you think! Our final dinner will be held at House 20 where you can reminisce over the last two weeks of your stay in paradise.
Accommodation: Your own room at Cocos Beach Resort or similar
DAY 15 Tuesday 15th Nov 2022
COCOS ISLANDS – PERTH (B/L)
On our last morning together, we’ll have breakfast at Salty’s. At 11:45am, enjoy a cooking lesson at Christmas Island District High school followed by lunch with the students and NEK NEKs. This afternoon, it’s back to the airport for check-in for our flight back to Perth where we will say our fond farewells.
Important! The included flight from Cocos Islands to Perth on Day 15 is estimated to arrive in Perth at approx. 11:50pm (2350 hrs). We strongly advise guests to organise their own flights to depart Perth after the 15th November. Two’s a Crowd can assist with any post-accommodation needs in Perth.
TOUR DATES: 1ST – 15TH NOVEMBER 2022
TOUR PRICING: A$7,848 PLUS AIRFARES/TAXES
VQ3 Lodge
Located in the heart of the Settlement precinct, the VQ3 Lodge is surrounded by lush gardens and is within walking distance to Taverns, Cafes, Supermarket, Restaurants and Christmas Island’s main shopping area.
Our boutique style hotel provides clean, comfortable and quiet accommodation, with a range of facilities to help make your stay with us enjoyable and hassle free.
Cocos Beach Resort
The Cocos Beach Resort is beautifully located right next to the ocean, and within short walking distance to local amenities on Cocos Keeling Island’s West Island.
The Resort provides accommodation and catering services to a wide range of organisations and individuals which include the Royal Australian Air Force flight crews, contractors, ship’s crews, Australian Army units, school groups, kitesurfing groups, bird watching groups, and individual tourists from Australia and beyond.
No matter where our guests come from, they can be assured of the warmth of traditional Cocos Malay welcome which seeks to provide the services that one would expect in such an exotic island environment.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Christmas Island, a rocky speck in the Indian Ocean 2,600 kilometres (1,616 miles) north west of Perth, is not your typical tropical island paradise. Nicknamed the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”, the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. Almost two-thirds of the island is national park. Closer to Asia than mainland Australia, it’s home to a beguiling mix of cultures and some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Witness one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, the annual crab migration, dive some of the longest drop-offs in the world, or swim in a cave and bathe beneath a waterfall in the rainforest.
COCOS-KEELING ISLANDS
Welcome to Paradise ……
Australia’s last unspoilt paradise lies in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean offering spectacular snorkelling, world-class diving, excellent fishing and the adrenalin-rush of kitesurfing. Relax on empty beaches, visit uninhabited islands by canoe, watch spectacular birdlife or catch the ferry to Home Island to stay at the original Clunies-Ross residence and discover the culture and traditions of the Cocos Malay people.
Situated 2,750 kms northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and 900km from Christmas Island, the Cocos Keeling Islands are a group of coral islands that form two atolls. Only two of the 27 islands are inhabited – the rest are waiting for you to explore them.
Tour Inclusions:
- Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
- 14 nights’ accommodation
- Solo room – always!
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Flights from Perth to Christmas Island on Day 1, Christmas Island to Cocos Islands on Day 8, and Cocos Islands to Perth on Day 15
- All sightseeing, guided tours and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
Tour Exclusions:
- Travel Insurance (we can assist)
- International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs and phone calls
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation (we can assist)
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Any tours listed as “Optional Tours” (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes)
- Gratuities (optional)
