Cossies Beach

Cossies Beach on Direction Island is a curve of coral sand on the lagoon side of an uninhabited island, backed by coconut and with shallow clear water in front of it. It was given the name in late 2016 for Sir Peter Cosgrove, then Governor-General, and topped an Australian best-beaches list for 2017, which is how most visitors first hear of it. There is a shelter and nothing else.

What you actually see

• The coral sand - the white beach on the lagoon side of the island.
• The shallow water - the clear flats running out from the shore.
• The coconut backing - the palms behind the sand.
• The 2016 naming - the beach named for the Governor-General of the day.

When to go

April to October is drier with steadier trade winds. The ferry runs on a set schedule. The wet season brings heavier weather.

Honest expectations

There is one shelter and no other facilities; water and food must be carried. The ferry schedule governs how long you can stay. Sun exposure is severe with almost no shade.

Nearby

The Rip is at the eastern end, and Home Island is southwest.