Cocos Keeling Islands

• Summary
• Weather for Cocos Keeling Islands

Ever dreamed of lying on a deserted island beach, wandering for hours and not seeing another soul or sipping a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean? Then Cocos Islands, an untouched island paradise off the West Australia coast, is the ideal destination for you.

A tiny horseshoe shaped oasis in the Indian Ocean, The Cocos Islands are situated 2750km north-west of Perth and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island. There are two atolls with 27 coral islands in the group. The average temperature is 29c and rarely drops below 20c.

Unlike most island holiday destinations, the Cocos Islands do not have large resorts, shopping centres, restaurants or gift shops. With a more simplistic and uncomplicated lifestyle, the islands attract visitors more interested in the islands unspoilt remoteness and unique beauty.

A haven for water based activities; a day trip to Direction Island should definitely be on your holiday agenda. While on Direction Island snorkel the world famous "Rip", renowned for its diverse marine life of beautiful fish, corals, reef sharks, huge wrasse and parrotfish.

West Island is ideal to explore by push bike or, for the less energetic, you can hire a vehicle. Swim at Trannies Beach, or when the tide is low, treat yourself to a reef walk from Scout Park to Pulu Maraya, a small uninhabited island located at the southern end of the atoll.

Home Island is where the majority of the population live, approximately 550 people. Sample the spicy Malay cuisine or take a picnic lunch to enjoy under the Calophyllum trees on the foreshore.