Overview

Also known as the Keeling Islands, the Cocos Islands are a popular vacation locale. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this group of islands is remote and isolated from the rest of the world. They are a part of the territory of Australia and are another reason for the Australian appeal.

Captain William Keeling is believed to have discovered these islands in 1609 and the islands were apparently uninhabited at that time. Once the Clunies-Ross family came to the islands, they set up a compound and brought in slaves who were treated relatively better. John Clunies-Ross even developed his own currency, the Cocos rupee, to pay the slaves. The Cocos Islands were annexed to the British Empire in 1857. They are considered a micro-nation ever since Queen Victoria granted the islands to the Clunies-Ross family.

The islands became the site of the Battle of Cocos, which was one of the first naval battles of World War I fought on November 9, 1914. The residents of this island had lost their telegraph system, but they successfully fought off Australian troops. Coco Islands control was finally taken over by the continent of Australia under the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955.

Activities & Attractions

The major attraction of Cocos Islands is Pulu Keeling National Park. This is one of Australia's smallest commonwealth parks, located along the North Keeling Island.

The island is bestowed with a large marine area where visitors can enjoy the sight of the coral reef through clear waters. It is considered to be the most pristine reefs in the world and they are quite isolated from the civilization.

A rich wildlife at Pulu Keeling National Park attracts tourists from all around the world. The park features dolphins and marine turtles, some of which are rare species not found in Australia. All the visitors to the park require a permit from the government conservator, and they are accompanied by a tour guide or a member of the staff.

Lodging

The Cocos Islands offers a lot of accommodation facilities to its visitors, some of which are listed below:

• Cocos Beach Motel
• Cocos Seaview
• Cocos Village Bungalows
• Cocos Cottages
• The Lagoon
• Cocos Castaway
• My Island Home
• The Castle
• Cocos Homestead
• Bills Place

The price range varies and it is advisable to call ahead and find out the rates of the place of your choice.

Transportation

The common mode of transport to get around Cocos Islands is the bus. The busses operate on a regular basis to take people to the ferries to Home Island and back again. Direction Island and West Island are also accessible through the buses.

Traveling by foot is also a good way to explore each individual island. You can even rent a car if you have to travel longer distances. Several car rental stations are located around the islands. Cocos Dive is an ideal place to go swimming.