Have you heard of the West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands? Or think of where are the Cocos Islands? So, although the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are popular, you may still ask where are the Cocos Islands or how many people live in the Cocos Islands. Cocos Islands Australia is located in the Indian Ocean, and it belongs to Australia. So it is sometimes called Cocos Islands Western Australia. Captain Keeling was the first explorer who discovered the islands; that is why people call it the West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands. There are many more fun facts about Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Regarding how many people live in the Cocos Islands, about 600 people live in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands; the number is low due to the Cocos Islands tsunami and are off the island. The biggest settlement in Cocos Islands Western Australia is Bantam, which is on the Home Island of the Cocos Islands Australia. Another one is the West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands. You may ask, is there Cocos Islands airport? Yes, Cocos Islands airport is located on the West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands, too. In this post, you will read about essential and fun facts about Cocos (Keeling) Islands and find answers to the questions: where are the Cocos Islands, how many people live in the Cocos Islands, why it is called the Cocos Islands Western Australia, what places to see in Cocos Islands Australia, where is the Cocos Islands airport, is the Cocos Islands tsunami dangerous, etc.
More about the islands
Cocos Islands, also known as Cocos Keeling or Keeling Islands, are a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean, and by small, I mean very small. With an area of just 14.2 km2 and a total of around 600 inhabitants, these are very manageable, but that is a good thing because this is exactly what distinguishes them from many other beach destinations in Australia. Above all, it is the originality of the coconut islands, but of course, also the shimmering turquoise seawater and the paradisiacal beaches that make this place so beautiful. Let us know more facts about these wonderful islands. The official language is English, and its area is 14.2 square kilometers. The climate is tropical and has very high humidity. The islands' currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD); you can change the United States Dollars or Euro easily on the island. Cocos Islands consist of two atolls: North Keeling, which is a small atoll in the north and consists of an island that has been under strict nature protection since 1986, and South Keeling in the south, there are a total of 26 islands. The main island and so-called capital are West Island.
How to reach Cocos Islands?
Well, if you want to experience an unknown and almost lonely beach paradise up close, you also have to expect that the journey will not be as fast as if you were to visit a typical European beach destination. But all the long-distance travelers among you who like to explore the wide world should be more than used to this. You can reach this delightful archipelago, for example, bypassing through Perth Airport in Western Australia; from there, it goes on to Cocos Islands, located about 2900 kilometers northwest; the direct flight then takes another 4.5 hours. Yes, this little piece of land, which incidentally belongs to the Australian outskirts, actually has its airport; luckily, otherwise, it would be even more difficult to get to the West Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This is located on the main island of West Island.
What to expect on Cocos Islands?
Cocos Islands' main attractions are, without a doubt, the natural resources of the islands. Since the islands do not yet have a well-developed tourist infrastructure, they are still a long way from mass tourism, such as from overcrowded beaches and large hotel chains. And it is this fact that makes these two beautiful atolls a real insider tip for entertainment seekers. If you are in search of peace, tranquility, and relaxation in the middle of an unmistakable idyllic beach, you will find it on Cocos Islands. So far, it is mainly the Australians who have found their way to these islands. Lonely sandy beaches and unique diving areas determine everyday vacation life on Cocos Islands. Fans of water sports, such as diving, snorkeling can get to know the great underwater world of the Indian Ocean on a snorkeling or diving tour, which was already a source of great enthusiasm for the famous naturalist Charles Darwin in the 19th century. The marine world in the northern part of Cocos Islands, at the Pulu Keeling National Park, which stretches along the coast of North Keeling and is under strict nature protection, is particularly noteworthy - guided tours, snorkeling, and diving are permitted in this area. As you can see, water sports, sunbathing, and relaxing are high on the list here. Secluded beaches wherever you look, the turquoise-colored lagoons merge into the deep blue Indian Ocean; you will not find any turbulent places here. You could almost think that this is a still undiscovered and untouched place. If you look at the pictures of some previous travelers who have already been there, you will immediately know what paradise I am talking about.
Best time for kitesurfing
Cocos Islands is a paradise as you imagine it. If you would like to experience a Robinson Crusoe adventure on your vacation, Cocos Islands is the right place for you. The archipelago belonging to the Australian national territory is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, over 2000 kilometers from Australia. Not to be confused with Coconut Island, which belongs to Costa Rica and is located in the Pacific Ocean. Cocos Islands consist of two atolls, in the middle of which there is a deep blue lagoon. North Keeling is the smaller of the two atolls and consists of only one island. South Keeling comprises 26 islands. The main island of West Iceland is one of them. From May to December, constant trade winds sweep unchecked across Cocos Islands from southeastern directions. The strongest wind days for kitesurfing are recorded from July to October, with a more than 80 percent win probability. The climate on Cocos Islands is tropical and humid. The average annual temperatures are 29 degrees Celsius. The humidity is between 70 and 80 percent. Most precipitation falls from March to July. Tropical cyclones can occur from December to April, so be prepared for the Cocos Islands tsunami. The water temperatures are pleasantly warm at 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. The best travel time for kitesurfing and kite trips to Cocos Islands is between July and October.
Best hotels
The nicest hotels on the Cocos Islands Western Australia are Cocos Castaway, Ninetysixeast, and Cocos Seaview. All of the best hotels are located on the West Island. As the islands are small, all hotels are located near the city center and other places to see on the islands. Oceania House is located on Home Island. This nice guesthouse is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. If you are fancy of a culture, directly o to the must-see Pulu Cocos Museum, and to discover the beauties of the area, head to the splendid Pulu Keeling National Park and Trannies Beach. The surrounding area is full of activities to enjoy in or by the water, such as surfing or boogie boarding and fishing.
Pulu Keeling National Park
Cocos Islands in Australia offer perfect conditions for a relaxing beach vacation. But divers and snorkelers will also get their money's worth here! Even Charles Darwin has explored the underwater world here and was thrilled. That is one of the fun facts about Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Especially in the Pulu Keeling National Park in the northern part of the islands, you will hardly be able to stop being amazed. But please note that the coast is under strict nature protection. So you are only allowed to take part in guided tours and dives. The park is one of the reasons for visitors to come to the archipelago. It is one of the wetlands to be conserved under the Ramsar Convention's terms adopted in 1971. Rare species such as sea birds or sea turtles have made their home there. It is possible to access the park accompanied by an Australian Parks guide or by a trip organized by an organization in possession of a license giving access. In the rest of the archipelago, very few buildings or monuments have been built. The inhabitants being predominantly of Muslim religion on the island of home, it is possible to visit mosques there. Nautical and aquatic activities are also offered to visitors, such as scuba diving to explore the very rich seabed. During these dives, it is possible to evolve alongside turtles, rays, or dolphins.
