Cocos Islands (Keeling) is an archipelago of 27 small islands of the Indian Ocean of coral origin.
Geographically, they belong to Australia, the official language is English, the religion of the local population is Islam.
The currency is the Australian dollar. The archipelago consists of the northern part - the uninhabited North Keeling atoll - and the southern part, which includes 26 small islands.
Only two of them are permanently populated - Home and West Island. Their total population does not exceed 600 people.
On islands tropical climate, from October to April - the cyclone season. An undeniable plus is the year-round tourist season, the average annual temperature on the islands is 20-27 ° C, but the heat is not felt due to humid winds. The archipelago got its name because of the coconut palms that grow in large numbers here. Tourists arrive at Keeling by small passenger ships and yachts or by air at the Cocos Islands Archipelago International Airport.
Holidays in Cocos Islands will be attractive for people who want to spend time away from civilization, in peace and quiet some kind of paradise. The islands feature beautiful comfortable beaches, clear transparent water, vibrant exotic nature, including a rich underwater world, which will especially please fans of diving, snorkeling and fishing. Not far from North Keeling, at the site of the battle of the Sydney and Emden ships in 1914, scuba divers still find at the bottom individual parts of the German cruiser.
Most Keeling Islands Hotels huts and bungalows, you will not find ultramodern fashionable hotels here. The most comfortable and popular among tourists is the Cocos Castaway Hotel.
Cocos Islands do not abound in attractions. For tourists, excursions to the North Keeling archipelago, to the picturesque reserve of Pulu Keeling, where you can see many seabirds.
Horsberg Island - one of the atolls of the Cocos Islands - has a certain historical value. During the Second World War, the firing positions of British naval guns were established here. Here Ceylon gunners, wanting to give up the island of Japan, raised a rebellion, which was soon crushed. Nowadays, two 6-inch guns left over from the battery have remained on the island.
The Cocos Islands Visitor Center is located in the West Island Administration Building. Here you can get the most comprehensive information about what you can do and what to see on the Cocos Islands.
Cocos Islands Airport is located on West Island. It has three large waiting rooms, a weather station and a hangar. Also here you can admire an unforgettable panoramic view from the observation deck.
