About Cocos Islands ( Home of .CC Domains )

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2750km north-west of Perth, and 900km west south-west of Christmas Island, its closest neighbour. Cocos lies approximately 12° south and 96.5° east, locating the islands in the humid tropical zone.

Climate

Cocos experiences two main seasons which tend to overlap: the trade wind season from April / May to September / October and the calmer doldrum season from November through to April. Expect higher rainfall during March through to July. January through to August, may also generate the occasional low pressure system (usually between February and April). However these systems do not normally interfere with holiday plans. Rainfall usually visits this sandy atoll in the evenings, bringing glorious sunny days! The average annual rainfall is 2000mm! Temperatures are fairly consistent no matter what the season, remaining around a comfortable 29°C with a minimum evening temperature rarely dropping below 20°C.

For more information on climate averages visit the following link: Cocos Bureau of Meteorology.

About the Cocos Islands

Have you ever dreamed of lying in a hammock on a deserted island, where all you hear is the rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping the perfectly white sandy beach? Or wandering along the shores and not seeing a soul for hours? Sitting and relaxing with a chilled glass of wine and watching the golden sun slowly sinking into the Indian Ocean? Then the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the place for you.

Unlike most holiday island destinations the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not have huge resorts, shopping centres, restaurants, gift shops or many organised activities. If these are high on your list of priorities, then perhaps Cocos may not be the holiday destination for you. Tourism on the Islands is uncomplicated and simplistic which enhances its beauty and the islands' uniqueness. For residents and visitors, Cocos is a sanctuary and a safe haven for all to enjoy. Tourists are greeted by the locals and immediately feel as if they are a part of this close-knit community. SMILE and be made welcome!

West Island is ideal to explore by push bike or, for the less energetic, hire a vehicle. Travel along palm fringed roads and tracks and take in the natural beauty of the Island. Stop along the way to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unspoilt tropical paradise. Explore Bobs Folly with its majestic stand of Calophyllum trees and native hibiscus and natural vegetation. Swim at Trannies Beach, one of the two most popular swimming beaches on West Island, 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.

Enjoy a pleasant ferry ride across the lagoon to Home Island where the majority of the residents (pop. ~550) are Cocos Malays. Sample the wonderful, spicy Malay cuisine at the local restaurant or take a picnic lunch and sit under the canopy of one of the huge Calophyllum trees that grace the foreshore. The Cocos Malays are devout Muslims, so for those who wish to visit Home Island, please dress conservatively to avoid offending. While on Home Island visit the Museum and familiarise yourself with the chequered history of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and all the details relating to Australia's first Naval victory: the sinking of SMS Emden, a notorious German raider. Another "must see" is Oceania House, the former residence of the Clunies-Ross family, that is now privately owned.

Surrounded by the unbelievably clean, clear Indian Ocean, Cocos (Keeling) is a haven for water-based activities. A day trip to Direction Island should definitely be on your holiday agenda. This beautiful island offers exquisite white sandy beaches and a unique shelter filled with calling card paraphernalia from visiting yachties. 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.

If fishing is your interest, talk with the locals to find out how to catch that illusive dogtooth tuna or wahoo. Or, if catching marine life on your camera is more appealing, come diving and explore the underwater wonders. Scuba dive along steep drop-offs or unusual cabbage coral where a range of pelagics, sharks, manta, turtles, dolphins and colourful fish will keep you company during your expedition. Cocos (Keeling) Islands has all this and more! Not into scuba diving? Then take a trip out in the glass bottom boat and watch the marine life lazily swim underneath you or come during the windier months of July through to October and go wind surfing, kiteboarding or even surfing. And if all this sounds too energetic, just grab a book and chill out on the beach.

Source:The Cocos ( Keeling ) Tourism Association Inc.