A coral atoll in the Indian Ocean
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, made up of two coral atolls and dozens of low, palm-covered islands. Only two, West Island and Home Island, are inhabited, and Home Island is home to the Cocos Malay community. The lagoon of the southern atoll is sheltered and clear, ideal for snorkelling, kayaking and kitesurfing, and Direction Island's Cossies Beach is often praised as one of Australia's most beautiful. The pace of life is very slow.