North Keeling

North Keeling is a single, uninhabited coral atoll in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian external territory in the eastern Indian Ocean. The island and its lagoon are protected as Pulu Keeling National Park for their seabird colonies and marine ecosystems.

The atoll supports significant seabird populations and undisturbed reef habitats and is managed for conservation and scientific research rather than tourism. Access is controlled and visits require permission from Australian authorities to protect nesting birds and fragile reef communities.

North Keeling lies north of the inhabited southern atoll group of the Cocos Islands, several tens of kilometres from the main settled islands, and is reached only by authorised boat from the southern atoll.

• Protection status: Designated as Pulu Keeling National Park and managed by Australia as part of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands territory; public access is restricted to protect wildlife.
• Distance from inhabited islands: Located about 27 kilometres north of the Cocos Islands’ inhabited southern atoll group, it is uninhabited and primarily visited for research and conservation purposes under permit.

What to See#

• Atoll and lagoon: A single small, roughly circular coral atoll with a central lagoon and narrow vegetated rim that supports seabird colonies and marine life; the island is uninhabited and forms a compact protected area.

• Treat North Keeling as a protected area: landing on the island is restricted and managed by Australian authorities, so arrange visits only through authorized, permit-holding tour operators or research programs.
• If you cannot obtain a landing permit, book a licensed boat trip from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to view the atoll from the water - that's the standard way to see the lagoon, seabird colonies and reef without disturbing protected sites.
• Be prepared for no facilities: there are no tourist services on North Keeling, so any permitted visit is self-contained and typically brief; check Parks Australia (Pulu Keeling National Park) guidance and permit requirements before planning a trip.