South Keeling Islands

The South Keeling Islands are the inhabited atoll group of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian external territory in the eastern Indian Ocean. They comprise the lagoon-ringed atoll areas where the territory’s permanent communities live.

Visitors find shallow lagoon waters, fringing coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches, along with small island settlements that reflect Cocos Malay culture. Activities include snorkeling, birdwatching and experiencing village life on Home Island and West Island.

The group has long been inhabited by Cocos Malay communities and later came under colonial and Australian administration; settlement patterns concentrate on a small number of islands within the atoll. Infrastructure is limited and oriented to the small resident population.

The South Keeling Islands lie in the eastern Indian Ocean as part of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands territory, with the populated islands clustered around a central lagoon and reef system.

• Administrative status: The South Keeling Islands form the inhabited atoll cluster of the Australian external territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; they are distinguished from the single northern atoll in the territory.

What to See #

• Home Island and West Island: Home Island and West Island host the principal settlements and community services for the territory, with West Island holding the administrative facilities and airport.
• North Keeling atoll (nearby): North Keeling is a separate atoll and national park to the north of the South Keeling group, noted for its seabird colonies and coral reef system.