Traditions and culture in the Cocos Islands

The group of two atolls and 27 coral islands were first discovered by a European when Captain William Keeling arrived in 1609, hence them being referred to on occasion as the Keeling Islands.

However, they remained uninhabited until the 19th century - when they were annexed to the British Empire - before becoming the site of the Battle of Cocos, one of the first naval clashes of World War I.

Similarly, they were used as a vital link between the UK, Australia and New Zealand during World War II, mainly due to the existence of a wireless telegraph cable station.

The islands were subsequently transferred to the control of Australia in 1955 and the country forced the Clunies-Ross family dynasty - which had set up the first compound in 1811 - to sell them in 1978.

Things to do in the Cocos Islands

Considering the fact that the islands have a relatively short history and that they are very sparsely populated, anyone on holiday seeking tranquillity could do worse than visit here.

The beaches are clean, peaceful and lined with palm trees, and the lagoon and fringing reefs offer a kaleidoscope of colours and different sea creatures.

You might want to take a trip out in a glass-bottomed boat to catch your lunch for the day, or head to one of the isolated islands in the southern atoll when the tide is high.

Alternatively, there are plenty of opportunities to explore West Island on foot or bicycle, while Home Island offers the hospitality and unique way of life of the Cocos Malay kampong.

Anyone looking to find flights online to the islands should note that they tend to depart from Perth in Western Australia.

Weather in the Cocos Islands

The islands have two main seasons - the windy season, which runs from April or May through to September or October, and the doldrum season, which runs from November to April.

Any holiday guide should point out that rainfall can be a problem between March and July, although temperatures tend to be consistent throughout the year at 29C, while evenings rarely drop below 20C.

Destination checklist for the Cocos Islands

The Cocos Islands have a population of 596.

The islands are seven hours ahead of GMT time.

The official currency is the Australian dollar.

English is the official language spoken.

The islands' international dialling code is +61 891.