The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean. Closer to Indonesia than the Australian mainland the islands form a barrier around a central lagoon. A favourite haunt of windsurfers thanks to consistent trade winds that blow from around March to October, the islands are also popular with scuba divers and sailors. The lagoon offers the only safe harbour for thousands of miles. The fact that it is drop-dead gorgeous is also fairly enticing for round-the-world sailors keen to rest, relax and recuperate during a long ocean passage.
Golfers score serious bragging rights once after playing on the only course in Australia that includes an airport runway as part of the fairway. Yep, Hole 2 has the West Island Airstrip running right through the centre of it. Tee off times are naturally restricted to avoid aircraft movements. But like everything else in Cocos, the Airport Traffic Controller is just as likely to be hitting off too so you’ll be in well-informed company!
Get there: Virgin Australia fly to Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Perth via Christmas Island
More information: Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre