The tropical Cocos Islands, or Keeling Islands, belong to Australia, and are located in the Indian Ocean between Australia and Sri Lanka. Together with Christmas Island to its northeast, the Cocos Islands make up the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.

The Cocos Islands are an atoll archipelago of 26 islands around a round lagoon, and a 27th uninhabited North Keeling atoll island 24 km further north which is now Pulu Keeling National Park. All islands are flat and green with lots of coconut palms.

Although the islands are a remote marine sports and beach destination, there are some nice day-walks on West Island, Home Island, South Island, and of course in Pulu Keeling National Park (with guide only).