I was very lucky to recently return to the stunning Cocos (Keeling) Islands for 5 days. Located 2750km from the coast of WA, this was my sixth trip to the islands, and each time we pass over them prior to landing im reminded of why it’s possibly the most beautiful place in the world.
The Cocos Islands themselves consist of 27 islands forming two atolls – 26 of the islands create a horse shoe shaped lagoon, whilst Pulu keeling Island (also known as North Keeling), lies 25km north of the other islands, isolated in the Indian ocean. The beaches have the purest white sand you have ever seen and are lined with coconut trees – and you would be hard pressed to see another person on most of them. It’s the sort of place where you don’t need a watch, everyone waves, and you never lock your door or take your car keys from the ignition!
It’s also where I captured my most acclaimed photograph, Blue Clams, in October 2008 (which I now sell it as a limited edition print).
Crabs abound more than any other creatures, so I spent quite some time lying on the beach photographing the hermit and ghost crabs. I was also fortunate enough to see five black tip reef sharks chasing a school of fish in the shallows, whilst standing in knee deep water. Luckily the reefies are harmless, even the one that came straight for me then veered off after a fish at the last second! Managed to catch the action in a blurry video on my point and shoot camera which you can view by clicking here. Good times! Also filmed a hermit crab going for a crazy-crab walk and you can view that clip here. Hmmm, think I will stick to photography, haha!
Blue Clams