West Island, Administrative division in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia
West Island is the administrative center of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and contains the main government buildings and airport facilities. The island's infrastructure supports operations for the entire territory in the Indian Ocean.
Australia took control of the island in 1955, purchasing it from the Clunies-Ross family who had previously managed it. This transition established the island as the government's administrative center for the entire archipelago.
The residents work primarily in government and support services that keep the territory running day to day. Walking around, you sense a tight-knit community living far from mainland Australia, where everyone has a role in maintaining the islands.
The island is the main transportation hub with an airport connecting to Perth and Christmas Island through regular flights. Plan to arrive by air, as this is the only practical way to reach the islands.
The island sits at a location in the Indian Ocean where there is a significant time difference with mainland Australia. This geographic position makes it a surprising example of how far the territory extends from the continent.
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