Home Island
OT 6799 • Other Territories
About Home Island
Home Island (known in Cocos Islands Malay as Pulu Selma) is one of only two permanently inhabited islands in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian external territory located in the central-eastern Indian Ocean approximately 2,750 kilometres north-west of Perth. Covering an area of 95 hectares, the island is home to roughly 448 residents according to the 2021 Census, the majority of whom are Cocos Malay people living in the village of Bantam. The island is part of the South Keeling Islands atoll and is administered as part of the Indian Ocean Territory under the Australian federal government.
Home Island is the cultural heart of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, preserving the heritage and traditions of the Cocos Malay community whose ancestors were brought to the islands in the 19th century. Attractions include the Pulu Cocos Museum, which covers local culture, flora, fauna, and the early colonial history of the islands, as well as the Home Island Mosque — a central landmark painted in the territory's green and gold colours. Access to the island is by ferry from West Island, the administrative centre, and the remote, pristine environment draws visitors seeking a uniquely isolated slice of Australian territory.
Home Island falls under postcode 6799 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA).
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- No bus service — N/A N/A
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Home Island is connected to West Island by regular passenger ferry; no road access to mainland Australia
The small island is navigable on foot or by bicycle within the Bantam village area, though the island itself is the limit of accessible territory
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Cocos Island
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Airforce Road