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History

History of Coogee Bay Hotel

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Now in its 135th year of operation, the Coogee Bay Hotel has become a Coogee icon, known to locals, domestic visitors and international tourists. As reflected in the style of the heritage rooms and bars, the hotel has been lovingly restored.

With stylish facilities and elements of its original splendour, patrons are offered a glimpse into the past of the ‘grand old dame by the sea’. Coogee was settled in 1837 as a seaside village retreat for Sydney’s elite. The area, with its prominent views over a sweeping valley and protected beach, provided a beachside haven to escape the rigours of early Sydney city life.


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Originally built as a one story homestead in 1859, the site was purchased by the Birmingham family and functioned as a school for the first few years. From 1863, the property changed hands a number of times before being purchased by the Flood Family, who it is believed were responsible for the second story additions.

In 1873, the Coogee Bay Hotel opened its doors to the public and has been operating ever since. Prominent citizens Reginald and Elizabeth Reid having purchased the Hotel, built its reputation as a relaxing seaside escape. Internally, many changes have been made to the original structure, however much of the building’s façade dates back to its early beginnings.
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Having undergone major design changes and renovations over the years, the Coogee Bay Hotel retains a strong sense of the historical elements and grandeur that have made the Coogee Bay Hotel so popular. Strong elements of period architecture remain - Victorian period influences, cedar staircases, long street side verandahs and intricate wooden finishing.

Despite all the structural changes undertaken, The Coogee Bay Hotel remains to this day a stunning example of early Australian beachside resort architecture.

Today, the Coogee Bay Hotel is owned by C.inc, a family run property group who are dedicated to seeing the Hotel meet the standards of the modern era, whilst retaining its links to the past. As a heritage listed property, the emphasis is on careful and sympathetic restoration, ensuring that the Coogee Bay Hotel will continue as an iconic element in the Coogee landscape for generations to come.

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