COOGEE UNCOVERED

The inside scoop on all things local

A slice of Coogee’s past

Coogee’s history is as vibrant as its shores!

Originally home to the Bidjigal and Gadigal people, the name ‘Coogee’ means “smell of drying seaweed” (a nod to its coastal charm). Officially declared a village in 1838, Coogee quickly became a favourite seaside spot, with the Coogee Bay Hotel, originally a school, opening in 1873 and becoming the heart of the community. 

From the dazzling Coogee Pleasure Pier in the 1920s to the legendary live shows at Selina’s from the 1970s onwards - featuring acts like INXS, Midnight Oil, and Cold Chisel - Coogee has always drawn a crowd. In 2023, Coogee Bay Hotel proudly celebrated 150 years as the community’s heart and hub. Over the years, the hotel has raised over $4 million for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and continues to honour Coogee’s enduring charm, generosity, and natural beauty. 

WELLNESS

TITAN FITNESS

Modern gym with classes and personal training.

OCEAN WELLNESS

Massage therapy and holistic wellness treatments.

RCVRI COOGEE

Recovery centre with saunas, pools and float therapy.

HEAD OVER HEELS PILATES

Boutique pilates studio for strength and flexibility.

 

SPLASH AND PLAY

  • Coogee Beach itself is the main spot, offering a wide stretch of sand and calm waves ideal for families. Clovelly Beach, a short walk north, provides a sheltered bay that’s great for a relaxing swim. Maroubra Beach, located south, is popular among locals and offers a larger surf beach with designated swimming areas. 

  • Wylie’s Baths offers a natural rock pool with stunning views and calm waters for lap swimming. McIver’s Ladies Baths is a women’s-only ocean pool with a unique, private setting just south of Coogee Beach. Giles Baths, on the northern end of Coogee Beach, provides a small, natural rock pool perfect for a refreshing dip with a view. 

  • The best spot for surfing near Coogee is Maroubra Beach. Known for its consistent waves, Maroubra is popular among both beginners and experienced surfers, with plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere. 

  • Gordon’s Bay is a fantastic spot for snorkelling. This protected bay north of Coogee Beach offers calm, clear waters and a variety of marine life, making it a relatively safe and exciting spot to explore underwater. Item description

THE BEST PLACE TO…

HAVE A PICNIC…
The park directly opposite Coogee Bay Hotel 


POSE FOR A SELFIE…
Ross Jones Rockpool 

BUY A REFRESHING JUICE
Melonhead 

ENJOY A MEAL
Beach Bar & Dining

GET YOUR HAIR DONE…
Onda or Blends & Brothers

 
WATCH LIVE SPORT…
Sports Bar at Coogee Bay Hotel 


GRAB A LATE NIGHT FEED…
Erciyes 

WATCH THE SUNSET…
Headland north of Coogee Beach

The best walks in & around Coogee

  • Length: 6 km (one-way) 

    Time: 2–3 hours 

    Highlights: This iconic walk passes through Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly, Bronte, and Tamarama, with cliff views, beaches, and parks. Perfect for a leisurely day with swimming options along the way. 

    Start: Head to Coogee Beach and walk left (north) along the coast. 

  • Length: 5 km (one-way) 

    Time: 1.5–2 hours 

    Highlights: Head south along scenic Lurline Bay to Maroubra Beach for quieter paths and ocean views—a peaceful, less crowded option. 

    Start: Head to the beach and walk right (south) along the coast. 

  • Length: 7 km (return) 

    Time: 2.5–3 hours 

    Highlights: Located in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, this track features coastal views, WWII bunkers, and the SS Minmi shipwreck, with diverse landscapes along the way. 

    Start: Uber, drive or take a bus to Cann Park near La Perouse, then start from the park’s southern end and continue past the scenic Congwong Beach. 

  • Length: 3.7 km (one-way) 

    Time: 1.5–2 hours 

    Highlights: This track in Malabar Headland National Park offers panoramic ocean views, opportunities for whale watching during migration seasons, and a chance to explore native flora and fauna. The trail features historic World War II gun emplacements and sandstone railway tracks (Note: The track is closed on Saturdays, every third Sunday of the month, and at other times when the ANZAC Rifle Range is in use) 

    Start: Uber, drive or take a bus to Arthur Byrne Reserve, located at the southern end of Maroubra Beach 

  • Length: 3.5 km (loop) 

    Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

    Highlights: This lush park offers ponds, gardens, and open spaces perfect for a relaxed stroll or jog, with native flora and birdlife. 

    Start: Drive, Uber or take a short bus ride to Centennial Park and begin at the main entrance. 

  • “My favourite spot to stay whenever I’m in Sydney. The perfect combination of seaside relaxation with a fun atmosphere. Especially love a sneaky sesh in the garden.”

    Matt, 2022

  • “A hidden gem. I stayed at Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel on a business trip and have to say it was a very pleasant find and stay. The staff were courteous and helpful and the room was spacious, clean and ah, an oh so comfy bed and pillows. Just what you need when away from home”

    Nik 2022

  • “What wonderful staff, they were all so helpful – The rooms were clean and well maintained and housekeeping was on top of everything. We stayed in the boutique hotel with an ocean view, balcony, stocked minibar, fridge, TV, and good internet. The location is great, right across the street from lovely Coogee Beach. We would highly recommend this hotel, and can’t say enough about the great staff”

    Cynthia, 2022

  • “A lovely room with an ocean view. Very spacious and clean. Felt right in the heart of everything. Heaps of food choices and lovely coastal walks”

    Nicole, 2022

With Coogee Beach right on your doorstep, scores of unique retail stores, delicious eateries, access to the stunning coastal walk and a simple 20 minute trip to the city centre, there is so much waiting to be explored. Not feeling adventurous? Simply head down to our fabulous garden and relax with a fantastic selection of food and drinks.

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