Coogee, Sydney Region — New South Wales

Coogee is a coastal suburb located in south east Sydney, New South Wales. This suburb is situated on Coogee Bay and is part of the Local Government Area of the City of Randwick. The place-name was derived from an Aboriginal word that is translated as ‘smelly place.’

Coogee Beach is the main outdoor destination of both locals and visitors, with its clear waters ideal for surfing and swimming. An ocean pool in its southern part provides a safe spot for children to frolic in. Kite-flying and strolling along its stretch of white sand are also popular activities. There are also facilities for picnics and barbecues in shady and grassy parts of the beach. The nearby playground is also a favorite among children. Numerous eating establishments offering wide varieties of dishes dot the promenade, adding to the overall appeal of the area.

The beach is also the starting point for a walk to Maroubra and participants get to enjoy scenic views of the coastline along the way. The walk specifically starts at the southern end of the beach, in Grant Reserve. There are also several interpretive signs that impart information on local history, natural plant and wildlife, and shipwrecks that occur in the nearby areas.

Visitors get some much-needed pampering when they drop by Wylies Baths, located on Neptune Street. The establishment, founded in 1907, offers relaxing massages after frolicking in several of its seaside baths. Swimming lessons are also available for the inexperienced.

North of the beach is Gordon’s Bay, an area notoriously associated with nude sunbathing. The bay is also identified as ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Located nearby is the Dunningham Reserve, which is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and riding bicycles. A lot of families and groups of friends also take advantage of its facilities for picnics and barbecues, located within the grassy part of the reserve.

Also situated north of Coogee Beach, on an area called the Dolphin’s Point, is a bronze sculpture that was commissioned for locals who died in the 2002 Bali bombing.

Coogee also boasts of a historic structure built in the late 19th century, the Maidstone mansion on Waltham Street.

There are also several events that are organized in Coogee every year. One interesting happening is held every first day of the month, the Putu Mayam Day. Visitors and locals converge to Coogee Beach for a taste of this exotic Malaysian dish, made of rice noodles, brown sugar, and shaved coconut.

There is also the Coogee Arts Festival held every February in the southern part of Coogee Beach and includes a film festival and several open air theatrical performances that promote the area’s cultural scene.

Since its establishment in 2000, The Island Challenge has been a consistent crowd-drawer during the later part of November. The event’s principal attraction is a swimming competition to and around Wedding Cake Island, located across the beach.

December is the time for two major events in Coogee, the Family Fun Day every first Saturday of December and the Coogee Carols on the weekend before Christmas. The former features amusement rides right on the beach while the latter is held at Goldstein Reserve.