Coogee Beach: 14 Exciting Things to Do

Coogee Beach is a beautiful beach in the Pacific Ocean and a popular destination located in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. 

Coogee is a popular spot for surfing in New South Wales, Australia. You can drive down Coogee Bay Road from Sydney. It has numerous popular beaches known for their consistent waves and wide range of fun activities. 

Things to do in Coogee Beach

Coogee surf is usually best during the summer when the prevailing sea breezes create good wave conditions. Let us not waste any more words, and dive right into it. 

1. Swimming and Sunbathing

One popular activity at Coogee Beach is swimming and sunbathing. However, Coogee Bay has a dangerous shore break and is known for causing injuries more than any other Australian Beach.

The beach is well maintained throughout the year by Randwick City Council and has surf life-saving guards patrolling the beaches. Remember to swim only in an area marked with red and yellow flags. There are facilities with changing rooms and toilets near Arden street for you to use.

An annual swimming event is conducted every year in November. The Coogee beach also houses Wylie’s Baths, the first mixed swimming bath in the world.

2. Surfing

Surfing is another popular activity at Coogee Beach. You can rent the equipment and enjoy surfing on the beach. 

3. Snorkeling

Snorkelling is also a popular activity at Coogee Beach. The beach has much marine life such as fish, turtles, and octopuses. Rent snorkelling gear and enjoy a guided tour to explore the underwater world.

4. Bondi to Coogee Walk

The Bondi Junction to Coogee Coastal Walk is a thing that visitors should never miss. The 6-kilometer walk offers stunning views of the coast and ocean, and access to several other beaches, including Bondi Beach and Maroubra beach.

As part of the walk, you will be able to visit a bronze sculpture which is a memorial to 20 Australian victims of which six were Coogee Dolphins Rugby, league players.

5. Restaurants and Cafes

In the evening, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of Coogee’s many restaurants and cafes, or take a walk along the beach to watch the sunset. Coogee is known for its nightlife and has many pubs and clubs to enjoy the night.

Do not forget to try putu mayam, a rice noodle accompanied by finely shaved coconut sprinkled on top.

6. Visit Wedding Cake Island

Wedding Cake Island, also known as “Scott’s Island,” is a small rocky reef island located off the coast of Coogee Beach. It is known for its unique and striking rock formations, including a large rock that resembles a wedding cake.

The surrounding southern coastline is surrounded by cliffs. The island is a popular spot for photography, swimming, and snorkelling.

7. Goldstein Reserve

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the beach and ocean views, picnics, barbecues, and other recreational activities.

The reserve features a playground, a skate Park and a piece of fitness equipment. You can see people enjoying games such as cricket and football in the playground. The reserve was named after Harry Goldstein, a resident and community leader.

8. Visit the Ocean Baths

Coogee Beach has ocean baths, and a heritage-listed seawater swimming pool complex located at Coogee. It was designed by architect Henry Keller and built-in 1887 by James Hargrave.

It is also known as Coogee Beach Ocean Baths and Coogee Men’s and Women’s Bathing Pavilion.

9. Gordons bay

Gordon Bay is located next to Coogee Beach. It has clear and calm waters for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. It has plenty of marine life such as fish, prawns and octopus. Cafes are available to enjoy great meals.

Gordon’s Bay is also a popular spot for fishing and picnics. The bay features a children’s playground which can be enjoyed by children and a barbecue for friends to enjoy a night and a lookout point for a romantic sunset.

10. Coogee Chamber

It is a local organization representing the interests of businesses in Coogee Beach. The Chamber promotes economic development and creates a vibrant and prosperous community through advocacy, networking, and events. It also has various amusement rides for children.

The chamber members can be small business owners, entrepreneurs, large companies, and other organizations. Its main goal is to support the local business community and contribute to the overall economic growth of the area.

11. Coogee Surf Life Saving Club

McIvers Baths and Wylie’s Baths are colocated near Coogee beach. The club patrols the beach every day including public holidays. It can be a great addition to your other things to do at Coogee Beach.

12. Coogee Bay Hotel

The Coogee Bay Hotel is a 150-year-old hotel located in the beachside suburb of Coogee. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of accommodation options, dining, and entertainment options.

13. Coogee Arts Festival

It is an open-air event held every February at the southern end of Coogee beach. It is held in the parklands and features theatre performances. It is a popular event amongst tourists, particularly backpackers.

14. Island Challenge

This swimming competition is a 2.4 km competition that was institutionalised in 2000 which is a race around Wedding Island. It is a mega event and a celebrated part of the Sydney ocean swimming scene.

Conclusion

Coogee beach is a well-maintained beach by Randwick city council and a must-visit in South Australia. You can visit the beach and enjoy various activities due to the good weather in the area for the entire year.

Do not miss out on the Coogee tour walk and visit Ross Jones Memorial Pool or taste the putu mayam relaxing on the northern end coastal edge of the beach.

Also check out, Beautiful Hidden Places in NSW