Coogee Bay

Enjoy the stunning views and peaceful tranquility that Coogee Bay has on offer. Situated between the two rocky headlands of Dunningham and Grant Reserves, Coogee Bay is a breathtaking part of The Sports Coast, lined with rock swimming pools and an offshore rocky outcrop known as Wedding Cake Island.

On a quiet day the sparkling waters invite accomplished swimmers to take a swim across the width of the bay. Two shark nets have been set up across the bay to protect swimmers and provide a safe swimming environment. Watch as sailors steer their boats on a journey across the ocean and sea kayakers paddle into the open waters. In big storms the bay can produce waves that crash onto the beach and the surrounding cliffs providing an exciting contrast to the usual serenity of the bay.

The North headland of Coogee Beach affords some great views. In the nineteenth century a number of visiting artists painted views of Coogee, some of these paintings are very popular (as well as being some of the most expensive nineteenth century Australian artworks).

These artists belonged to the Heidelberg School, a group of Australian impressionist painters who had a lasting impact on Australian art.

Some of the most well known paintings of Coogee by the Heidelberg School are:

Coogee Bay (1888) painted by Charles Conder

Holiday Sketch at Coogee (1888) painted by Tom Roberts

Sunlight Sweet, Coogee (1890) painted by Arthur Streeton

Coogee and the surrounding beaches continue to attract artists, and the swimming pool at the south end of Coogee Beach is a favourite for painters and artists today.

Wedding Cake Island sits a little to the south in the bay and provides protection from large swells for Coogee Beach . In big swells surfers can enjoy riding the waves that are moulded by this small rocky outcrop. On calm days divers can swim with fish such as the blue groper, leather jacket and bream and observe the sponges and corals that live around the island.

Enjoy a meal or beverage with views across the Pacific Ocean from the Coogee Bay Hotel (02) 9665 0000. Named after the bay itself, the hotel offers patrons a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with scenic views over the bay from the front bar and beer garden. Function rooms are available to hire for parties for all occasions and the hotel has boutique accommodation available for visitors to stay by the seaside in the heart of Coogee.

For longer term accommodation ParkBeachside (02) 9315 7777, located at 190 Arden Street, will provide you with friendly assistance for all your needs.