Things to do while you're in Coogee
The Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel offers one of the best accommodation choices in the Eastern Suburbs. There are many fun and interesting things to do in the local area.
Whether soaking up the sun on Coogee Beach, strolling the Coastal Walkway or simply exploring the major sporting and entertainment facilities in the area, there are many great things to do when visiting Coogee Bay Hotel.
Coogee Beach
Stroll through the beachside suburb of Coogee and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the cafe scene and restaurants, learn to surf or catch the Bondi & Bay Explorer bus and discover the history and rich cultural tapestry of the Eastern Suburbs. Following a major upgrade to the beachfront, Coogee now rivals Bondi and Manly beaches as the place to go and be seen. It has a vibrant atmosphere and yet has retained its coastal seaside village flavour. Coogee has a long family beach history. In the late 1920s it was the site of an amusement pier with a huge netted shark-proof bathing area.
Swimming
Coogee Beach has calm surf for most of the year and water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from September to March. Always swim in the safe areas between the flags (red and yellow). If you are unsure about the surf conditions check with the local Surf Living Patrol. Do not swim under the influence of alcohol.
There are also some salt water pools just south of the beach. The most famous is Wylie's Baths on Neptune Street established in 1907 by Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance and under water swimmer. Just north of Coogee is Clovelly Pool which offers intriguing snorkelling in calm water. Indoor pools are located at The University of New South Wales, Coogee/Randwick RSL Club and Souths Juniors Leagues Club in Kingsford.
Surfing
Maroubra Beach south of Coogee, and Bronte and Bondi Beaches north of Coogee, offer access to some of Sydney's famous surf.
Coastal Walkway
One of Sydney's greatest assets and favourite walks - follow the coast from Coogee Beach past historic Waverley Cemetery (the location of Henry Lawson's grave and the largest memorial to the Irish people outside of Ireland) through to the bustling Bondi Beach. Magnificent panoramic views and coastal flora and fauna abound.
For more information, visit www.sportscoast.com.au/activities/coastalwalk.htm
Tennis
Tennis courts are located on the corner of Brook and Dolphin Sts.
Diving Trail
Scuba Dive and follow the diving trail through the majestic underwater paradise of Gordon's Bay. The crystal clear waters are home to a cornucopia of beautiful and exotic fish, and a fascinating variety of other sea creatures. The tranquility of Gordon's Bay provides an excellent milieu for peaceful diving.
Coogee Bowling Club
If you are interested in lawn bowls then there is the full range of social, club and pennant competitions. There are three well kept greens so there is no shortage of space. Barefoot bowls is on offer so get some friends together for a great afternoon of fun. If you are interested in lawn bowls just call the club on 9665-5782.
Coogee Beach Gym
Needing a work out while on holidays? Coogee Gym is just around the corner. It's a traditional gym, with no air conditioning or fancy machines but lots of room, good advice and not pretending to be anything than a great gym.
31a Alfreda Street Coogee NSW 2034
P: 9665 4058
Beauty Treatments
Ella Bache on Coogee Bay Road has a fantastic range of beauty treatments and products. If you're in the mood to spoil yourself, they are definitely worth a visit.
P: 02 9315 7585 E: coogee@ellabachesalons.com.au
Shopping
Check out nearby Westfield shopping at Bondi Junction or Eastgardens. Or, for specialty shops, travel to Sydney CBD for the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), The Strand Arcade, and Martin Place. For those chasing a bargain try Paddy's Markets in Haymarket.
Entertainment & Music
The local cinema is the Randwick Ritz. Visit www.ritzcinema.com.au.
Opera
For opera, The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, and theatre visit the Sydney Opera House, www.sydneyoperahouse.com.
Also visit www.moshtix.com.au to book tickets for gigs at Selina's, Coogee Bay Hotel.
Museums, Galleries, and Libraries
Travel to Sydney CBD for The Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum, The NSW Art Gallery, The NSW State Library, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Anzac War Memorial.
Royal Randwick Racecourse
Horse racing has had a special association in the area, with the first registered horse race taking place on the site of the Royal Randwick Racecourse in 1833. Today, Randwick Racecourse is Sydney's premier racecourse, and you too can experience all the atmosphere and glamour of a day at the races. Royal Randwick Racecourse is managed by the AJC (Australian Jockey Club). Horse races are the main attraction at Royal Randwick, however it can be booked for private functions, and provides ample entertainment for all ages on race meeting days.
For more information, visit www.ajc.com.au
Sydney Cricket Ground & Aussie Stadium
Home to world-class cricket, rugby league, rugby union and more, these stadiums are only minutes from the Coogee Bay Hotel so you can enjoy all the action.
For more information, visit www.sydneycricketground.com.au.
The Entertainment Quarter
Where major movies such as Shine, Mission Impossible, The Matrix, Red Planet, Babe, Pig in the City and Moulin Rouge have all been filmed. Stroll around the backlot, enjoy an array of great shops, cafes and markets. Fox Studios also host fantastic school holiday programs for kids.
For more information, visit www.eqmoorepark.com.au/.
Golf Course
Golf is an extremely popular recreational pursuit around the world. Many Australian and notable international travellers visit Coogee and enjoy its golfing facilities. Five outstanding courses can be found in the area including the oldest in the country - The Australian, The Coast, New South Wales, St Michael's and Randwick.
Centennial Park
The people's park since 1888 - horse riding, bicycle riding, ranger tours, environmental theme activities, jog or stroll through the beautiful parklands (185 hectares), monument at site of the signing of Australian Declaration of Federation 1901. The park also offers cycling, walking and rollerblading tracks, picnic and barbeque areas, guided tours, sporting fields, cafe and restaurant, Moore Park golf course and driving range. Centennial Park provides something for everyone, whether you are lovers of history, horticulture, sport or just relaxation.
For more information, visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au.