Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is widely regarded as a more relaxed and local alternative to Bondi Beach, offering a sheltered bay that is ideal for swimming. ​Atmosphere and Vibe: Visitors frequently praise the "chill" and "local" feel of the area. Because Wedding Cake Island shelters the bay, the water is generally much calmer than at nearby Maroubra or Bondi, making it a top choice for families with small children. ​Unique Ocean Pools: One of the most distinctive features to mention in your review is the variety of rock pools. ​Giles Baths: Located at the northern end, offering a more rugged, natural swimming experience. ​Ross Jones Memorial Baths: Situated at the southern end, these are iconic, man-made concrete pools perfect for laps or children. ​Wylie's Baths: A historic, tidal pool just a short walk south (entry fee applies) known for its stunning "infinity pool" views. ​Facilities and Accessibility: The beach is well-equipped with public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. There are also several green spaces nearby with barbecue facilities and picnic tables, which are highly valued by weekend visitors. ​Dining and Surrounding Area: Coogee Bay Road, located directly across from the beach, is packed with restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. Reviewers often recommend grabbing fish and chips to eat in the park or visiting the historic Coogee Bay Hotel for a drink. ​Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: If you arrived via the 6km coastal trail, mentioning the scenic views and the manageable "Grade 2" difficulty of the track adds great value for other hikers. ​Summary for your Google Maps Review ​When posting, consider giving it a high rating (it currently holds a 4.7-star average) and attaching photos of the clear water or the ocean pools. A great review might look like this: "A fantastic family-friendly beach that feels much more laid back than Bondi. The water is calm thanks to the island offshore, and the Ross Jones rock pools are a highlight for kids. Plenty of great cafes right across the street and clean facilities. Highly recommend finishing the coastal walk here and grabbing some local fish and chips!"

Way better than Bondi,Manly or Maroubra. Nice looking people and lots of slim, blonde girls! Beach is clean, lots of food places. The only issue can be a local feminist and finding a parking spot on weekend.

A True Sydney Gem: Perfect Start to the Coogee-to-Bondi Walk! ​Coogee Beach is simply one of the best spots in Sydney for sun, sand, and great coastal vibes. We started our big 8.1km walk to Bondi here, and the atmosphere was electric, even early in the morning! ​Why Coogee is a 5-Star Spot: ​Vibrant Atmosphere: The beach is wide and clean, with a fantastic energy. Even before 8 AM, there were people swimming, volleyball games happening (as seen at Dunningham Park!), and lifesavers doing their drills. It’s active without being overcrowded early on. ​Great Amenities & Access: The promenade is perfect for strolling, and the bus stop access (like the one near Arden Street) makes logistics easy. There are plenty of spots for coffee and brunch right across the road. ​The Perfect Launchpad: For anyone doing the famous Coogee to Bondi walk, this is the ideal starting point. The views of the headlands are beautiful, and it sets a stunning pace for the rest of the journey. ​Family Friendly: With Dunningham Park right there, it's a great spot for groups and families. ​If you're looking for a beautiful, welcoming Sydney beach that combines natural beauty with a great community feel, Coogee Beach is it. Highly recommend visiting early in the day!

Coogee Beach is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and relaxing beaches. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the atmosphere is always lively but still peaceful enough to enjoy a quiet day by the sea. It’s a great spot for families, swimmers, and anyone who loves coastal walks. One of the best parts is the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, which offers stunning ocean views. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shaded picnic areas nearby, making it easy to spend the whole day here. The beach is clean, well-maintained, and patrolled by lifeguards. Overall, Coogee Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the sun, ocean, and Sydney’s laid-back lifestyle.”

Visiting Coogee Beach is always a treat. It’s one of Sydney’s gems: beautiful coastal views, lively energy, and plenty of amenities that make it more than just a beach day. Here’s what I love (and what to watch out for) when heading there. Parking around Coogee can be a bit of a mission — especially on weekends, holidays or during summer — so arriving early or planning ahead is wise. On-street & local streets There are free on-street bays (usually with a 4-hour limit) in nearby residential streets. Watch the signage — many spots switch between 2P, 4P, or time-limited zones. Council & off-street car parks Coogee Bay Village Car Park (Care Park) is a solid option. It’s right in the heart of the dining precinct. Rates there currently: • 0–1 hour ≈ $9 • 1–2 h ≈ $14 • 2–3 h ≈ $19 • 3–4 h ≈ $24 • 4+ hours (daily max) ≈ $30 Other nearby parking options (via Parkvel) include lots on Dolphin Street, Carr Street, Alfreda Street, etc. For example, 196 Coogee Bay Road has ~100 spaces, with daily rates up to ~$15. Some lots or street spots are free for limited times (e.g. free up to 4 hours). Use apps like Parkhound and Parking Made Easy to prebook or reserve a space and avoid driving around. Many rockpools around Coogee Beach which you can explore - Wiles Baths, Ross Jones Rockpool, McIvers Ladies Pool etc.

A beautiful beach with plenty to do nearby. There are lots of great spots around for food, drinks, and relaxing, which makes it perfect for a weekend visit. Ideal for soaking up the sun, spending time by the water, and enjoying everything the area has to offer. Always a great place to come back to.

Amazing beach in Sydney, very busy but awesome. Have an amazing pool on a side! Clear water, nice waves and a lot of services around.

Came on Christmas Day itself and it was packed to the brim! From both the grass patch near the beach to the beach itself, people were everywhere. I can imagine this was partially due to Bondi being avoided for the time being, yet it was nice to see everyone having a good time together. Definitely the place to be during festivities, if you like crowds.

Even if it's winter time here, this was a beautiful beach to visit. Very clean and scenic and a variety of activities to partake in. Plus a few nearby eateries and plenty of restrooms. The parking lot was a bit limited but still convenient.

The sister and I went to check out this beach and took a little stroll around the area. Parking was easy to find, but it was packed. The beach was full of people and the sand looked clean and the water looked great and clear. I like that there is a nice green area to walk your pets or to just chill and have a picnic. It's definitely a place to visit for a nice day out and just to hang out with people. There is also plenty of places to eat at around the area; so everything you need is within walking distance. The place I liked was the cliff area because you can enjoy the view of the beach from above, but also been in the grassy area as well. You definitely get a good view of the beach. I would come back here again.

I started my Coastal Hike from Congee Beach. After I got off the bus, the first sight was a beautiful beach with nice fine sand and calm blue ocean! Smaller than Bondi Beach. The cliff on the side has really interesting and pretty rock formation.

The Khloe Kardashian of beaches. All the other annoying family members hog the headlines with their see-through boots and their no talent, but this is where the real gold is. Giles Baths rock pool on the north headland. Wylie Baths on the south. A golden stretch of sand and clear AF water in between. Coogee Palace on the promenade. Grass and dogs and half of Rio de Janiero. Food and pubs and acai and churrasco. What's not to love? A: nothing. Plus it's not as far away as Maroubra, which you have to drive through suburbia to get to.

You should go to Bondi or Manly instead because Coogee has (more): - fighting. it's peak season, I know, but The Youths... I've witnessed multiple fights, often within friend groups. The poor police officers patrolling Coogee work to de-escalate situations though it ruins the ambiance. Bondi seems to have ninja police officers who appear out of nowhere and disappear with offending parties. where to? don't know but nuisa - dogs in rock pools. They aren't allowed presumably because the untrained ones will bark at and 'chase' swimming humans. It's often the same ones and the fauxpologies gets absurd when dogs without leashes / leads get in your face....yet again. - cockroaches. this is apparently where all the cockroaches meet up on hot humid days - aggressive seagulls. these well-dressed gangsters are on the sand, in your face, on the foot paths....

Beautiful spot to watch the sunrise over sea and salute the sun on the grass just behind the beach! Stunning! I loved how although there wee plenty of people around jogging and walking dogs, there was still a great sense of peace and quite in the area Looked like the lifesaving service starts around 7 am and the morning waves were very gentle, if you're into a brisk morning dip in the fresh mid winter sea. Much nicer than nearby and crowded Bondi.

What a beautiful beach!! This place reminds me of Santa Cruz back in California, with the even waves crashing onto the pretty beach. Wow. I love picturesque view of the houses by the cliff and the small cove where you can get some snorkelling done. The water is pretty choppy though, so I dont think its good for swimming unfortunately. Nonetheless, the beach is pretty nice for a tan or a game of beach volleyball. Love it!

I like Coogee Beach because it's not as busy as Bondi Beach - so it's easier to find parking or get a seat on the bus getting or coming to Coogee. The park is definetly great for BBQ picnics and large enough to play a casual game of football or frisbee.

I love most Perth beaches, and Coogee Beach has a pretty special place in my heart. I grew up not too far from here, so it's just always been my local beach. Perth's coastline is pretty spectacular, and Coogee Beach is no exception to that. Soft white sand, beautiful clear and clean waters, a few connecting parks, picnic and BBQ facilities available, and a playground for the kids. There are a few jetties that people do a lot of fishing from them and there's a pontoon to swim out to during the summer months. It isn't a patrolled beach for the most part as well, but it's usually quite a calm beach. There is also a cafe available. It's changed hands quite a few times, and I would say the quality has definitely picked up in the last few years. It is a little pricey for what you get, but considering it is a beach-side cafe and the only venue on hand with a convenient walking distance, it's not too bad. A beautiful place to spend time with friends, family or some well deserved alone time. I've even started coming here for cardio workouts, and there are a few boot camps that run sessions along the beach.

So i'm a newbie living in the Sydney area, but the first beach I visited was Coogee and I'm so happy that I did. I have been to many many beaches across the world ranging from the Virgin Islands, to Spain and California to Costa Rica so although I haven't visited the other beaches in Sydney.... yet, I can say I quite enjoyed this beach. I'm not a lover of large crowds but the beach was clean and the seagulls were sparse. Although the tide was quite strong that day, the lifeguards did have a section for swimmers to get wet. They have also just added a beach library which is such a great idea... community spirit! I'm not a fan of swimming in Ocean's - a fear of all things awful, I did like the idea of the rock pools and wanted to come back for those. When we were grabbing some beers across the road at the Coogee Cafe (Click here for that review: http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/coogee-bay-hotel-brasserie-coogee-2?hrid=ZndhRP3e0s0B48_QgF25Og) were were told that there was a women's only rock pool and here is where my review gets the four stars! I went back to Coogee two weeks after my first visit for McIvers Baths, the last remaining sea-water pool for ladies in Australia, and if you're a lady I highly suggest visiting. The rock pool is decently sheltered on both sides so you are free to take off your top. There are grassy platforms, to bath and a toilet/shower to prep yourself. You have a beautiful view of Coogee and the Ocean without the screaming tots, so its a lovely get-a-way where you can feel comfortable to tan without your top. Bring a book, some sunnies and lotion for your boobs and you're good to go. My suggestion is getting a spot on the lower grassy platforms as the higher ones get shade about 3pm. Have fun!

It's not as wavey as it's neighbours, but sometimes Coogee can put on a good wave show! There's the ladeh's only pool which you can use for 20c not too far from the beach itself. The lovely cafe on the beach does a mean grilled fish if you're feeling hungry. They offer salads and other things to eat. If that doesn't tickle your taste buds then feel free to wonder across the road from the beach for a multitude of take away choices. Also it's a great end to the Bondi to Coogee walk (6km all in all) - feel free to finish your walk under a tree enjoying the ocean breeze.

Coogee Beach is a big but beautiful stretch of sand along the Sydney coast, with the aquamarine water that you come to expect of Australia's beaches. We didn't spend long here, but I preferred the vibe at Coogee to some of the more popular beaches, and the swimming pool carved into the rock looked particularly spectacular.

Having lived in Sydney previously the name "Coogee" has a familiarity about it. Coogee in Freo is picture perfect- white sand, well scaped dunes, with anchoring bushes and easy access to the ocean. Only a short walk there are several nooks along the dune line to set up camp or you can join the masses by the waters edge. I called into Coogee beach a couple weeks ago during the Chilli Festival and it was certainly the second hottest place to be in Freo that weekend. Beautiful beach, beautiful bodies- what more could one want? A must for any water baby in the area.

Coogee was my go-to beach when I first moved to Sydney. The most easily accessible by both car and public transport, it was the only beach we frequented. The surf was mild enough for my friends that didn't like waves and yet with enough of a swell to satisfy (kind of). Because of its accessibility (amongst other reasons I'm sure) Coogee is always packed. From the first sunny/slightly warm day of the year, Sydney-siders and tourists flock to Coogee's sandy shore - a shore that I'm constantly scanning for needles. And whilst this may sound a little paranoid (I'm yet to find a needle), there's still reason for caution, with glinting shards of glass and still burning cigarettes hiding amongst the sand. What's more, as someone who goes to the beach to swim, the packs of girls in bikinis with full faces of make-up and perfectly straightened hair reading aloud excerpts from cosmo magazines tend to make me sick. Yes, I'm aware that this kind of crowd can be found most places and yet Coogee seems to draw them in (I bet it's their cigarette butts I'm walking on too). Whilst no longer my beach of choice, I still pretty frequently attend Coogee. The beach is surrounded by a pretty good selection of smoothies and fish and chips, as well as bars for a post-beach drink. Also, parking is plentiful and if you're willing to walk a bit, you can often find unlimited parking.

I lived literally 100 meters from the sand of Coogee Beach when I studied abroad in Sydney, so I was here pretty frequently. Aside from the occasional crazy amounts of seaweed days, the water was clear and clean. The sand is also really clean, I'd go on runs right along the water and I'd never step on anything out of the ordinary - no syringes or broken glass here! There's also a nice terrace-like path that goes along much of the beach if you prefer running on pavement. There were a few stone blocks on the right end of the beach where I'd get the occasional workout on too. Great thing about this place are the outdoor grills - super clean and perfect for a chill picnic/bbq. The bus stops right near the steps leading to the beach, and there are plenty of food options right near by. I wouldn't recommend surfing here as the waves are "dumpy," meaning the water is very calm until it forms a sudden wave right before hitting the shore. I got absolutely murdered once when there were these dumping waves taller than me -_- It doesn't usually get crowded here and the people are super friendly. If you get the chance, I'd definitely come here for a calm and relaxed day at the beach.

Mark C said it all pretty much! You get to see the freight boats "zip" by on their way north. Popular place for walkers and runners! For kids building sandcastles too!

Clean, quiet and a very calm beach. What else would you ask for a beach!! Coogee has been one of my fav beach all along. Great for fitness on the beach with it's flat surface and spacious nature it's perfect to do running drills and the sort. Water is always calm and not as choppy as beaches like Floreat or city beach. Great amenities at the local surf life saving club with the newly built club. Toilets are always clean and well kept. Only thing they could do better would probably more parking bays?? Can get slightly pack on a weekend. Overall it's a great beach and it's my local. Can't ask for a nicer beach :)

Coogee is a nice beach to go. Lots of space, cafe and pubs nearby. You will get lots of backpackers too. It's better parking-wise than Bondi and you can always catch the bus from the citym too.

Coogee is my favourite beach. I love walking along the coastal path from Bondi, finishing in the park at the top of the hill with the most fabulous view down to Coogee and the sea. Of course, Coogee gets busy, but it seems less rammed than Bondi and I think more beautiful. There's a great promenade that stretches all the way around the sand, perfect for a brisk walk or a place to eat fish and chips without consuming mouthfuls of sand. The centre of Coogee is only a matter of meters away, so it's perfectly easy to go and buy a drink or a sandwich and take it down to the beach to enjoy. The sand is clean, the sea is cool and it is a beautiful place to spend a day of sunbathing and relaxing. Easily accessible by bus, there's no excuse not to come down here to explore.

After an hour-long bus ride from Glebe to Coogee, I was cranky and miserable. Alright, I'm exaggerating, but I was itching to just take my shoes off and lie on the beach like a seal. Surrounded by cliffs, Coogee is a scenic and roomy beach to relax and enjoy the surf. As far as the crowd, it is definitely not pretentious like Bondi. You'll see different types of people here, from students to hip young parents. The sand is clean and the water is pleasant, though I find Bondi much nicer. There can be some rough waves at Coogee, though the majority of them are kept at bay by Wedding Cake Island several hundred metres off shore. You can waves crash violently into this rocky island from the beach. Watch out for rip currents, as they can be strong all along the shore. There's also promenade that surrounds the beach, which is perfect for jogging or a pleasant walk.

The plan was to head to Bronte Beach, but an accidental detour lead us to park at one end of Coogee Beach. Early on a Saturday, you'll find yourself surrounded with parents having their morning coffee at the local cafe with their kids, people walking their dogs, early morning joggers, volley ball goers and of course the odd swimmer enjoying the surf. Speaking of which, it really isn't the best beach to surf or body board, but definitely still great to swim between the flags, sunbake and people watch. It's worth checking out this scenic destination.

Holy undercurrents, Batman! I've only been to Coogee once, and I liked it, but the rips and undercurrents were so strong the day I went that the patrols closed the beach! I don't blame them though; while wading in the water, I was pulled down so hard by the retreating surf that I was knocked clean on my butt. My bikini bottom filled up with sand, I received a tittering, "Are you ok? *giggle*" from my beach companion...yeah, not one of my better moments. Apparently, strong water isn't the norm for this beach, so eventually I'll give it another go. We eventually moved over to the rock pool to actually get some swimming in before heading home. The water in there was clear and cool; a lovely compliment to the hot summer day. Lots of kids in the pool, they were minorly annoying but otherwise fairly well behaved. The beach itself is gorgeous. Very picturesque; the water is so blue and the sand is light and lovely. It's less well known as a tourist beach so it isn't as crowded, but the people watching is still awesome here. There's a tiny cafe/fish shack on the beach that does awesome grilled fish. There was a line and a wait for food and I totally understand why. I'm a sucker for fresh seafood and the grilled barramundi I had totally hit the spot. Yum.

Good beach, a little small but usually quieter than the more popular beach like Bondi, etc. Great for BBQs/ relaxing. Not good for surfing as it has a bad profile for waves. Also represents the start/end of the coogee to bondi coastal walk, which is a plus as you can have nice walk then swim or vice versa.

There are two jetties along this stretch of beach. The main one as you walk over the dunes and a second one further to the south. There is a new shark netted area under construction at present but due to open in a few days. The netted area has a pontoon in the middle for people to swim out to and grab some sun or just something to jump off into the water to make a splash if you are looking for something to jump off that is not as large as the jetty. On the south side of the jetty (main one) there is another pontoon equipped with a slide! There is plenty of space if you move further down the beach for those wanting to play ball games or just find a quiet bit of sand to lie down and read a book. When I went out a little further I found a few small fish and quite a few starfish. A cafe can be found at the end of the paved path leading to the beach which serves lovely fish and chips and an assortment of other food but to me lunch at the beach equals fish and chips. Like all beaches if you are there when the wind picks up some sand may get blown around at ankle height or in your ear if you are lying down, one I consider a free exfoliation and the other is just bothersome. Great place to spend a day if you are south of the river and looking for a beach to pass the day away.

This has to be one of my most favourite beaches! The water is so calm and clear, and the facilities are great... Plenty of picnic areas as well!