Coogee: Coastal Walk, Rock Pools and Memorials
Accommodation in Coogee
Coogee combines coastal walks with several rock and swimming pools, as well as memorials in Dunningham Reserve. To plan your stay, you can focus on three areas: the coastal route, the pools around Coogee Beach, and the memorials in the reserve. Coogee Beach lies on the Coastal Walkway, which stretches from Bondi Beach to Maroubra Beach.
Coastal Walks and Views
A 4.5-kilometre section of the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway runs along the coast through Clovelly, Gordons Bay, Coogee and South Coogee. This section is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, except for the stretch near Gordons Bay. Check current track conditions before your walk.
The Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk runs along the coastal boundary of Dunningham Reserve in Coogee and is used by walkers and joggers. The rocky Wedding Cake Island shelters Coogee Beach.
Rock Pools and Swimming Pools Around Coogee Beach
The pools differ in their location, construction and size. Giles Baths is at the northern end of Coogee Beach. At the southern end is Ross Jones Memorial Baths, a man-made rock pool. Wylie's Baths is a 50 × 30-metre pool made of rock and concrete on a natural rock platform below the high-water mark.
South of Coogee Beach are the McIver Women's Baths. The naturally formed seawater pool is 20 metres long and was deepened and developed in the 19th century to create a safe and usable swimming facility. When finding your way between the swimming spots, their locations and construction offer different points of reference: Giles Baths is in the north, Ross Jones Memorial Baths in the south; Wylie's Baths stands out for its dimensions and rock platform, while McIver Women's Baths has its own history of development.
Dunningham Reserve and the Bali Memorial
The Bali Memorial is located in Dunningham Reserve at Coogee Beach. Every year on 12 October, family members, friends and the local community gather there to remember the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings.
Also in the reserve is a bronze sculpture by artist Sasha Reid. Three connected figures symbolise family, friends and community. Dunningham Reserve offers striking views of the sea and coast; the grounds are used by many people seeking recreation and are popular with photographers and filmmakers. The coastal landscape and memorial are equally part of the area’s character.
Playground in Grant Reserve
Another specific place to include in your plans for Coogee is Grant Reserve Playground. Its facilities include a climbing net, a small sandstone sundial with animal images, an angled climbing wall, slides, a raised mini sandpit, swings and a boat-shaped rocking play structure. If you plan to visit the playground, check on site whether any temporary changes affect its use.
For the broader travel overview: Randwick City Council.
