A sheltered, family-friendly beach at the southern end of the Bondi to Coogee walk, with two historic ocean pools (McIver's Baths for women, Wylie's Baths open to all).
Coogee Beach's sand is wide and pale, curving into a broader, more open bay than the smaller coves nearby, with clear water that is noticeably calmer thanks to the headlands sheltering it at both ends. The beach sits at the southern end of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and is one of the more family-friendly options in the area, helped by a permanently netted swimming area at the northern end that keeps out larger marine life and reduces swell. Coogee has a relaxed, neighbourhood feel with a mix of families, backpackers staying in nearby hostels, and regular lap swimmers using the two historic ocean pools carved into the rocks: the women-and-children-only McIver's Baths, and Wylie's Baths, open to all and set into the cliff at the southern point. Facilities include year-round lifeguard patrol, a large grassed reserve with a playground and picnic tables, showers and toilet blocks, and a strip of cafes, pubs and restaurants along Arden Street and Beach Street facing the sand. Parking around the beach reserve is metered and busy on weekends; Bus 373 and 374 run directly from the CBD in around 25 to 30 minutes. From Coogee, the coastal path continues north through Clovelly to Bronte and Bondi, or south toward Maroubra via Gordons Bay, a popular snorkelling spot.
| Distance | 9km from Sydney CBD |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus 373 or 374 from the CBD (25-30 minutes) |
| Best season | November-March |
| Address | Arden St, Coogee NSW 2034 |
Amenities
- Lifeguard patrol
- Ocean pools
- Netted swimming area
- Cafes and restaurants
- Playground
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, snorkellers, sunbathers
Location
Arden St, Coogee NSW 2034
-33.9198, 151.2589 View on map
Highlights
- Netted swimming area sheltered by headlands
- Wylie's Baths ocean pool on the southern cliff
- McIver's Baths, a historic women-and-children's pool
- Southern end of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
- Gordons Bay snorkelling trail just south of the beach
Tips for visiting
- Swim inside the netted area at the northern end for the calmest, most sheltered conditions
- Book ahead for a lane at Wylie's Baths on weekend mornings, when lap swimmers queue
- Arrive early on weekends to find metered parking near the beach reserve
- Snorkel at Gordons Bay just south of the beach, where a marked underwater trail runs along the rocks
- Weekday evenings are quieter for a swim after work, with good light for photos
When to visit
Year-round for calm swimming thanks to the netted area; November to March for the warmest water and busiest atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coogee Beach good for families?
Yes, the netted swimming area and sheltered bay make Coogee one of the calmer, more family-friendly beaches in the eastern suburbs.
What is McIver's Baths?
McIver's Baths is a historic tidal ocean pool at Coogee reserved for women and children, one of the last of its kind in Australia.
Is Coogee Beach patrolled?
Yes, lifeguards patrol Coogee Beach year-round, with additional coverage during the summer season.
How do I get to Coogee Beach from the city?
Bus 373 and 374 run directly from the Sydney CBD to Coogee in around 25 to 30 minutes.