Why You Should Stay in Coogee

Sydney is a city full of beaches, so how do you narrow it down to just one? I never made it to Coogee on my Bondi to Coogee walk, but I stayed with a friend there for a few days before leaving for my Uluru trip. It’s a nice place to stay further outside of the city, but keeping the social scene of the CBD.

There are hills reminiscent of San Francisco, with the laid-back vibe of Los Angeles‘ Venice Beach. I’ve listed a few reasons why I think you should consider Coogee as a place to stay on your visit to Sydney.

Beaches

Far less crowded than neighboring Bondi, this beautiful beach is worth the hype, even if it doesn’t have dozens of television shows named after it. Surfers brave the rips and catch waves at all times of day. Remember to swim between the flags.

Accommodation for every budget

Dive is a boutique bed and breakfast on Arden Street with free wireless internet and breakfast and has rooms starting at $170 per night. Coogee Bay Hotel also offers accommodation in addition to its surplus of nightlife, from $130 per night. On the other end of the spectrum, Surfside Backpackers offers dorms a few feet from the beach starting at $33 per night.

Restaurants

The brekky wrap at Tropicana’s (207 Coogee Bay Road) may just be the city’s best undiscovered hangover cure, with bacon, egg, hashbrowns, cheese and a slathering of barbecue sauce. Beach Burrito Company (3/260 Coogee Bay Road) is the area’s Mexican joint, with slow service but decent tacos and burritos, as well as a selection of Mexican beers and tequilas.

Location

Being outside of the city gives you room to breathe. While Coogee is close to the chaos of Kings Cross, there’s no better place for a relaxed Sunday session than the Coogee Bay Hotel’s beer garden.

Walks

The Bondi to Coogee is the more popular route, but who says you can’t do it backwards? Take a walk up to the Giles Baths, past the Bali bombing memorial for a view of the waves smashing against the rocks.

Getting there

Many buses run from the city to Coogee, dropping off in front of the McDonald’s across from the beach on Arden Street.

370, 372, 373 and 374 run from the city to Coogee and X73 and X74 offer express services. If you plan on traveling between Coogee and the city more than twice, it’s a good idea to buy a MyBus Travel Ten for $27, which gives you ten rides through 3-5 sections.

Other things to consider

Travel insurance for Australians is relatively cheap, so if you’re going to be doing any surfing or other dangerous activities, consider taking out a policy.

Internet cafes can be found in many shops on Coogee Bay Road, including one next to Beach Burrito Company.

There are two laundry facilities opposite Dunningham Reserve. If you decide to cook instead of dine out, there is a Woolworth’s on Coogee Bay Road, as well as Westpac and Commonwealth ATMs.