With three sea baths to choose from and a step away from the craziness of neighbouring beaches, Coogee is a breath of fresh air.
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The pace is changing fast, however, so make the most of these spots while you can. Here's how to spend a perfect Saturday in the area:
9am: Hatha Flow yoga class on the deck at Wylie's Baths
Morning glory on Easter Sunday @wyliesbaths
A post shared by Wylie's Baths Coogee (@wyliesbaths) on Apr 15, 2017 at 4:02pm PDT
Can't stomach the glitz of Bondi's Icebergs? Wylie's Baths offers pleasant respite. Yoga and tai chi classes are held year-round on the wooden deck at the baths facing straight out to sea; you won't find a better view in any other studio. A post-session dunk in the water is mandatory.
4B Neptune St, (02) 9665 2838
10.30am: Late breakfast at Cafe de France
A post shared by CafedeFranceCoogee (@cafedefrancecoogee) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:52pm PST
Not only are there crepes sprinkled with sugar and doused in fresh lemon, bowl-sized cafe au lait and fresh croissants on Cafe de France's menu, but there's also a whole section dedicated to bacon - is this heaven?
19 Havelock Avenue, (02) 9664 4005
12pm: Swim at the Bogey Hole
Beautiful place for a swim #coogee #coogeebeach #gilesbaths #sydney
A post shared by Sofia Fitzpatrick (@toffyfitz) on Apr 25, 2017 at 7:00pm PDT
The natural rockpool at the foot of Coogee's northern headland is officially called Giles Baths, but most know it as the Bogey Hole. Popular with young swimmers and more experienced bathers alike, it's a calm, clean spot for a midday splash.
105-109R Beach St
1pm: Homewares shopping at Lived In Coogee
A post shared by LivedIn Coogee (@livedincoogee) on Apr 23, 2017 at 2:48am PDT
From woven Chinese fisherman baskets to soft linens in pale colours and blooms of bleached coral, this breezy homewares and lifestyle store has it all, with new stock arriving each week.
263 Arden St, (02) 9665 5330
2pm: Lunch at Coogee Pavilion
A post shared by Coogee Pavilion (@coogeepavilion) on Apr 25, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT
Coogee's ginormous boozer has been decoratively and ingeniously reworked by the Merivale group. As well as a coffee cart, juice bar, florist and life-sized chessboard, there are enough dining options to fill a whole week. Head up to the rooftop for a taste of chef Jordan Toft's Middle Eastern menu, scented with the smoke from his charcoal grill.
169 Dolphin St, (02) 9240 3000
4pm: A dip at McIvers Baths
A post shared by Lindsay | Frugal Frolicker (@frugalfrolicker) on Apr 24, 2017 at 4:28pm PDT
Welcome to the last remaining seawater pool in Australia that's reserved just for women (and children, if they're lucky). McIvers Baths were built in 1886 and are still just as beautiful as they were back then. Perfect for sunbathing away from prying eyes until sunset.
145-149R Beach Street,
6pm: Takeaway pizza from La Spiaggia
A post shared by laspiaggiacoogee (@laspiaggiacoogee) on Dec 24, 2016 at 12:09pm PST
Here's a local's tip: if the weather permits, bypass La Spiaggia's white tablecloths and opt instead for a hot takeaway pizza. Cart your Golosona with hot Italian salami, gorgonzola and mascarpone, say, up to the grassy hill beyond the Coogee Pavilion for an alfresco meal overlooking the waves.
248 Coogee Bay Road, (02) 9665 4660
8pm: Cocktail at Little Jack Horner
A post shared by Little Jack Horner (@littlejackhornercoogee) on Oct 20, 2016 at 10:05pm PDT
This cocktail bar is a pretty casual affair, but a Cucumber Cooler with elderflower liqueur, agave and cucumber-infused tequila and a little live music is a more than refreshing way to end your coastal jaunt.
270-274 Coogee Bay Road, 02 9665 5160
