About Coogee
- Postcode: 2034
- Population: 14,012
- Municipality: Randwick Council
The beach is popular for swimming and famous for its dangerous shorebreaks. The boundaries of Coogee are formed mainly by Clovelly Road, Carrington Road and Rainbow Street, with arbitrary lines drawn to join these thoroughfares to the coast in the north-east and south-east corners.
The name Coogee is said to be taken from a local Aboriginal word koojah which means "smelly place". Another version is koo-chai or koo-jah, both of which mean "the smell of the seaweed drying" in the Bidigal language or "stinking seaweed", a reference to the smell of decaying kelp washed up on the beach. Early visitors to the area, from the 1820s onwards, were never able to confirm exactly what "Coogee" meant, or if it in fact related to Coogee Beach. Some evidence suggests that the word "Coogee" may in fact be the original Aboriginal place name for the next bay to the north, now known as Gordons Bay. Another name, "Bobroi", was also recalled as the indigenous name for the locality
Thanks to its proximity to the beach, Coogee is a place for those who believe in the importance of work/life balance. No matter the time of year (or even time of day) there’s camaraderie to be had with your neighbours enjoying the delights of the shoreline. Fitness fanatics, families, and even more mature residents can all be found feeling the sand between their toes.
Coogee is undoubtedly all about the beach. When residents aren’t by the water, you’ll likely find them in one of the many eateries in the area which sports a sensational mash-up of organic snacks for the health-conscious and the ubiquitous fish and chip and burger joints. The hub of activity in the warmer months wanes to more local traffic at other times of the year as committed residents brace the cooler weather and make the most of the location.
Location, location, location might be the common catchcry of the real estate industry, but when you have that in spades (as Coogee does), the order of the day becomes views, views, views. Apartment living is as common as more traditional houses with demand for housing in Coogee at a high. Expect new buildings and beautifully renovated older homes (untouched gems from years gone by are rare).
For the famous Australian beachside lifestyle, laidback eating and drinking with a community feeling thrown in, you can’t look past Coogee. Add to that beautiful views alongside homes made for enjoying the location and you’ve got something pretty amazing. At just 8kms from the city, Coogee is one for the list.
Key Facts
- Location 8 km east from the CBD
- Council- Randwick
- Surrounding suburbs: Charing Cross, Clovelly, Randwick, Maroubra, South Coogee
- Postcode 2034