Coogee chronicle

Coogee Beach c. 1940

1832

• Track constructed into the Coogee area along the route of what is now Anzac Parade and Alison Road.

1834

• First land grant of 20 acres allocated to WC Greville. Grant included entire frontage of the bay at Little Coogee, now Clovelly.
• In November land was auctioned at Coogee including 12 hectares purchased by WC Wentworth early in 1835.

1838

• Survey and subdivision of Coogee area completed. On 25 July the village of Coogee was officially gazetted.
• Coogee beachfront and headlands allocated as public reserve.

1860

• First recorded surf tragedy; JC Horner and his son drowned.

1863

• First school is established in a building that was later converted to become the Coogee Bay Hotel.

1867

• Citizens of Coogee unsuccessful in their efforts to secede from Randwick Municipality.

1873

• Coogee Bay Hotel opened.

1876

• Classes commenced at Coogee Public School in Byron Street.

1882

• Police station constructed.
• Stone promenade wall is constructed along Coogee Beach.

1883

• Tramline connected to Coogee.

1886

• Coogee Ladies Baths constructed.
• Bathing machines installed at Coogee.
• Foundation stone of Saint Nicolas' Church laid by Bishop Barry on 18 December.

1887

• Coogee Palace Aquarium and swimming baths opened on 23 December.
• Saint Nicolas' Church consecrated by Bishop Barry on 26 November.

1888

• Coogee connected to main water supply.

1890

• Sewerage services extended to Coogee.

1901

• Lloyds' Baths established.

1902

• Tram service electrified.

1907

• Coogee Surf Lifesaving brigade formed.

1911

• Dressing sheds erected at Coogee beach.
• Harold W. Baker and James Clarken carried out several rescues in heavy seas on 28 November.

1912

• Electricity gradually replaced gas for street lighting.

1922

• Coogee Surf Club building erected.

1928

• Amusement pier opened on 24 July.

1929

• Shark proof fence and shark tower officially opened by the Mayor, Ald JT Jennings, on 16 November.
• Giles' Baths opened on the site of the former Lloyds' Baths.

1934

• Amusement pier demolished.

1945

• Shark proof enclosure is demolished.

1960

• Trams cease to operate to Coogee.

1976

• Modern Coogee Beach Surfing Complex opened in March.

1984

• Fierce gales wreck Coogee Palace Aquarium in June.

1988

• Major re-development of Coogee Beach is undertaken by Local and State Governments.

1993

• 5 September, the Coogee Plaza Beach Redevelopment officially opened by the Mayor, Alderman Margaret Martin.

1995

• 25 April, renovations of Wylie's Baths opened.