Coogee Pleasure Pier, modeled on similar English seaside pavilions and piers, was opened near this site on 24th July 1928 at height of Coogee's popularity as a seaside resort.

Diminishing use and storm damage led to pier superstructure demolition in 1934.

Following construction of pier, a sharkproof enclosure was added and officially opened on 16th November 1929 leading to introduction of night surfing. Net survived until demolished for security purposes during World War II.

Construction of the Coogee Pleasure Pier was commenced in 1924 by a private company, the Coogee Ocean Pier Company with a project budget of 250,000 pounds. Large crowds gathered to watch the first pile being driven on 24th July 1926. Radio stations 2BL and 2KY made live broadcasts of proceedings.

The pier's major attractions included a 1400 seat theatre, a 600 capacity ballroom and a 400 seat restaurant.

Dancing was very popular and concerts were held regularly.

The contracting company claimed that the pier would be considerably stronger than any similar pier constructed in England but over the next few years crowds diminished and storms damaged the buildings. The dream of an English-style resort ended with the demolition of the pier superstructure during 1933-34.

The shark net, which cost 6750 pounds, was made possible with the construction of the pier. It stretched half way across the bay and was attached to one of the pylons of the pier. The occasion of the shark net's official opening was made grander by the additional unveiling of the new Giles' Ocean Baths and the new surf sheds. The celebration was promoted as "Come to Coogee" Week and attracted a crowd of 135,000 people.

Bathers flocked to Coogee and, after four months, the number of bathers had topped the 800,000 mark.

When a hole appeared in the net, a crowd of 40,000 came to watch an inspection by a diver.

Night surfing proved very successful and attracted crowds of between 20,000 and 30,000 a night. The floodlights installed were powerful enough to allow night surf carnivals.

During World War II the net fell into a state of disrepair owing to a lack of materials and nature of the foreshore fortifications. After further damage from heavy seas had occurred the net was finally dismantled.