Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Coogee

Eastern beachside suburb which has long been a destination for seaside recreation for Sydneysiders and tourists. Its name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning 'stinking place', probably from the smell of rotting seaweed washed up on the beach.

-33.910800838144, 151.25090213118

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Coogee

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2015

For local Aboriginal people, 'koojah' or Coogee, was a rich source of food, abundant with fish, wallaby and kangaroo. In the nineteenth century the area became a popular weekend destination for picnics, cricket, collecting shells along the beach and swimming. It wasn't until the turn of the twentieth century that residential development really began. Although slow to develop, today the area remains popular with locals, tourists and weekend visitors alike, reflecting the historical nature of Coogee itself.

Randwick Heritage Plaques

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2015

Randwick City Council Bicentennial Commemorative Plaques recognise buildings and sites of historical significance throughout Randwick municpality.