The Coogee Bay Hotel has taken pride of place on the suburb's spectacular beachfront for over 150 years. It's a proper local drinking and dining institution that has, for decades, played a big part in Coogee's community — whether via its never-ending lineup of events (David Bowie, INXS, and the Foo Fighters are just some of the acts who have graced its stage over the years) or sponsoring local swim clubs and charities. But on most days of the week, locals and visitors alike flock to this oceanfront watering hole to spend long days and nights out with mates in one of the many drinking and dining spaces. Arguably, the sprawling openair Garden is the most highly coveted spot of Coogee Bay Hotel. Nab a sun-soaked table and order rounds of drinks alongside pizzas, burgers and share plates — think oysters, buffalo wings and antipasto plates — as you take in the ocean view just steps away and live acoustic sets on weekends. For more intimate gatherings, groups of up to 15 can hire a cabana overlooking Coogee Beach, which comes with dedicated waitstaff. Head inside to escape the heat (or hide from the rain) at Arden Lounge — and enjoy all the same food and drinks that are available outside. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, the space is great for spontaneous hangs, but it's tailor-made for hosting parties: the whole room (with its own private bar) can be transformed to fit just about any event you're keen to host. As of November 2025, the Coogee Bay Hotel is also home to Beach Bar & Dining, a breezy Mod Oz diner helmed by ex-Mimi's Executive Chef Justin Schott (who also worked alongside the legendary Heinz Beck at Michelin-starred London venue Aspleys). With bookings available for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the airy, sun-washed space overlooking the beach serves up a seasonal menu of produce-driven share plates like crab and mussel rigatoni, pan-roasted salmon with Russian beet salad and dill butter and a ceviche of the day. A bright drinks list includes signatures like a coconut and yuzu margarita and a pineapple old fashioned, alongside a globetrotting wine list. Beyond all this, you can also hit up the late-night sports bar (complete with 15 big screens and two mega-screens) or spend a few nights in one of the venue's stylish hotel rooms. Make sure to stay across The Bay's website and Insta feed for up-to-date info on live music and special events too, including at on-site concert venue Selina's. Coogee Bay Hotel is a one-stop-shop kind of hospitality venue, with the breezy beachfront setting Sydney is renowned for.
