Coogee Media

02/06/2026

Oil Refinery in Randwick? There was a time when the BORAL oil refinery at Matraville was a prominent landmark and its operations lit up the night sky. The first oil refinery in Australia, it opened in 1946 and closed in the late 1970s. READ MORE at http://www.coogeemedia.com.au/boral.htm

15/11/2025

Dan Curtin was a fiery Labor politician, union activist, and Maroubra resident remembered as “the last of the soap-box orators". He represented the local area in federal parliament as MHR for Kingsford-Smith from 1949 to 1969. He was a top poltical voice for the area in his time, but is now largely foregotten READ MORE at http://www.coogeemedia.com.au/curtin.htm

25/05/2025

Just came across a photo from about 1975 of a fire in Dudley Street, Coogee in about 1975. The building that is now Bazura Restaurant at 62 Dudley Street looks like it’s ablaze while the locals crowd in around the fire engine to get a closer look! Would that be permitted today? + For more history of Coogee go to http://www.coogeemedia.com.au

18/05/2025

Sydney’s east is saying goodbye to a legend! The Grotta Capri restaurant, once a dazzling underwater dream of seafood feasts and Mediterranean charm, is set to vanish forever. After nearly 15 years of closure, the site has been approved for high-rise apartments. From cassata desserts to Muriel’s Wedding film sets, this place was history. Read more about the Grotto Capri and Kensington’s past as an entertainment centre at

History, Art, Coogee, Travel, Kensington, Grotto Capri

21/04/2025

To commemorate Anzac Day this year we feature a local Coogee returned serviceman: George James Baker. Historic Baker Park honours Alderman George Baker, a former Mayor & World War One veteran. Baker Park features the Coogee Diggers Club and a memorial playground. It embodies community spirit, remembrance, and Coogee’s evolving landscape. READ MORE at http://www.coogeemedia.com.au/baker.htm

28/03/2025

Leete Park, Coogee is a small triangular reserve bounded by Dudley, Higgs and Thomas Street. It is one of the highest points in Coogee at about 80 metres above sea level and provides spectacular views east of Coogee and towards the ocean. READ MORE about its fascinating history and who it was named after at http://www.coogeemedia.com.au/leete.htm

16/02/2025

Standing on a grassy green corner of Sydney's Victoria Park near Sydney University at Camperdown is a tall, richly decorated Native American totem pole. It has been recently removed
by Sydney City Council workers, presumably for renovation work. Intrigued by its presence,
I decided to try and uncover its origins and significance. Read More at

History, Art, Coogee, totem pole,

07/01/2025

In March 1930, a Gypsy Moth aircraft crashed at Maroubra Junction. The pilot and passenger narrowly survived, but in the wake of the wreckage, a series of tragedies unfolded that would cast a long shadow over the reputation of a local Maroubra businessman. READ MORE at http://www.coogeemedia.com.au/crash.htm

15/11/2024

What became of the iconic Bondi Mermaids which sat on the Big Rock at Ben Buckler in the 1960s and 1970s and their creator Lyall Randolf? READ MORE at

History, Art, Coogee, Bondi, Mermaids, Lyall Randolph Williams, sculpture,

29/10/2024

Should we celebrate Halloween? Some see it as crass American commercialism, but Australians have been marking Halloween for a long time and it is becoming more popular. Read more at

History, Art, Coogee, Travel, tourism, Halloween