Contact us
Call us
02 9665 2838Email us
swimnow@wylies.com.auVenue enqueries
functions@wylies.com.auAddress
4B Neptune Street Coogee, NSW 2034
Postal Address
PO Box 229 Coogee, NSW 2034
History of Wylie's Baths
1907
Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance, and underwater swimmer established Wylie's Baths in 1907. Wylie’s daughter Wilhelmina, along with Fanny Durack, were Australia’s first two female Olympic swimming representatives. The first gold and silver swimming medals for a women’s event in the history of the Olympics went to Durack and Wylie respectively.
To begin work on the Baths, Wylie obtained a special lease below the highwater mark. The construction of the Baths coincided with Sydney’s emerging interest in seaside pools at the turn of the century. The Baths were one of the first mixed gender bathing pools in Australia and one of the last surviving examples of a venue which was common throughout Sydney. The Baths are associated with the first public recreation facilities in the Coogee area.
1959
On 5th November 1959, the lease for the Baths was transferred to Mr Desmond Selby, who renamed the Baths “Sunstrip Pool“. In the mid seventies storms and high seas damaged the baths, resulting in their temporary closure. In 1978 they were reopened under the control of Randwick Council and renamed Wylie's Baths. From that time the coordination of the Baths was undertaken by a Community Management Committee.
1994
A major renovation was undertaken by architect Keith Cottier in collaboration with Randwick City Council. Whilst aspects of the site have been upgraded and adapted to meet the needs of a modern community, every effort has been made to retain the historical integrity and the spirit of the original facility.
1996 - Present
In October 1996 Wylie's Baths Trust was appointed to manage the Baths.
Wylie's Baths has been classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW Division).
Our Projects
Restoring Sydney's underground forest
Wylie’s Baths supports project Operation Crayweed to rebuild vital marine habitats and bring back thriving underwater ecosystems along our coastline.
Come along to learn how scientists and community volunteers are bringing back the once-thriving crayweed forests that disappeared from our coastline, and why their return is so important for marine life, and for our climate.
We’ll also share highlights from the recent kelp forest naming workshop, where locals suggested names for the 7‑hectare reef that stretches from the south end of Coogee Beach and includes the restored crayweed forests just off Wylie’s Baths.
Come along to be inspired, ask questions, and see how you can be part of this exciting coastal regeneration story.
Ashley Hoblyn, UNSW PhD candidate will present the latest updates on the project.
Ticket includes entry to Wylie's Baths.
KIOSK open for paid light refreshments.
Restoring Sydney's underground forest
Wylie’s Baths supports project Operation Crayweed to rebuild vital marine habitats and bring back thriving underwater ecosystems along our coastline.
Come along to learn how scientists and community volunteers are bringing back the once-thriving crayweed forests that disappeared from our coastline, and why their return is so important for marine life, and for our climate.
We’ll also share highlights from the recent kelp forest naming workshop, where locals suggested names for the 7‑hectare reef that stretches from the south end of Coogee Beach and includes the restored crayweed forests just off Wylie’s Baths.
Come along to be inspired, ask questions, and see how you can be part of this exciting coastal regeneration story.
Ashley Hoblyn, UNSW PhD candidate will present the latest updates on the project.
Ticket includes entry to Wylie's Baths.
KIOSK open for paid light refreshments.
Join our team
Bath Maintenance Manager
Bath Maintenance Manager
Bath Maintenance Manager
Surf Lifesaving Inductions
