Places Starting wih C: Coogee – McIver Baths

By kazg10August 16, 2014 ( 6 )

Further to my previous posts, I have been following the coastline from Bronte around to Coogee in Sydney, Australia. I have had a fascination with the tidal pools and this post will highlight one of them. There are four pools that I know of in Coogee – Giles Baths is at the northern tip and when coming from Bronte are the first pools you come across, you don’t actually see them but there is a sign leading you down to them.

The second is the Ross Jones Memorial pool (next post) then McIver Baths (Ladies and children only) which is just on the southern side of Coogee Beach. It is said they have been in use since 1876. It is the last known women’s-only seawater pool. At the top you will see a sign saying McIver Baths – women & children only and I felt very privileged as I met the criteria and walked down the stairs wondering what I would see. I first encountered some old change rooms and facilities then just past that I saw steps leading down to the emerald glistened pool below. I felt like I had arrived in paradise. The water was glistening in the sun and even though it was winter and there was a cool breeze, I just wanted to wade in. If I hadn’t had my camera I am not sure I wouldn’t have! Its not often in adult life that we come across surprises but on this day I felt like I had uncovered something so secret (even though all of Sydney knew of them) and special. I felt like I had won the lottery!

They are named after the McIver family who ran the baths until 1922 when the Randwick Ladies Amateur Swimming Club was formed and they have run them ever since.

What a beautiful area. I do want to go back in the summer as I have said previously but I know it wont be the same as it will be quite crowded. On this day there was only two other ladies present and no-one in the pool. Bliss!