This grassy tract at Coogee Beach’s northern end has superb ocean views and the Giles Baths ocean pool. A sobering shrine commemorates the 2002 Bali bombings that killed many locals. The park's name was changed to honour the six members of the Coogee Dolphins rugby league team who died in the blast.

Nearby, crucifixes, rosaries and other offerings mark the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared here on sunny afternoons in 2003. Cynics claimed it was an optical illusion caused by the fence and its shadow – judge for yourself online.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Coogee Beach

0.15 MILES

Bondi without the glitz and the poseurs, Coogee (locals pronounce the 'oo' as in the word ‘took’) has a deep sweep of sand, historic ocean baths and…

2. Clovelly Beach

0.54 MILES

It might seem odd, but this concrete-edged ocean channel is a great place to swim, sunbathe and snorkel. It’s safe for the kids, and despite the swell…

3. Waverley Cemetery

0.82 MILES

Many Sydneysiders would die for these views…and that’s the only way they'll get them. Blanketing the clifftops between Bronte and Clovelly beaches, the…

4. Bronte Beach

1.2 MILES

A winning family-oriented beach hemmed in by sandstone cliffs and a grassy park, Bronte lays claims to having the oldest surf-lifesaving club in the world…

5. Tamarama Beach

1.45 MILES

Surrounded by high cliffs, Tamarama has a deep tongue of sand with just 80m of shoreline. Diminutive, yes, but ever-present rips make Tamarama the most…

6. Maroubra Beach

2.01 MILES

The last major beach before you hit Botany Bay, ‘the Bra’ is Bondi’s match in the waves department, but its suburban location provides immunity from Bondi…

7. Federation Pavilion

2.12 MILES

Among the wide formal avenues of Centennial Park is the domed Federation Pavilion – the spot where Australia was officially proclaimed a nation (on 1…

8. Bondi Beach

2.18 MILES

Definitively Sydney, Bondi is one of the world’s great beaches. It’s the closest ocean beach to the city centre (8km away), has consistently good (though…