Margaret and David’s AirBnB accommodation consists of an open living area with kitchenette, separate shower and toilet with a separate double bed. There is also a king-sized sofa bed in the living area. The apartment is at the back of their delightful Californian where the apartment looks out onto a sun-speckled courtyard with the main house above.
The apartment is fully equipped for long term stays. There is a two chaired kitchen table, a small computer alcove and an outdoor garden set in the patio area. AirBnB’ers have full access to both the patio and the courtyard which also has a barbeque. There is a television in the living area (are they still called that?).
The property is about 15 minutes walk to the main street of Coogee and the adjoining beach.
The apartment feels safe and there are plenty of locks to confound one so technically challenged as I but most people would get it without any trouble. Importantly, the accommodation is suitable for solo female travellers.
The apartment is well-provisioned with the AirBnBer’s comfort uppermost. Upon arrival, there was fresh milk, butter, honey and vegemite in the fridge for a quick snack as well as some muesli bars. The apartment also has plunger coffee, instant coffee and tea bags and some sour dough bread in the freezer for toasting.
Coogee itself is the quintessential Aussie beach locale with myriad options for swimmers and other water devotees. The cliff top walk to Bondi beach is a must-do. Coogee Beach is well patrolled and the surf is reasonably benign compared to the adjoining surf beaches. The area is well served with rock swimming pools (McIvers, Giles, Wyllie’s Baths and near the Coogee SLSC).
It was my first visit to Coogee and I was surprised by how hilly it was so my calf muscles got a good work-out initially. At weekends there is a omnipresent youthful energy but during weekdays the meek reclaim the town and it has a distinctly bucolic feel about it all.