Wylies' Baths - History of Year Round Bathing at Its Best

Wylie's Baths is a tidal pool at the south end of Coogee Beach. It was establish in 1907 by Henty Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance and underwater swimmer. Wylie's Sea Bath , as it was originally known, was opened on December 12, 1907.

The pool is situated beneath a steep crescent shaped cliff, which faces northwest. This area is a natural sun trap and is also sheltered from the south and west winds, making it very attractive for year round bathing. The pool has a natural rock base with concreate slopping wallsaround four sides. The pool is approximately 50 m long and 30 m wide.

Wylie's Bath was very popular and was the first in Australia to offer mixed bathing, known as 'dual' then later 'continental' bathing. The Baths also provided a venue for the relatively new sport of competitive swimming. It was in fact the venue for the inaugural Australian Swimming Championships.

Wylie's daughter, Wilhelmina ( Mina) Wylie (1891 - 1984 ) , was a well-known swimmer and was one of the first female swimmers to represent Australia at an Olympic Games. She won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912. In 2001  life-sized bronze monument of Mina Wylie was unveiled as part of the Centenary of Federation project. In 1994 the pool was restored and renovated and continues attract local swimmers all year round.