COOGEE BEACH - January 1909 (Sydney Living Museums) Coogee’s popularity as a weekend destination is evident in this crowded beach scene. Modelled on English seaside resorts, beaches such as Coogee sought to attract visitors by promoting the curative benefits of sea water and sea air and by building large amusement complexes. The Coogee Palace Aquarium opened in December 1887 and The Sydney Morning Herald called it a ‘most exquisite addition to Sydney places of entertainment’. It had a magnificent octagonal dome and its interior was lavishly embellished with gold and silver stars and a rising sun and moon on a radiating blue background. Large refreshment rooms, a concert room, pleasure grounds, seal tanks and alligator ponds, roller-skating displays, circus acts and other performances provided attractions year round.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 08:24:09 +0000
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