coogee

Definitely Coogee. Steam tram smoke in the distance? It looks like the promenade wall has just been finished. Important photo because of these three contemporary famous paintings ... Tom Roberts 'Holiday Sketch at Coogee' 1888 - AGNSW - www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/9078/ Charles Conder 'Coogee Bay' 1888 - NGV - www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/5161/ And a couple of years later (and closer in appearance to this photo) ... Arthur Streeton 'Sunny South' 1890 (private) - www.the-athenaeum.org/art/detail.php?ID=46160

beachcomber australia great detective work beachcomber - will add your comment to the research file.

? early-mid 1890s...after the construction of the sea wall along the beachfront in ?1890-91...but ? before the construction of the culvert over the creek/stormwater drain in Beach St in later 1895... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/238521240 - the Daily Telegraph, 3rd August, 1895...'The Main Road at Coogee Bay'... 'The road at Coogee Bay, adjoining the sea wall, which is so extensively used on Sundays and holidays by the general public as a station wherefrom to view the ocean, and which has been but a bed of sand for several years past, is now about to be placed in decent condition. The road formed part of the Military road running from the aquarium to Long Bay Cemetery, and until a few months ago was under the control of the Government. A transfer of the road in question was made to the council at that time, the Government agreeing to remove the bridge on the road close to the Coogee Aquarium, to replace it by a culvert, and build the roadway over it to the proper level, the council then to assume full responsibility of the thorough fare in future. The work agreed to be carried out by the Government has now been begun, and as soon as finished the council will undertake placing the remainder of the road in proper condition. For several years the Randwick Council has been endeavoring to have the roadway put in order, it being such a popular drive, and now that the council has control of it, there will be, the aldermen say, no cause of complaint as to its condition in the future.' ------------------------------------------------------------------- trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/238523239 - the Daily Telegraph, 12th August, 1895...'The Sea Wall at Coogee'... 'The present portion of the wall ends at the wooden bridge, crossing the road, close to the aquarium, and the council desires to see It extended to the boatshed, thus enclosing the whole of the beach.' ------------------------------------------------------------------- trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/238598934 - the Daily Telegraph, 28th July, 1896...'Coogee Bay Improvements'... 'The work of the extension of the sea wall at Coogee Bay has just been completed by the Government, the wall now running around the entire beach from the northern to the southern reserves, a distance of over a quarter of a mile. An asphalt footway adjoining the wall has also been constructed, its full length making a splendid promenade, which will be much appreciated by the numerous visitors to the bay. The road from the Aquarium southwards and over the recently-constructed culvert has been raised about 5ft., making the drive round a level one...'

Beautiful.

Cool photo, I think I may have just found my new assignment topic.

@ Michael Sutton (was Sutto 007) - How did your assignment go? Anything to share?! The electric tram (1902+), the height of the Norfolk pines, Edwardian dress, the organised bathing, and the jaunty typeface style indicate c.1905.

The bandstand in the middle of the tram loop (seen here right of the pine tree) was evidently erected/completed in ca. 1909... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15033090 - SMH, 3rd February, 1909...see notice towards bottom of first column... 'TENDERS are hereby invited up to 4 p.m. on MONDAY the 8th FEBRUARY for the completion of the BAND STAND at Coogee Bay. Plans and Specifications at Town Clerk s office. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders to be under cover, and endorsed "Tender for Band Stand" E. H STRACHAN Town Clerk Town Hall, Randwick, January 29th, 1909 ' ---------------------------------------------------------- If you zoom in on the original pic at the PHM (click on the PURL) you can see the 'Figure Eight' roller coaster ride to the left of the main Aquarium building...the 'Figure Eight' opened in October 1907...it evidently continued operating until 1912... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/238264130 - the Daily Telegraph, 14th October, 1907...item on the opening of the 'Figure Eight' the previous Saturday... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114808962 - the Evening News, 2nd May, 1912...brief item on the demolition of the 'Figure Eight'...