The Coogee Aquarium and Swimming Baths, Coogee, near Sydney

Maker Town and Country Journal

Date21 January 1888

Object number00006062

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 433 x 295 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn engraving published in the Town and Country Journal, 21 January 1888, titled 'The Coogee Aquarium and Swimming Baths, Coogee, near Sydney', with an article on the 'Coogee Palace Aquarium' on the same page. HistoryCoastal Coogee with its close proximity to Sydney and Bondi, grew in popularity and by the late 1800's featured pleasure gardens, baths and an aquarium constructed at the northern end of Coogee Beach. A promenade was constructed in 1889 could accommodate 3,000 people. Before public swimming was widely accepted, these entertainments are what drew people to the area. In 1890 the Sydney Morning Herald gives an account of a Sunday in Coogee: "Seldom if ever in the history of Coogee has there been such a concourse of visitors as assembled there yesterday. Early in the morning the trams, as they left the terminus were crowded with eager pleasure seekers, and as the day wore on, the numbers showed signs of increase rather than decrease. On the road vehicles of all descriptions, from the well-appointed carriage to the more plebeian turnout of the parcel delivery type, might be observed “making " for the bay, and scores of people trudged cheerfully along the footpaths at either side. On the beach end all round the rocks picnic parties congregated, where they enjoyed the full benefit of the beautiful fresh breeze which was blowing. From early morning till late at night the gates of the aquarium were kept invitingly open, and it goes without saying that the building was crowded, the number who passed the turnstile reaching the respectable total of 3000 odd. Mr Larmour, the manager, though not ubiquitous, was as nearly so as was consistent with the laws of nature, ministering to the comfort and amusement of his patrons. For 13 hours the ball was kept rolling, and perhaps one of the most attractive programmes ever placed before the visitors to Coogee was gone through without the slightest hitch. The marble swimming baths swarmed with bathers, disporting themselves in true holiday fashion, and on the balconies at frequent intervals dancing was indulged in with great gusto. Miss Annie Shields made quite a sensational descent from the dome of the aquarium to the grounds beneath, by means of a wire, and "Jenny, " the monkey aeronaut made several ascents during the day. Madame Zouida performed on the trapeze, while "Little Ethel," in the wire-walking performance, came in for hearty applause. The large hall would scarcely hold the visitors, and here a number of musical sketches, minstrel entertainments, dances, and shows were kept going the whole day. Professor Beckford's marionettes and Punch and Judy show created much amusement amongst the juveniles, while "the Two Ryans," "the Shipps," and "the Two Macs" provided heaps of fun. A most amusing minstrel entertainment took place in the afternoon, the artists being Misses Pullen and Bertha Fanning, and Messrs Wallace, McDermott, and Shipp, and Mons Lecardo, in handling his snakes, was eagerly watched at a later stage. Mr. E. George Wilson was the musical director and accompanist, and the Empire Brass Band contributed to the enjoyment of visitors by playing a number of selections throughout the day. The tram service in the evening was anything but adequate to the occasion, hundreds of people being kept waiting for hours before securing a seat or even standing-room on the cars."SignificanceSeaside locations were a focus for Sydneysiders looking to spend their leisure hours not far from the city. Although public bathing was not a social pursuit at this stage, other activities such as the Coogee Aquarium, were on hand to ensure that the beach and promenades were still the place to be.