Review: InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach brings five-star luxury to the Eastern Suburbs beach.

It may be controversial, but as a Sydney local, I would pick Coogee over Bondi any day of the week. This lively coastal suburb in the Eastern Suburbs supplies enough dining, drinking and boutique shopping options to keep one entertained beyond the beach. Though golden sand and relatively calm waters make beach days (or a day spent at Coogee’s historic ocean pools) enticing. Now, the five-star InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, which opened in December 2025, brings an elevated stay to the heart of Coogee.

Slip into contemporary luxury, while maintaining the relaxed coastal charm this suburb is known for.

Where is InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach club intercontinental balcony — Enjoy ocean views from almost everywhere, like the Club InterContinental balcony.

It’s been a few years since I was lucky enough to live in Coogee, but this trip down memory lane has left me with intense nostalgia. InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is just steps away from the beach itself, and I cannot express how much of a delight it is to spend a lazy morning wandering over to Grumpy’s Bakery for a croissant and coffee, then enjoying it as you wander along the famous cliff-front coastal trail towards Bondi (don’t worry, you can turn around at any time). Or a casual Sunday Sesh spent at Coogee Pavilion on the waterfront. Or an evening dining in one of the excellent restaurants or bars.

Of course, now that I’ve experienced InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, I’d be just as satisfied skipping the afternoon and evening options, opting instead for poolside cocktails and restaurant delights.

What is the style and character of InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach exterior and infinity pool — It’s all about bright and neutral coastal luxury.

It’s all about bright and neutral coastal luxury at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. After opening in December after a multi-million-dollar transformation – designed by global architecture and design studio Woods Bagot – a series of thoughtfully considered spaces have been created, shaped by the light and landscape of Coogee.

The ocean itself is used as the centrepiece, with views from the pool deck to the balconies that wrap around the rooms, and framed by every window.

What facilities does InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach have?

Èliva Spa

At the holistic Èliva Spa, the philosophy is rest, recovery and invigoration. And boy, did I. Here, contemporary techniques are mixed with nature-led therapies. The aim is to offer a more immersive and personalised wellbeing approach than the traditional spa model. That starts from the moment you meet your masseuse, when they help you craft your own massage oil from apothecary-esque glasses. It’s a very fun touch.

I started with a massage, and I’ve just started hitting the gym again, so the poor masseuse had her work cut out for her. With all the knots in my shoulders gone, it was on to the thermal facilities. This was my absolute highlight. If the pool is where I’d be all summer, this is where I’d be all winter (or year-round, if I’m honest).

Think magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room. There’s also a dedicated recovery lounge, with things like PEMF infrared masks, LED facial masks, compression boots and vitamin C-infused showers.

Infinity pool and terrace

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach infinity pool — The infinity pool is a dream.

It’s entirely possible this is the best hotel pool in Sydney. An infinity edge shows off views of Coogee Beach below. Planters, canopy palms, coastal grasses and native species help to blend this elevated space into the nature surrounding it. In the summer, it would be difficult to tear me away from this spot.

Alas, I have arrived in winter, so swimming is out of the question for a wimp like me (though the pool itself is heated). But it’s a sunny day, and the private cabanas and sun lounges around the pool deck still make it an inviting space to linger – particularly with a poolside restaurant and bar.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Club InterContinental

This is the same exclusive, premium lounge experience offered at select InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. But with a distinct Coogee difference. This discreet sanctuary unfolds as a series of interconnected spaces for different purposes – including a fully private, open-air terrace. Which is exactly where we were enjoying breakfast when a couple of humpback whales decided to put on a show, leaping out of the ocean behind Coogee Beach. From where I sat with my partner, we had a perfect, magical view.

Here, a decor palette of sun-washed tones, organic textures and subtle nautical touches is bathed in natural light. It’s truly an inviting space, and the staff are incredibly friendly. Wander through to find comfortable lounges, low coffee tables and quiet nooks. Be sure to pop in for a complimentary afternoon tea, or twilight drinks with a selection of wines, cocktails and canapés.

Pickleball courts

Keeping up with current sporting trends, two pickleball courts will soon be added for guest use.

Gym

An on-site 24-hour fitness studio features elliptical machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and more.

What are the rooms like at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach living area in Ocean Front Suite — Take in ocean views from a suite.

The InterContinental Sydney Coogee offers 198 rooms and suites that each uphold a coastal charm, but make it luxurious. Rooms come in Classic or Premium with all the basic amenities you could need, keeping it minimalistic, but classy, with some looking out onto the beach or the pool. Opt for Premium to enjoy a balcony (it’s absolutely worth it, waking up to a tea on your balcony with the beach below). While premium suite options (The Pacific, The Coastal, The Signature and Pool View) maximise indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Spend an afternoon reading in a deep, comfy lounge by the window, enjoy a separate living area, and some even boast an outdoor bathtub.

What is the dining like at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?

Shutters Restaurant & Bar

Shutters restaurant coogee — Dine on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in this open, breezy restaurant.

Open, breezy spaces, a bright and neutral palette, and seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menus combine to make Shutters a chic coastal restaurant. Gaze out the shuttered windows onto sweeping ocean views as you sip on wine or carefully crafted cocktails. The dinner menu offers a great low-key option, though the breakfast buffet is really where this spot shines.

This restaurant, bar and function space is open from breakfast until late night, with 24-hour in-room dining for hotel guests.

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is the flagship Sydney restaurant, and conveniently located inside the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hotel. Famous around the world for its seafood prowess, the Coogee location is no different. The menu here is definitely about celebrating Australia’s finest coastal produce. Think freshly shucked oysters and grilled lobster for the seafood purists, and dishes with a twist for those seeking a more adventurous palate – like fish curries, Mediterranean-inspired classics, and signature creations that Rick Stein is known for.

The atmosphere is relaxed, yet refined. Natural light fills the interior, and a breezy terrace has the perfect view. Pops of blue stand out against the white decor.

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Pool Bar

I’ve already mentioned that the pool is a destination that begs you to stay all day, and part of that appeal is the Pool Bar and its selection of drinks and light refreshments. The menu is intended to reflect ‘the ease of beachside living’, with dishes like bowls of the Buddha, fruit and poke variety, Moreton Bay bug rolls, cheese plates and fries. The cocktail list keeps it light and breezy, with a range of beers, teas, coffees and other non-alcoholic choices as well.

Does InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach have access for guests with disabilities?

Very much so. Find dedicated accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Plus step-free access to public areas like the pool and restaurants.

Is InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach family-friendly?

Absolutely. The location alone makes it great for kids, with Coogee Beach mere steps away. But the hotel also has some handy family features, like offering paid babysitting and childcare services, and kid-friendly meals in the restaurant.

Details

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach outdoor bath in the Signature Suite — Some suites also feature outdoor bathtubs.

Best for: Luxurious seaside getaways

Address: 242 Arden St, Coogee NSW

Phone: (02) 9315 7600

Cost: From $416 per night. Opt for The Experience Package (available until 31st December 2026), including an overnight stay, access to Èliva Spa’s thermal facilities, $100 dining credit, Club InterContinental access and more at $829 for two.

Website: coogeebeach.intercontinental.com

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

Sydney’s new luxury hotel on Coogee Beach is the epitome of coastal charm

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach brings five-star luxury to the Eastern Suburbs beach.

Where is InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?

What is the style and character of InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach?