There is a set of pedestrian stairways at the south end of Coogee, 205 steps up, that gives such a rigorous and exhausting workout, that people call them
Killer Stairs or even Death Stairs.
At the south end of Coogee Bay, where the boardwalk on the southern extension of the Coastal Walkway meets Alexandria Parade, is the beginning of a
set of steep pedestrian stairs that run up towards the heights at Denning Street (on the northern side of No. 2 Alexandria Parade).
There are 205 steps up in the stairway, plus a few short flatter walking areas. They are
much loved by fitness fanatics and exercise gurus for giving runners the ultimate workout.
205 steps up and
205 steps down!
Some people like to run up the 205, and finish in a small reserve between Numbers 11A and 15 Denning Street, (it is called Ken Tan Reserve), perhaps taking a rest and checking out the panoramic views
over the ocean towards Wedding Cake Island and Coogee Beach, before heading down again.
Others turn left into Denning Street once they have reached the top, run 80 metres, and then turn left at Bloomfield Street, over a short stretch of greenery before entering Ahern Street, and
then they proceed down to Alexandria Parade. Another left turn, and a 100 metres jog gets them back to the bottom of the killer stairs.
The stairs have become a favoured spot for those wanting an extra good workout, especially early mornings and at dusk. They are very popular on weekend days
for exercise groups, with notices appearing regularly on Facebook and other social media groups, calling for volunteers to take the exercise challenge!
Notes
Ahearn Avenue was named after Harold Norbert Ahearn (1923 - 1995), a local builder and developer.
Alexandria Parade was named after the Egyptian city of that name. It was part of a naming project that included nearby Cairo Street, Garnet Street, Wolseley Road; named to honour
Field Marshal Garnet Wolseley (1833-1913), 1st Viscount Wolseley who was the British Commander-in-Chief of Forces from 1895 to 1900 and who commanded of British force in Egyptian campaigns.
Bloomfield Street was named after a former Randwick Council alderman.
Clement Bloomfield was an early resident in the area during the the 1890s. Formerly called Robertson Street, it was declared a public
road in 1948.
Denning Street was named after George Denning, a Randwick Council alderman from about 1860 to the 1880s and mayor of Randwick in 1885.
