It’s hard to believe that the suburb of Balmain started as an industrial hub of shipbuilding and even coal mining. Located on a peninsula just west of the Sydney CBD, it’s an affluent area of quaint streets, tidy homes and historic sandstone buildings. Balmain is a self-contained neighbourhood since all the daily necessities are a short walk away; residents speak highly of the tight-knit community here.
Several parks are within the suburb’s borders, including the waterfront Elkington Park, where you’ll find the Balmain Rowing Club and the Dawn Fraser Baths—the country’s oldest pool and swimming club, dating back to the 1880s.
The single-family homes comprising most of the housing market here are small but expensive, thanks to the suburb’s desirability. You’ll also find some small apartment buildings, particularly along Darling Street. Since Balmain is moderately hilly, many of these homes have fantastic views of the harbour (homes on the east side claim the better view since they get to look out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge). Balmain is one of the prime locations in Sydney to view the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Despite its location on a peninsula, transit to the CBD is quick and painless. Balmain is served by buses and a ferry wharf so you can be at the office in about 20 minutes.
Balmain is bordered on the north by Birchgrove, on the east by White Bay, on the south by Rozelle, and the west by Iron Cove.
5.5 km
10-25 minutes by car
20 minutes by transit
20 minutes by bike
