Vibrant Eclectic
A suburb that was once a quiet harbour front village has transformed over the years into a bustling suburb of cafes, bars, boutique shops and galleries. The streets of Balmain are filled with thoughtfully renovated cottages, historic buildings and leafy harbourside walks.
What to See & Do
Balmain is a suburb vastly different from the shipyards and factories of its past. Most of the action these days is centered around the shops, cafes, restaurants and bars on Darling Street, which runs through the heart of Balmain, from East Balmain to Rozelle. However there is so much more to see. Venture into the side streets where you’ll be rewarded with myriad quaint cottages, old pubs, shady parks and superb harbour views. It’s so photogenic!
Darling Street – Eat Drink Shop
On the weekends the window shoppers are out and about and the cafés are overflowing. The evenings are abuzz with friends having a drink and sharing a meal in one of the many sidewalk restaurants and bars. No matter what time of day you plan to visit, the vibe is upbeat.
Eat & Drink
Balmain has established itself as one of the best dining strips beyond the city centre. We often plan an afternoon walk so that we finish up just in time for a drink or two at one of the many bars, and since we’ve done a good amount of walking we figure the exercise justifies dinner as well:-)
Around nearly every corner there’s another old pub. Many have great bar menus and a number of them have fine dining restaurants too. Tucked away in the backstreets is the beautiful old Riverview Hotel Restaurant which has excellent reviews and deservedly so… we love dining there!
Darling Street Historic Buildings
Many of the historic buildings that line Darling Street have been thoughtfully restored over the years, some with colourful restoration work visible above the shop awnings. Watch for impressive civic buildings and churches, as well as the Balmain Watch House that hosts artist run exhibitions.
Walk the Backstreets
While it’s fun to explore the shops on Darling St, why not take a backstreet detour to experience a different side of Balmain. The quiet streets are filled with beautifully restored buildings, workers cottages, old character pubs, corner shops and impressive sandstone churches. It is this part of Balmain that I adore!
Waterfront Parks
Many of the old industrial sites on the waterfront have been superbly redeveloped into park-lands, some offering impressive views of the city skyline, such as the Ballast Point Park in Birchgrove, just a short walk from the Balmain East Wharf.
The pretty Elkington Park and Dawn Fraser Baths are only a 10 minute walk from Darling St, a perfect place for a little peace and quiet.
By Ferry to Balmain East Wharf
If you’re not driving, the ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour to the Balmain East Wharf is a great way to start your outing, although some may consider the 30 minute walk uphill to the center of town a little too far, especially on a hot summer day.
From the wharf, follow Darling Street past the old shops and pubs of East Balmain. Some of the side streets provide water views and city glimpses. When you are close to the top of the hill the crowds increase as you enter the vibrant centre of Balmain.
Information
Where: Sydney Inner West – 5km West of CBD
Allow: 1/2 day
Website: Balmain
Visit: Charming Birchgrove | Other Historic Sites | Walks Inner West
Getting There
Drive: 15 minutes from the CBD
Ferry: From Circular Quay or Darling Harbour
- Balmain East Wharf – eastern end of Darling St
- Balmain Thames St Wharf near Mort Bay Park (Birchgrove)
Bus: The area is also served by a number of buses.
Map Balmain & Birchgrove area
