Balmain Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet
Photo by 4 pairs of Itchy Feet

The bohemian feel of the Inner West meets the sparkle of the city in Balmain, a cosy harborside suburb known for its creative residents and stylish way of life.

Discover Balmain’s gorgeous waterfront and charming streets lined with Victorian-era terrace houses. Its location on the top of a peninsula in Sydney harbour makes Balmain a desirable neighbourhood. Looking at its prized waterfront real estate now, it’s hard to imagine that Balmain was a working-class suburb for over a century.

Balmain grew rapidly after the construction of shipyards on its foreshore in the 1800s. In the 1970s, the industrial suburb with is affordable Sydney sandstone buildings started to attract bohemians, writers and politicians. They gave Balmain the artistic, cosmopolitan flair that still lingers today.

Shop in artisan and chic boutiques along winding Darling Street. This main thoroughfare also has a variety of bakeries, cafés and exotic restaurants such as Turkish restaurant Efendy. The sweet delights of celebrity chef Adriano Zumbo’s patisserie are equally hard to resist. Have a beer at one of the many historic pubs, such as the 3 Weeds, Cat and Fiddle and East Village.

If you love art, visit Balmain’s galleries of contemporary and Aboriginal works. On a Saturday, head to the grounds of the St. Andrew’s Church to browse books and collectables at the Balmain Markets, Sydney’s third-oldest markets. Taking a cruise or fishing trip from Balmain’s harbour is an excellent way to spend a sunny day.

There’s a wealth of green spaces in Balmain. Gladstone Park is a peaceful oasis in the busy centre, while Elkington Park has impressive views of Cockatoo Island. Take a dip in the nearby Dawn Fraser Baths, Australia’s oldest pool complex. Illoura Reserve, near the Balmain East Wharf, offers views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The most scenic way to reach Balmain is taking a 10-minute harbour ferry from Circular Quay. You can also take a bus from the city centre. Darling street has metered and free on-street parking for those arriving by car. While in the area, also explore Birchgrove, an Inner West suburb of similar charm.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Balmain Hotel Deals

Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is AU$289 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$289
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,360 reviews)
Fantastic hotel
"Fantastic Lovely room comfortable Spectacular veiws of opera house Wounderful breakfast great choice Friendly helpful staff Restaurant altertude was spectacular beautiful veiws and great meal"

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$314 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
AU$314
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,500 reviews)
"Good stay in Fullerton Hotel.,Surely will be back..Thank You"

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$380 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$380
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,920 reviews)
"Great location in the rocks, walkable to the Sydney opera house, harbor bridge and botanical gardens. Our room was spacious and we had great views (floor 21). Our kids loved the heated pool and hot tub. We didn’t eat in the hotel but can highly recommend the 4 seasons."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$296 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
AU$296
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,882 reviews)
"Fantastic, a stone throw away from International Terminal."

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$269 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$269
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,789 reviews)
"Absolutely fantastic! Staff were very helpful and always friendly. Rooms were tidy and spacious enough for a family. Room service was excellent and the meals were exceptional! Will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
View Sydney

View Sydney

4 out of 5
17 Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$223 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$223
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,093 reviews)
"The property is conveniently located next to a Metro stop, which provides easy access all around the city. The front desk agents were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

View Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Balmain

Darling Harbour featuring night scenes, city views and a bay or harbour

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(3,097 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Star Casino featuring modern architecture

Pyrmont

Star Casino and Sydney Fish Market are top sights in Pyrmont, and you should be sure to explore the captivating waterfront views. Hop aboard the metro at Wentworth Park Light Rail Station or Fish Market Light Rail Station to see more sights in the area.

Pyrmont
Circular Quay - The Rocks showing street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Default Image

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Capitol Theatre showing street scenes as well as an individual female

Haymarket

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Haymarket. Check out top attractions like Market City and Paddy's Market, and jump on the metro at Paddy's Markets Light Rail Station or Capitol Square Light Rail Station to see more of the city.

Haymarket
Default Image

North Sydney

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to North Sydney. A stop by North Sydney Oval or ISKCON Sydney (Hare Krishna Temple) might round out your trip.

North Sydney


Balmain Travel Guide

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