Our Neighbourhood

BALMAIN

Known for Darling Street, historic houses and blue ribbon peninsula setting, Balmain is without question one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs. Traditionally a working class area that saw the rise of the trade union movement and the Australia Labor party in 1891, Balmain today is home to many of Australia’s leading progressive, creative and social luminaries.

Approximately 6km from the city centre, the area now known as Balmain was once part of a 550 acre land grant made to surgeon Dr William Balmain in 1800. Subdivided and developed during the 1840s, the peninsula became one of Sydney’s premier industrial centres with ship builders, metal foundries, boilermakers and engineering companies amongst the businesses. A coal mine was opened in 1895 to access coal under Goat Island, while work on the now demolished Balmain Power Station began in 1909.

Balmain retained a rough working class image until the 1960s, when industry waned and gentrification began. The magnificent aspect, waterfront locale, natural beauty and convenience to the CBD have all contributed to Balmain becoming an exceptionally prestigious community. 

Almost all of Balmain’s businesses border Darling Street, with the primary shopping precinct centred between Arthur Street in the west and Booth street in the east. Known for its fine dining, renowned cafes and restaurants include Alegrias Spanish Tapas and Kafeine café. Hill of Content bookshop is known for its quality stock, while the Unity Hall Hotel is celebrated for its relaxed vibe and live music scene.
Surrounded by Sydney Harbour, Balmain is bordered by Rozelle to the south west and Birchgrove to the north. With express bus links to the city, direct ferries to Circular Quay run from the end of the peninsula in East Balmain. Rare in that it has retained a large number of its original buildings and thus its fundamental historic character, Balmain is a truly beautiful and unique community.