balmoral, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Balmoral Overview

Balmoral, near the desirable suburb of Mosman, is a little gem set on Sydney's Middle Harbour, a favourite with the locals and not on the obvious tourist trails.

It has three beaches as well as a 'baths' section which is completely enclosed by a sandy beach and a wooden board walk.

Balmoral has a unique timeless elegance and charm, almost of an era long gone by. It is not too difficult to imagine victorian era couples strolling arm in arm along the raised beach side promenade, shaded beneath colourful parasols.

Balmoral has a good variety of cafes, bistros and restaurants perfect for spending a long lazy lunch, gazing across at the beach and Middle Harbour. There is also an award winning fish and chip shop if you want to picnic on the beach itself.

Balmoral was named after its beautiful namesake in Royal Dee Side, Scotland. It seems entirely fitting that this favourite residence of the British Royal Family lends its name to this idyllic little harbour side village.

Balmoral is also the start of a rewarding walk (with stunning elevated views of Sydney Harbour) to Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens.

Balmoral can be reached by car via Mosman (however traveling along Military Road can be frustrating), public transport or even water taxi from Circular Quay in Sydney. Although there is a car park at the southern side of Balmoral and some car parking near the Esplanade, parking can be difficult, particularly on weekends. Be prepared to search around for a spot or park in one of the streets slightly further away from the beach.

Shakespeare By the Sea

Balmoral has a small marina, a gentle, sheltered beach ( which is not subject to the full tides and currents of the open ocean ), a promenade and park areas. The popular 'Shakespeare By The Sea' is held at the Rotunda during the summer (the season usually runs from January to March with performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings - check website for details).

Fine Dining

There are some wonderful restaurants and cafes located in Balmoral. Towards the southern end of Esplanade is Boat Shed Cafe and the multi award winning Watermark Restaurant. This stylish restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine and has views over Balmoral Beach.

The Bathers Pavilion is located further up the Esplanade and comprises both a cafe and restaurant within the same complex. This combination allows one to experience a fine meal over several hours in the restaurant or just simply drop in and enjoy a coffee, a cake or a snack in the cafe.

For both Watermark and Bathers Pavilion restaurant, booking ahead would be desirable.

To complete the culinary picture, Balmoral also has an award winning Fish and Chip shop, the Bottom Of The Harbour, and a selection of other cafes and eateries.

Balmoral Beach

Balmoral is divided into three main beach areas with Edwards Beach being separated from Balmoral by Rocky Point. These sandy beaches are popular on warm days with sunbathers, swimmers and families enjoying the relatively sheltered conditions of this harbour side location.

Alternatively there is a completely enclosed swimming area further up the Esplanade near The Watermark Restaurant.

The first section of Edwards Beach is also enclosed by a unique shark net which stretches from Rocky Point to the beach. The net dates back to the late 1800's and is the oldest of its type in the Sydney region

Balmoral makes such a relaxing spot to while away a hot afternoon. Although it can become busy, you will not find the sheer of volume people which descend on the more well known beaches such as Bondi or Manly.

As well as the cosy beaches to base yourself, Balmoral has grassy areas bordering the Esplanade with magnificent Morton Bay fig trees providing natural shade. Also recommended are the picturesque walks along the Esplanade or to Rocky Point across the stone bridge.

Romantic

It is appropriate for a place which stages Shakespeare plays each year that Balmoral has something of a romantic reputation.

This is one of the reasons why Balmoral is a popular place for weddings. They are are usually conducted in the Rotunda and following the ceremony there are countless perfect photo locations. There are also several ideal venues for the wedding breakfast including the Watermark and Bathers Pavilion

North and South Head

The North and South Head of Sydney Harbour can be seen from Balmoral and the ocean can be seen through the gap between them. It is fun to watch the occasional ship or even a tall ship under full sail pass through into Sydney Harbour.

Usually at the weekends, the view is painted with brightly coloured sails of yachts playing in the harbour.

Windsurfing

Balmoral is a popular Sydney location for windsurfing because it has good wind conditions with the added bonus of having good protection from the full exposure of the ocean currents and swells. There is a sailing centre behind the beach at the southern end of Balmoral.