On Sydney’s North Shore, the harborside village of Balmoral is a less-crowded alternative to the blockbuster beaches of Bondi, Manly, and Coogee. Home to cafés and restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, Balmoral also offers calm waters ideal for swimming.
The Basics
Some Sydney sightseeing cruises pass by Balmoral before looping past scenic waterside attractions such as Watsons Bay, Middle Head, and Point Piper—most tours include a seafood lunch onboard or at a waterfront eatery. Balmoral also typically features on the itineraries of northern shore excursions that visit off-the-beaten-path spots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most of the sidewalks and promenades in Balmoral are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The village’s main beaches are Balmoral and Edwards, which are separated by a rocky point but linked by the shoplined esplanade.
How to Get There
As parking in Balmoral can be expensive, public transit is often the cheapest (and easiest) way to reach the village. Take bus 244 or 247 to Military Road Mosman. Or, hop on bus 238 to Taronga Wharf, then catch a ferry downtown.
When to Get There
To enjoy temperate weather and avoid the school holiday crowds, visit Balmoral in October, November, February, or March.
Walking the Taronga to Balmoral Route
The Taronga to Balmoral route offers a crowd-free alternative to the Coogee to Bondi Beach walk while still packing a punch in terms of coastal scenery. The 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) trail meanders past historic sights and pristine, secluded bays. To get to the starting point, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo.