Balmain NSW 2041

Balmain

Balmain is a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, located slightly west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the Municipality of Leichhardt. The Balmain peninsula is surrounded by Port Jackson, to the south-west, Birchgrove to the north-west, and Balmain East to the east. Iron Cove sits on the western side of the peninsula, with White Bay on the south-east side and Mort Bay on the north-east side.

History

The area now known as Balmain was part of a 220-hectare (550-acre) grant to colonial surgeon William Balmain (1762–1803) made in 1800 by Governor John Hunter. A year later, Balmain transferred his entire holding to settle a debt to John Borthwick Gilchrist before returning to Scotland.

Transport

Balmain has several ferry wharves including Thames Street Balmain, Elliot Street and Darling Street. Balmain’s road network feeds into several major roads. There are also several transit systems bus services that service Balmain.

Recreation

Darling Street is the main road in Balmain and hosts many shops, cafes and restaurants. Balmain is also home to parks, reserves and sporting teams and facilities.

Housing

The post-industrial gentrification of Balmain has resulted in a suburb of considerable charm and interest where the modest, pretty houses command high prices. Much of the suburb is a heritage conservation area and creative design is required to modernise the Victorian and Edwardian housing stock.

Schools

Balmain is home to Balmain Primary, Balmain High school, The Montessori School and Sydney College of the Arts.