The Sydney Traveler

Balmain is one of Sydney’s oldest working class suburbs. It’s got a vibrant village atmosphere, and is home to many of Australia’s actors, writers, musicians, and visual artists.

Where: Five kilometers west of the Sydney CBD
How to get there: Take a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay
Stay: Budget accommodation at Balmain Lodge, or treat yourself to a night at The Golden Triangle
Eat: Alfresco Mediterranean cafes like Efendy and Trojans
See: Explore the back streets to see the historic architecture of the 1800s and early 1900s. These buildings range from stunning sandstone structures to basic timber worker’s cottages
Tour: Stop off at The Watch House to learn about self-guided walking tours and heritage pub tours
Shop: Hit Darling Street for boutique fashion, galleries, homewares, bookshops, florists, delis, and toy shops. There are also great markets every Saturday
Events: The Balmain Sailing Club Regatta every October
After dark: Check out the DJs and jazz bands at Unity Hall, Cat & Fiddle, and the Royal Oak

Image source: Alex Kess @ Flickr

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