Balmain’s hibiscus-studded streets contain dozens of historically significant buildings, most of which are privately owned. Darling St has Cahermore, Balmain’s first bakery (1841), which later became the Waterford Arms pub.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Waterman’s Cottage

0.06 MILES

Just up from the ferry slip, this cute sandstone cottage was built in 1841. It's one of many historic houses of this era scattered through Balmain.

2. Hampton Villa

0.35 MILES

Balmain’s hibiscus-scattered streets contain dozens of historically significant buildings, most of which are privately owned. The most notable is this…

3. Clontarf Cottage

0.38 MILES

Balmain’s jacaranda-filled streets contain dozens of historically significant buildings, most of which are privately owned. The squat, shingle-roofed…

4. Goat Island

0.39 MILES

Goat Island, west of the Harbour Bridge, has been a shipyard, a quarantine station and a gunpowder depot in its previous lives. Heritage tours are offered…

5. St Mary’s Hall

0.4 MILES

This brick former church hall, built around 1851, is in a rather dilapidated state.

6. Barangaroo Reserve

0.43 MILES

Part of Barangaroo, the major redevelopment project of what was a commercial port, this park sits on a headland with wonderful harbour perspectives. The…

7. Watch House

0.44 MILES

One of Balmain's many notable historic buildings, the Watch House, is Sydney’s oldest surviving lockup (1854). It now operates on Saturdays (combine it…

8. Balmain

0.48 MILES

Once a tough, working-class neighbourhood, Balmain now rivals Paddington in Victorian-era desirability – with the added advantage of being surrounded by…