Is there anything more incredible than a warm summer’s evening and taking in the view across Sydney’s inner harbour? And from dining at a local restaurant, to walking the dog in the park or letting the kids go for a scoot along the waterfront, there’s any number of activities we can enjoy while the water stills the day.
So as a tribute to our beautiful slice of city paradise, here’s an ode to the top Balmain waterfront places we love – and why!
Elkington Park
Elkington Park is the perfect picnic spot, especially if you have kids in tow. You can approach it from a couple of different directions – White Street is on the South West side, with Glassop Street and Fitzroy Ave on the South East side. There’s plenty of shade to relax under and a pathway will take you for a short stroll around White Horse Point.
Overall, Elkington Park is a nice, quiet space with lovely harbour views and well-maintained facilities.
Dawn Fraser Baths
Right next door to Elkington Park is the Dawn Fraser Baths, which not only provides you with uninterrupted harbour views, but also lets you enjoy the water! Soak up the outlook from the saltwater tidal pool (open during summer months) and you can also sunbathe on the beach or on the deck next to the lap lanes. After undergoing an upgrade in 2021, the facilities are modern and clean, and it really is a great place to park up and cool off on a hot Sydney day.
Copyright © Photo: Brook Mitchel
Propeller Park
Located on The Avenue, Balmain East, Propeller Park is the ideal waterfront location for four-legged friends and children. As it is nicely tucked away it is often quite quiet, but it’s a popular spot for dogs (and their owners) with both designated off-leash and on-leash areas.
Day or night, the harbour views are beautiful and while there’s no facilities here, it’s still a lovely place for a picnic under a shady tree.
Ewenton Park
Just south of Propeller Park is Ewenton Park, also in Balmain East. Its outlook is towards downtown Sydney, and there’s always plenty of action to check out on the harbour from this vantage point. It’s not a huge reserve, but big enough for a picnic, to throw a ball for the dog, or to have a kick around with the kids. Another great spot for viewing the lights of the city at night.
The Fenwick
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in harbour views, then you simply can’t go past The Fenwick in Balmain East. The restaurant itself is situated in a beautiful, sandstone building and its location can’t be beaten, overlooking Barangaroo Reserve and the heart of Sydney and next to the Balmain East ferry pier. Enjoy sumptuous food and drinks, then take a stroll in Thornton Park or Peacock Point Reserve.
Paringa Reserve
Paringa Reserve is on the north side of Balmain, and offers a lovely waterfront walk alongside the bustling harbour, looking out to Snapper Island, Spectacle Island and Cockatoo Island. Here you can exercise dogs off leash and grab some shade under a couple of large trees. It’s not a huge park but it still allows for all kinds of waterside activities.
Ballast Point Park
After a hardwon local campaign, this former industrial site was transformed into a public park for all to enjoy, with the site’s history told through sculptures made from industrial materials. With walking paths, harbour views and lots of spots to sit and relax, this is a wonderful place to appreciate Sydney’s rich history and kids will have fun exploring the different structures and hiding spots.
Mort Street Park
Plenty of space here for everyone to enjoy the large reserve and great facilities, with toilets, water fountains and an electric BBQ. Oh, and the views? Spectacular. From here you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city as well as the sparkling waters of the inner harbour. The Balmain Ferry Terminal is opposite the shaded playground.
Birchgrove Oval
Local favourite Birchgrove Oval has a little beach where kids jump off the pier and dogs can swim. Afterwards, head to Gladstone Store for great coffee and homemade cakes, pies and other treats.
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