Focus on Sydney Suburbs – Balmain

If you are visiting Sydney in the near future by all means go and see the great tourist attractions that are in and around the iconic harbour areas. But do not ignore the suburbs as some of these are where you can really meet Sydneysiders and understand how the city really ticks.

Here at Sydney Executive Coach Charter we regularly take small groups around Sydney suburbs as part of our great Sydney minibus hire service. And one really popular destination is Balmain.

Balmain

Balmain is an inner-west suburb of Sydney, and is only five miles from the CBD. But Balmain could almost be on another planet, the charming and cute little terraced houses ooze contented community spirit.

And the local residents can take advantage of the many pubs, cafes, and restaurants that abound in Balmain. The area dates back to the 1800’s and the cute houses were the living accommodation for the mine workers, shipbuilders, and factory workers.

After a long day, the workers would return to their cottages built of red brick, but not before frequenting a local pub or two on the way home.

Cafe Culture

Balmain has a strong cafe culture, and many of the bijou enterprises have al fresco tables and chairs so patrons can sip their coffee and watch the world go by.

Some of the best food in Sydney is to be found in these bohemian establishments, and they are really good value for money. The pick of the bunch is Contessa, Mt Cafe & Bar, and Charlotte’s Cafe.

Enjoy a Cool Beer

Balmain has more than its fair share of pubs and drinking establishments. There are so many places to pick from it is hard to recommend the best, but you will find a great welcome and good beer at, The Cricketers Arms, Cat & Fiddle, and Dry Dock Hotel.

One place you should not ignore is the Riverview Hotel, it has a great riverside view and serves some of the best beer and food in Balmain. Officially it is labeled a gastropub, and that title does not do it justice.

Dining Out

Balmain has a very eclectic dining scene, and if you look hard enough then you can find just about any cuisine in the world. You can breakfast at Kazbah to sample the delights of Middle Eastern cuisine. Then stop off for an Italian lunch at Cappello Pizzeria, and finish with a fine Turkish meal at Efendy.

Enjoy the Views

Finally, there are some fantastic views that can be seen all around Balmain. A great place to visit is Elkington Park, crammed with superb harbour views, and full of delightful fig trees and other assorted flora.

If you and your group would like to travel out to Balmain or any other of Sydney’s great suburbs then contact us today and let us take care of all your transportation worries.