Balmoral Beach

Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2023, No. 10.

With over 100 beaches peppered around the Sydney’s magnificent salty shored Harbour, many consider Balmoral its finest jewel set in palatial urban leafy surrounds.

“It’s simply majestic and is one of the world’s most beautiful city beaches. It’s a mere 20 minutes either by car or by ferry from Circular Quay. Parking is premium along The Esplanade, a reward for early arrivals who go for a dip, coffee, or a picnic lunch on the grass or at one of its upmarket shoreline restaurants. Directly opposite the entrance to the Harbour, Balmoral includes the northern Edwards Beach separated by Rocky Point, with its decorative footbridge. The longer southern stretch of sand is interrupted by a central reef, beyond which Sydney’s largest and most popular tidal pool curves 100m out into the bay. Together, the two beaches sweep into an east facing arc of white sand, fronting calm waters or a lazy ocean swell washing through he heads. Beyond here is Balmoral Park with caves and Aboriginal middens (shell feasting sites) attesting to the long human presence. The British when exploring Sydney Harbour described the physique of the local Aboriginal people they saw as ‘manly’ hence the nearby place names of Manly Cove and Manly Beach. Just over the hill here, winding down through wooded tracks off Chowder Bay Road is the smallish Obelisk Beach, one of a few unofficial nudist beach enclaves on Sydney Harbour. Balmoral is always busy, particularly on Sydney’s many sunny days, so planning ahead is recommended.”

⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.