Balmoral Beach: Find Out Everything You Need to Know
The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088
Area: Middle Harbour
If you are looking for a beautiful spot to spend a summer day, look no further than Balmoral Beach. The sparkling water and soft sand make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
Balmoral Beach is by far one of the most popular on the lower north shore. Frequented by locals, rather than tourists, the beach gets very busy especially on the weekends and during summer school holidays. Families with younger children tend to hang out at the southern end, which has a park with playground and large trees which provide shade during summer. The water is usually calm making it excellent and safe for swimming and snorkelling.
Balmoral feels like one big picnic area. There are several tables at Hunters Park and also near the kids playground – close to The Boathouse Café.
The beach is divided by Rocky Point Island which is accessible via a small bridge. The northern part is known as Edwards Beach and is approximately 400m long.
Want to get some great family photos? Balmoral Beach is Insta worthy with stunning beach and reserve backdrops. You will find some photographers hold 30 minute or 1 hour photography sessions on a particular day, so you can book a photo session at a very affordable price.
I had organised a photo shoot with Derek Stalley Photography and not only did we end up with some great photos, we had a lot of fun doing it. Derek is super easy going and has a great sense of humour.
Balmoral Beach at a Glance
| Park / Reserve: | Yes |
| BBQs: | No |
| Picnic Tables: | Yes |
| Shade: | Yes – Under trees |
| Swimming: | Yes – At the beach, no waves |
| Beach patrolled: | No |
| Playground: | Yes |
| Cafes / Restaurants: | Yes several cafes, restaurants and takeaway shops |
| Toilets / Showers: | Yes |
| Parking: | Paid parking along the beach and limited parking in side streets |
| Water Sports: | Swimming Kayaking Stand-up paddle boarding Sailing Snorkelling Scuba diving |
Things to Do at Balmoral Beach
If you have young children, they will enjoy:
- swimming in the netted pool area
- playing at the playground
- building sandcastles
- collecting shells
More things to do at the beach for kids.
Older kids can:
- throw a frisbee
- ride a scooter or bike along the promenade
- kick or throw the ball
- make a beach mermaid from sand, shells and seaweed
- write their name using pebbles and shells
Teenagers will have a lot of fun:
- dive off the pier
- stand-up paddle boarding
- kayaking
- snorkeling
- taking photos
More things to do at the beach for teenagers.
Parents / couples will enjoy:
- eating at one of the many restaurants and cafes
- cruising Middle Harbour in a hired boat
- riding a bike
- strolling along the beach
- having a picnic
- stunning views from Rocky Point Island
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balmoral Beach busy?
During summer holidays and on the weekends, the beach gets very busy, so if you are planning a family day out, it’s best to get there early as parking can be challenging.
Outside of summer school holidays, the best time to visit is during the week, when the beach does not get so full. Drop your older children off at school and then venture down to the beach with your little ones or catch up with friends.
If the weather is nice during winter, you will find many families coming to Balmoral to watch their kids play soccer at Balmoral oval so parking can also be difficult on the weekends.
Can you fish at Balmoral Beach?
Fishing at Balmoral Beach is permitted, although it is a good idea to check out Mosman Council guidelines at their website. The most popular species caught in Middle Harbour are Yellowtail amberjack, Dusky flathead, and Australasian snapper.
To find out more about fishing in Middle Harbour go to Fishabout website.
Is there parking at Balmoral Beach?
There is paid parking along the beach and also in a car park near the playground. However, this can be quite costly. Limited (generally 1 – 2 hour) parking is available in some of the side streets.
Is it safe to swim at Balmoral Beach?
Balmoral Beach is a safe beach to swim at, although it is not patrolled by surf lifesavers, so make sure you keep an eye on your children.
As the waters are generally very calm you can swim all year round. The beach also has a netted pool with a pier, so if you are worried about sharks, you will feel safer in the enclosed area.
The pier is popular with teenagers who jump and dive off the pier and burn off extra energy.
What is the water temperature at Balmoral Beach?
The swimming season at Balmoral Beach is generally from November to June. During these months the water generally stays above 20°C.
The average water temperature at Balmoral Beach is:
Winter – 18°C
Spring – 19°C
Summer – 22°C
Autumn – 22°C
Find out more about water temperature on any given day at Sea Temperature website.
Balmoral Beach Weddings
Balmoral Beach and Reserve is also a popular wedding venue, with stunning views of middle harbour. If you hire Balmoral Reserve for your ceremony, as a bonus you also get the Balmoral Rotunda, a great wet weather shelter.
Rocky Point Island is also a great choice for a wedding venue with stunning views of the harbour.
Weddings can be booked up to 12 months in advance through Mosman Council. All bookings are in blocks of 2 hours. For more information and to book a wedding, visit the Mosman Council website.
After your ceremony and photos, you have a choice of reception venues including Pasture of Balmoral, Public Dining Room and Bather’s Pavillion.
Balmoral Beach Hire
Are you up for a little water adventure but don’t have all the necessary equipment? You are in luck – Balmoral Boatshed will get you sorted.
You can hire a boat from $90 for 1 hour. All boats come with safety gear including life jackets and since the boats travel less than 10 knots, you don’t need a license.
You can use the boat to sightsee Middle Harbour or go fishing. To hire a boat you will need a photo ID, a credit card and be at least 18 years old.
The boats are licensed for four adults or max capacity of 400kg.
If stand-up paddle boarding is more your thing, Balmoral Boatshed has you covered. You can hire SUP boards by the hour, half day or full day. Rates start at just $30 per hour.
Balmoral Boatshed is located next to The Boathouse Cafe at 2 The Esplanade, Balmoral beach NSW 2088.
For more information visit Balmoral Boatshed website.
Balmoral Water Sports Centre
Located at the southern end of the beach Balmoral Water Sports Centre lets you experience many different water activities including
You can hire dinghies, SUP Paddle Boards, Windsurfers, Kayaks and Hobie Wave.
The centre also offers windsurfing, sailing and SUP lessons . During school holidays, you can book your children into one of their many programs including
Sea Urchins for 5-6 year olds
Pirates for 7-9 year olds
Hot Shots for 10-12 year olds
Too Cool for 13-15 year olds
The programs run from 9am till 3pm and children get to participate in various activities including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and play on-land games.
During the school term, the centre runs Tackers program, which is a 3 step sailing pathway that builds water and sailing confidence for kids of all ages.
Find out more at Balmoral Water Sports Centre website.
Toilets and Showers
You will find several toilet and shower blocks along the beach.
Balmoral Beach Cafes and Restaurants
The Boathouse Balmoral Beach Café
One of the most popular beach café’s located right on the water, The Boathouse offers healthy and hearty comfort food, delicious coffee with their signature anchor design.
Bathers Pavilion
Located near the Rotunda, Bathers’ Pavilion offers several dining experiences
Kiosk at Bathers – perfect if you want to grab take away coffee, ice creams, fish and chips or paninis.
Bathers Bistro – relaxed all day café which serves modern Australian cuisine – it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Bathers Pavilion Restaurant – Elegant fine dining with stunning views from every seat. The restaurant also offers a large selection of wines.
Pasture Balmoral
Located on the waterfront, Pasture Café serves modern Australian cuisine and delicious coffee from Will & Co. The café is open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays during winter.
Balmoral Beach Walking Tracks
Balmoral Beach to Chowder Bay
Want to enjoy beautiful ocean and Harbour views, then Balmoral Beach to Chowder Bay Walking Track is a must. Distance is approximately 2.7km one way and it is a relatively easy walk. If you start your walk from Chowder Bay, you can enjoy lunch or coffee at the end.
The highlight of the walk is Georges Head Lookout, which is located just behind the Gunners Barracks. Follow the walkway and watch the view unfold including North Head, South Head and the city skyline.
This is a perfect place to take a water / snack break.
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach
This 6.5km walk (one way) takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers amazing lookouts, historical sights and incredible ocean and harbour views.
It takes you from Athol Bay, through Bradley’s Head, along Clifton Gardens Reserve, via Georges Head Lookout and finally to Balmoral Beach.
Getting to Balmoral Beach
Best way to get to Balmoral is by car, especially if you have lots of beach equipment. However, bus is also an option.
To plan your trip, visit Transport NSW website.
Accommodation near Balmoral Beach
***
Ivana Katz is a Sydney based website designer and travel blogger. Having her own business has given her the freedom to explore the world. She believes travel is the best teacher and her passion for adventure, writing and photography has taken her and her son to some amazing places, including Hawaii, Canada, Fiji, Greece and Czech Republic. Ivana’s favourite thing about travelling is learning, discovering hidden gems and creating memories. She loves nothing more than inspiring other women to chase their dreams and explore the world with their families and friends.
Other Great Experiences
What’s Nearby
The Boathouse
Rocky Point Island
Plonk Cafe
Chowder Bay
Clifton Gardens Reserve
