Balmoral is an urban locality on the Lower North Shore and part of the local government area of the Municipality of Mosman. Located 8 kilometres north-east of the Sydney CBD, the suburb occupies approximately 123 hectares, bounded by Middle Harbour in the north and east, the HMAS Penguin Naval Base and Kahibah Road in the south-east, Middle Head Road in the south, and The Tar, Wolseley Road, Cullen Avenue, Redan Street, Arbutus Road, Moruben Road, Hampden Street, Warringah Road and Hopetoun Avenue in the west.
ABOUT BALMORAL
History
Sydney’s North Shore was originally inhabited by the Birrabirragal, Boregal, Kuringgai, Wallumedegal, Gorualgal and Cammeraygal Aboriginal people.
European settlement in the area now known as the Municipality of Mosman dates from 1802 when a harbour defence battery was built at Georges Head. While development was slow due to the rugged terrain and limited access, a whaling station was eventually established in Mosman Bay in the 1830s, making way for one of the earliest industries in the area. Soon, industries such as candle-making and wool-washing emerged as well, and a huge part of the land was used for farming and orcharding.
Growth occurred in the 1880s and 1890s as land was subdivided and new roads, regular ferry services and artists’ camps were established. In 1893, the population was recorded at 1,600.
Balmoral was named after Balmoral Castle, a large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and a favourite summer royal residence. As the suburb developed, Federation architectural styles dominated from 1890 to 1915. In 1918-19, the now heritage-listed home Noonee, designed by Alexander Stewart Jolly who drew on elements of the American hunting lodge, was built.
During the interwar period, growth occurred due to improvements in transport and access. This was followed by more significant development in the post-war years, especially during the 1960s.
Considerable growth took place in the interwar period, spurred by improvements in transport and access. The most significant development occurred in the post-war years, especially during the 1960s.
Demographics
As of 2018, Balmoral is home to 3,659 people, with a population density of 29.67 persons per hectare. Australia-born citizens represent 82.6 per cent of the local population, and 93.9% of people spoke only English at home.
Famous residents
Sunrise’s Mark Beretta and his wife Rachel (Mosman Netball president) moved to their Mosman home in 2016, paying$6.025 million for a five-bedroom property with a heated swimming pool, an eight-person spa and a separate sauna room. The home was built in 1992 and has views of Middle Harbour towards Little Manly and North Head.
Former Easts captain Luke Ricketson and his wife Kate Waterhouse, as well as their extended family, also call Mosman and Balmoral home.
LIFESTYLE
Balmoral has been dubbed the ‘Jewel of Mosman’s crown’ as it stands out to be an elite pocket in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs.
Balmoral Beach is the centrepiece of the upscale residential pocket, supported by an active foodie scene, tourist destinations and good public transport that ultimately highlights the lifestyle appeal of Balmoral.
Those looking to invest in Balmoral properties would enjoy a wide variety of options, from apartments and duplexes through to large Federation or modern homes with tennis courts and views. Balmoral’s median price currently sits at nearly $3.8 million.
Off the tourist trail, Balmoral is also home to the naval depot HMAS Penguin, which is situated at the eastern end of Balmoral Beach.
Public transport
All local government areas in the North Shore region are serviced by the Pacific Highway.
Other main transport routes across the region are the Military Road and parts of Ryde Road and Mona Vale Road. Major arterial roads include Eastern Arterial Road at St Ives, East Killara and East Lindfield, the Comenarra Parkway at Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Turramurra, South Turramurra and West Pymble, Lady Game Drive at West Pymble, Gordon, Killara and Lindfield.
Mosman is well serviced by Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries.
North Shore, Northern & Western Line provides access to the Sydney CBD, while ferries connect harbourside suburbs to Circular Quay and the CBD. Transdev NSW and State Transit Authority provide bus services across Upper North Shore and Lower North Shore, respectively.
The upcoming Sydney Metro, which is expected to commence operations in 2019, will run through Chatswood and Crows Nest, linking Sydney’s North West and South West to Sydney City
Schools and universities
Some of the most notable schools across Sydney’s North Shore are:
- TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute (Hornsby College)
- TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute (St Leonards Campus)
- TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute (Bradfield Senior College)
- Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview
- The Northern Sydney Institute (Crows Nest Campus)
- Australian Catholic University (North Sydney - MacKillop Campus)
- Sydney Church of England Grammar School
- St Joseph’s College
Hospitals
Among the major hospitals in North Shore are:
- Sydney Adventist Hospital (The SAN)
- Lady Davidson Private Hospital
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
- HammondCare Greenwich Hospital
- Royal North Shore Hospital
- North Shore Private Hospital
- The Mater Hospital
Landmarks
- Sydney Harbour National Park
- HMAS Penguin Naval Base
- Taronga Zoo
- Mosman Art Gallery
Shopping centers
- Bridgepoint Shopping Centre
- St Ives Village Shopping Centre
- Westfield Hornsby Shopping Centre
Sports and recreation
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