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Balmain East

NSW 2041 • Greater Sydney

1,900
Population (2021)
$80,600
Median Income
0.34 km²
Area
$617/wk
Median Rent
HarboursideAffluentHistoricVillage FeelInner-City

About Balmain East

Balmain East is an affluent inner-city suburb occupying the eastern tip of the Balmain Peninsula, approximately 4 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD within the Inner West council area. With a population of 1,900 across just 0.34 square kilometres, it is one of Sydney's most densely settled and desirable waterfront localities. The suburb commands a premium median household income of $3,020 per week and a median age of 46, reflecting a well-established, high-income professional community with deep roots in the area.

Balmain East is defined by its spectacular harbour frontage, heritage streetscapes, and the iconic Balmain East Wharf, which provides frequent Parramatta River ferry services to Circular Quay. The suburb is characterised by beautifully restored Victorian and Federation-era terraces and cottages, with a strong sense of community and neighbourhood identity inherited from its historic working-class origins. While there is no train station in Balmain East, ferry and bus connections make it well-linked to the city; its village atmosphere, independent cafes, and waterfront walks make it one of Sydney's most sought-after inner suburbs.

Balmain East falls under postcode 2041 and is governed by Inner West Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Balmain electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2041
Urban Area
Leichhardt
LGA / Council
Inner West
Federal Electorate
Sydney
State Electorate
Balmain
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.86°, 151.19°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
0.34 km²
Elevation
20m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lilyfield (Metro)
1.6 km
20 min
Balmain East Wharf (Ferry)
0.2 km
3 min

Bus Services

  • Route 441, 442 — Sydney CBD (Wynyard / Town Hall) 20-30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
4 km
By Train
No direct train — ferry from Balmain East Wharf to Circular Quay takes approx. 25 min
By Car (Peak)
20-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-18 min

🛣️ Ferry to Circular Quay is a popular commute option; buses to Wynyard are frequent; Anzac Bridge provides direct car access to the CBD

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands and local cafes are reachable on foot, with the ferry wharf a short walk away; larger shopping requires a bus or ferry trip

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Balmain East, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Goat Island
Port Jackson • SHR #00989
Illoura Reserve
Weston St • SHR #01923

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Balmain East by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Balmain East Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Balmain East" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$617
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$4,333
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.8%

54 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,932
Census 2021
1,900
▼ 1.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$68,380
Income 2021
$80,600
▲ 17.9% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,270
Born Overseas 532

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 161
  • 2. New Zealand 33
  • 3. United States 33
  • 4. South Africa 28
  • 5. Ireland 24
  • 6. China 22
  • 7. France 15
  • 8. Lebanon 12
  • 9. Netherlands 11
  • 10. Philippines 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 829
Australian 519
Irish 343
Scottish 233
German 81
Chinese 72
Italian 65
Greek 42
Dutch 39
Lebanese 32

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

794
Both parents born in Australia
668
Both parents born overseas
342
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.5%
Christianity
39.1%
Buddhism
1.1%
Hinduism
0.5%
Judaism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
76 (4.0%)
5-14 years
191 (10.1%)
15-19 years
108 (5.7%)
20-24 years
67 (3.5%)
25-34 years
219 (11.5%)
35-44 years
252 (13.3%)
45-54 years
324 (17.1%)
55-64 years
279 (14.7%)
65-74 years
237 (12.5%)
75-84 years
118 (6.2%)
85+ years
33 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balmain East known for? +

Balmain East is known for its iconic Parramatta River ferry wharf, stunning harbour views, and beautifully preserved Victorian and Federation-era streetscapes. It combines inner-city convenience with a strong village character and is one of Sydney's most prestigious waterfront addresses.

How far is Balmain East from Sydney CBD? +

Balmain East is approximately 4 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD. The ferry from Balmain East Wharf to Circular Quay takes around 25 minutes, and buses to Wynyard take 20–30 minutes.

Does Balmain East have public transport? +

Balmain East is served by the F3 Parramatta River ferry service from Balmain East Wharf to Circular Quay, as well as bus routes connecting to the Sydney CBD. There is no train station in Balmain East itself.

What is the population of Balmain East? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balmain East has a population of 1,900 across just 0.34 square kilometres, making it one of Sydney's most compact and densely settled inner harbourside suburbs.

Is Balmain East a good place to live? +

Balmain East is considered one of Sydney's most desirable inner suburbs, offering harbour views, heritage charm, ferry access to the CBD, and a vibrant community atmosphere. It suits affluent professionals and established families who value prestige location and lifestyle over affordability.

What is the postcode for Balmain East? +

Balmain East's postcode is 2041, shared with Balmain, Birchgrove, and Rozelle in Sydney's Inner West.