Things to do in Balgowlah

Balgowlah is a suburb close to Manly with stunning scenery, tree-lined streets and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Beautiful harbour beaches and bushland (parts of Sydney National Park and Garigal National Park) are only minutes away. We have compiled a list of some of the attractions and places to visit when you are in Balgowlah.

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Things to do

Swim at one of the harbour beaches

Balgowlah has a variety of some of the most picturesque harbour beaches in Sydney, a few of which are more off the beaten track than others. Forty Baskets is one of our favourite picks for a family outing, it has an enclosed swimming area that is safe for the kids to swim, free gas barbeques, a grassy shaded area with picnic tables and chairs plus a  couple of swings! What more could you want, apart from a packed picnic and a few snags to throw on the BBQ.

If you continue along the Manly to The Spit Bridge walkway, you will stumble upon Reef Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand with fantastic views over the harbour and Manly Cove.

Enjoy the local parks and reserves

Tania Park, located adjacent to Dobroyd Headland, boasts panoramic views across Sydney Harbour and is a great spot to look out for whales. It has a large grassy area containing sporting fields, off-leash dog areas, BBQ facilities, walking tracks and an enclosed playground. When the winds are blowing, it is the perfect place to fly a kite.

North Harbour Reserve is another wonderful family and dog-friendly park to visit in Balgowlah. It boasts an enormous grassy area with plenty of huge shady trees, a basketball court, playground and access to the water when the tide is low. It also has the added bonus of a café nearby.

Do the Manly to The Spit walk

One of Sydney’s most beautiful walking tracks, The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk passes right through Balgowlah. It is a 10 -kilometre journey through lush bushland, harbourside trails and the Sydney Harbour National Park.

Visit an Art Gallery

Sydney Road Gallery is home to a collective of accomplished visual artists from various disciplines including painting, printmaking, textiles, and sculptural basketry, who have come together to manage a combined gallery space. Exhibitions change regularly so it is always worth calling in to see what’s new.

Go Shopping

Balgowlah offers a large variety of shopping opportunities with contemporary homeware stores stocking unique, individually designed and crafted homewares and Stockland Balgowlah shopping centre where you will find a variety of speciality shops, a large supermarket, several cafes and a gym.

Eat + Drink

Balgowlah offers a diverse culinary landscape with a plethora of international cuisines to tantalize your taste buds.

For authentic French cuisine, look no further than Chez Maurice et Linda, a beloved bistro renowned for its rich flavours and complex dishes.

Zeus Street Greek offers a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine, sharing cherished family recipes prepared with fresh, healthy produce.

Seafood enthusiasts will delight in Fish Face’s beautifully designed space with a retro ’60s vibe. The menu features only Australian fish in an array of fresh seafood dishes including snapper pie and traditional fish and chips.

Tucked away off Sydney Road, Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant beckons with its authentic Japanese fare and bustling, friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick meal or one of their lunch box specials named after local beaches, Tamagawa promises a delightful dining experience.

For a laid-back experience, Tuckeroo Cafe is perfect for outings with kids or furry companions. Situated opposite North Harbour Reserve, it’s an ideal pit stop on the Manly Scenic Walkway.

Follow the locals to Effie’s, a lovely little café offering a cozy ambience flooded with natural light thanks to its north-facing aspect. During the day, savour artisanal coffee and hearty toasties, while in the evening it evolves into a dinner spot serving up innovative dishes paired with fine wines.

Walkers on the Manly Scenic Walkway can fuel up Sandy Bar Café at Clontarf Marina, a vibrant dog-friendly café suspended over the crystal waters of Sandy Bay. With a fresh and healthy focus, this is a local favourite that is open for breakfast and lunch.

Also on the walkway is Bosk, sitting under the majestic branches of a Morton Bay Fig at Clontarf Reserve. Here luxurious coastal interiors and a seasonally inspired menu harmonise with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

How to get there

Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Balgowlah is 4km (4.3 miles) from Manly and 12.1km (8.7 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.

Travelling on public transport?

• Catch a 144 bus from Stand G in Manly or catch the free Hop Skip and Jump bus from Manly Wharf
• Catch a 173x bus from Stand A at Wynyard Station in Sydney CBD

Further afield

Looking for more things to do nearby get inspired with our blogs on things to do in Seaforth and Manly.