Why we love Balgowlah!
Why live in BALGOWLAH?
History
Balgowlah is an elevated suburb lying immediately west of the coastline. Its name comes from the Aboriginal word for north harbour.
An interesting aspect of the area's history is the use of Bantry Bay as a shipping base for timber felled in the area. In 1915, Bantry Bay was used as a place for the government's explosives store.
Middle Harbour was also an attractive site for wharf building.
Real Estate & Design
Although surfside culture is the common thread running through all the northern beaches suburbs, each area has an individual housing style. Balgowlah is known for Federation houses and older-style apartment buildings as well as fibro cement cottages surviving from the 1920s. You'll find quiet streets, well-presented family homes and plenty of space.
Restaurants & Cafes
The Spit is home to some long-standing restaurants including The Fresh Ketch and Spitlers. Middle Harbour Yacht Club has a good restaurant. Balgowlah has cheap and cheerful Indian, Thai and Chinese restaurants. Manly is also on your doorstep with a great selection of restaurants. Further afield, try the treasured Le Kiosk restaurant at Shelly Beach.
Schools, Education & Institutions
Balgowlah Heights Primary School and Balgowlah Boys High School are the local state schools. Also in the area are Manly West and manly North Public Schools. Famous Landmarks
One of the most prominent landmarks is, of course, The Spit Bridge built in 1924. The industrial site of Bantry Bay is also visible from the water.
Shopping
Choose from shopping centres at Seaforth, Balgowlah or Manly - whether it's a video, seafood for dinner or a place to drop off your dry cleaning, it's all only a few minutes drive away. Further afield, there's the newly refurbished Warringah Mall.
Sports & Fitness
Getting outdoors is an everyday pursuit in Balgowlah because there's so much on offer. Strap the surfboard on your car or grab your swimmers and head for Manly, North Steyne, Queenscliff, Freshwater or Clontarf beaches.
If snorkelling is your style, head for Shelly Beach Balgowlah Golf Course, Manly Golf Course and Wakehurst Golf Course are all within easy reach. There are also saltwater swimming pools in the area for lap swimming. You can choose from a number of walking tracks in Sydney Harbour National Park, Garigal National Park or enjoy the view from Dobroyd Head. Boating is also another popular pursuit in the area. If you have a boat, put your name on the wait list for a mooring at Middle Harbour. If not, hire one or a kayak from Middle Harbour.
Distance from CBD & Transportation
Balgowlah is approximately 13 km by road from the CBD. The suburb has bus connections to the CBD or you can reach Circular Quay in 15 minutes by JetCat or half an hour by ferry from Manly.
History of Balgowlah Heights
Balgowlah was named after the Aboriginal word for ‘north harbour’, and was established in the 1830s as one of the first 10 villages in the County of Cumberland. Directly overlooking North Harbour and Manly Cove, Balgowlah Heights was originally farmland where food was grown for the new colony.
Major development in Balgowlah Heights did not commence until after the Second World War. In the 1960s, 44 home sites were auctioned on behalf of the NSW Lands Department. A record price was set by a block that sold for £5750.
With extensive harbour views over North Head, Balgowlah Heights is one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs and is home to some of the most luxurious residences in the area.
Real Estate and Design
Balgowlah Heights has a mix of renovated post-war homes with a rounded design and large prestigious residences that capitalise on the area’s extensive water views across North and Middle harbours.
Restaurants and Cafés
Balgowlah Heights Deli is located on Beatrice Street and CK’s Bites café is on New Street. There is a range of Asian, Indian, Mexican restaurants and take-away shops as well as cafés and pizzerias located nearby at Balgowlah. The Spit is home to some longstanding restaurants, including Fresh Ketch, Spitlers and Harry’s Fish Café. Middle Harbour Yacht Club also has a good restaurant. Clonny’s on the Beach at Clontarf Reserve serves modern Australian cuisine and has a take-away attached.
Schools, Education and Institutions
Balgowlah Heights Public School, the local primary school, is on Lewis Street. North Balgowlah Public School is located on Manning Street. Balgowlah Boys High School is located on over two hectares in the heart of Balgowlah. Famous Landmarks
Dobroyd Head features a large bushland park that remained mostly army protected. It contains various walking tracks and secluded beaches. A sandstone outcrop on Grotto Point features examples of Aboriginal rock engravings, including a giant kangaroo, a whale and several small fish. The point also features a small lighthouse.
Shopping
There is a select strip of shops at Balgowlah Heights, including a small supermarket, deli, bakery, newsagency and hardware. Other shops are located nearby at Totem Shopping Centre, Balgowlah, on the corner of Sydney Road and Condamine Street. Warringah Mall is also a short drive away.
Sports and Fitness
A variety of water sports are on offer at Balgowlah Heights. Boating is popular and some residents moor their vessels in Middle Harbour. Boats and kayaks are also available for hire. Several secluded beaches surround Balgowlah Heights, and there is an ocean pool at Forty Baskets Beach. The 9km Manly Scenic Walkway from The Spit to Manly also passes through Balgowlah Heights,
Distance from CBD and Transportation
Balgowlah Heights is located 14km north-east of the CBD. The 175 and 178 bus routes from Wynyard go through Balgowlah Heights, via the Balgowlah shops, then on to North Manly and Warringah Mall. A 30-minute ferry service and a 15-minute JetCat service regularly run from Manly Wharf to Circular Quay.
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