Feed your soul the sights and sounds of Sydneys Balmoral. Its where the locals head for instantaneous rest and relaxation.

Balmoral is one of Sydneys best kept secrets. Its a gorgeous, glamorous inner harbour suburb with two beaches - Balmoral and Edwards - a charming promenade where locals undertake their daily exercise regime and a string of restaurants and cafes.

Unwind and take a seat on the edge of the beach at one of two beachside restaurants The Bathers Pavilion (a transformed beach changing shed) to the North or the Watermark to the South.

The harbour views are spectacular with Middle Head to the right, Dobroyd Head (part of Sydney Harbour National park) to the left, and the rugged cliffs of Sydney Heads on the horizon.

Relax and join the locals in a twilight stroll (or anytime) along The Esplanade its where youll bump into joggers, pram-pushers, romance and picnickers.

On your way check out the memorial to Billy the dog. Billy was an institution in the area for almost two decades, loyally coming to work everyday with his street sweeping master and befriending the locals. Further on, discover the Romanesque bandstand; a popular venue for weddings and summer performances of Shakespeare plays and walk over the small footbridge onto Rocky Point that separates Edwards and Balmoral beaches.

Theres a relaxed informality about Balmoral that allows you to get into instant holiday mode. Take a break and uncover Sydneys Balmoral.

Tourism New South Wales has two night accommodation packages in Sydney starting from $79 per person, twin share*.

For more information on Sydneys precincts and for more package choices visit www.visitnsw.com.au/sydney

For further information for journalists only please contact Kelly Micó, Tourism New South Wales on 02 9931 1416 or kelly.mico@tourism.nsw.gov.au

*Conditions apply

Balmoral NSW 2088

The name The name is taken from the royal castle at Braemar in Aberdeen-shire, Scotland used by Queen Victoria. The Aboriginal name was Daarangurt.

Location Balmoral is nestled in Middle harbour, north of Mosman and has a bush backdrop provided by Middle Head. It is 6 kilometres from Sydneys central business district.

Development The Amphitheatre, an open-air temple, was constructed at Balmoral in 1924 by The Order of the Star of the East, a branch of the Theosophist Society. It was demolished in 1951. During the depression and war years, development slowed in the private building sector, however, a number of public works, such as the Band Rotunda and Balmoral Promenade were constructed. In 1930 Mosman Council undertook the construction of the Esplanade, Promenade and Rotunda at Balmoral as part of its community employment policy during the depression.

Balmoral today The hillside houses overlooking Balmoral have some of the highest price tags in Sydney.

Did you know? Balmoral Beach has an Aboriginal shell midden. Mudgee Food and Wine Fair of 1998 - one of the Olympic venue test events held at Balmoral Beach. Sydney's newest bush track Chowder Bay to Middle Head Road (and on to Balmoral) opened in February 2002. It provides views of Sydney Harbour, passes through native bushland and historic military sites that were closed to the public for over 100 years.