Balmain Wharf Apartments, Sydney

Where Is It: On Balmain's harbour foreshore.

Why Go: A luxury home away from home, ideal for a romantic getaway.

Best For: Couples wishing to be near the city but away from it at the same time.

Three Things We Loved: The spacious apartments, the amenities, the local walks.

The Ultimate Factor: Jaw dropping views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Overview:

Perched right on Sydney Harbour with uninterrupted and dramatic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, North Sydney and Darling Harbour, Balmain Wharf Apartments are a collection of four boutique accommodations within easy reach of the major attractions in the Harbour City. Formerly the historic Shipwright Arms Hotel, the gorgeous 200 year old sandstone building has been completely renovated in a modern contemporary style, and is literally right across from the Balmain East ferry terminal which means you’re just a 7-8 minute ride into Circular Quay. These lovely luxury apartments are managed by the same company which runs the iconic luxury boutique hotel Bannisters on the NSW south coast....so you know things will be good.

The Accommodation:

There are four separate apartments, all of which are fully serviced, and while all of them feature their original structure and features from the 1800’s, including imposing sandstone walls, they are all unique with a recent refurbishment adding designer touches to the accommodations. All of the apartments have harbour views, luxury bed linen, towels and bathrobes, fully equipped designer kitchens with all utensils, a Plasma TV and DVD player with a Platinum Foxtel package with iQ2 HD which is ideal for long stays, an iPod docking station, free ADSL and wireless internet so you can stay in touch, and a welcome basket of top quality wine and other goodies including Carman's cereal bars on arrival.

Where We Stayed:

Our home from home was Apartment 1, the Shipwright Suite, which is a lovely, spacious two bedroom open plan living apartment with large sliding windows which open up to take in the full beauty of Sydney Harbour. Every room seems to flow into the other, with the master bedroom enjoying large sliding doors which open into the living room facing the Harbour Bridge. This apartment, along with Apartment 2, The Bastion, has a stone tiled bathroom which has underfloor heating and heated towel rails. There’s also a side balcony which opens off the kitchen with two chairs and a small table so you can get outside for some fresh air, but all the windows open fully to embrace the view. Also on the top floor, The Bastion is also a two bedroom although slightly smaller than the Shipwright Suite but has the added advantage of a wraparound balcony. The lower level Apartment 3, The Bartizan is a one bedroom with the modern contemporary furnishings and a kitchenette while Apartment 4, The Parapet, is an oversized one bedroom with a large private deck with stunning waterfront views.

What Else Is There:

Balmain was once traditionally a working class maritime suburb and is now a cosmopolitan area with plenty to offer those who want to experience a slice of modern Sydney. Within a hundred metres of Balmain Wharf Apartments up Darling Street, cafés, bars, restaurants, and boutiques jostle for attention for the one and a half kilometre walk up into Balmain proper. 

The Verdict

These apartments are designed to provide a luxurious home-away-from-home, with an at-home atmosphere, and the benefit of a great location combined with the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. This boutique accommodation also makes it easy to access the city or to explore the leafy enclave of Balmain.

Check out our competition to win a romantic three-night getaway to Balmain Wharf Apartments.