- Duration
- ~2 km, about 2 h (≈ 1 h 50 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Balmoral Beach
- Finish
- Chinamans Beach
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- a weekday, in calm water
- Budget per adult
- free, plus a bus farePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
Bus to Balmoral, getting off on the Esplanade. Pay with a bank card.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Balmoral Beach~50 min at the stop
The esplanade, the cafes and low Rocky Point, reached by a footbridge. This is the harbour swim when the ocean is closed.
Worth knowing: In 1923–1924 Theosophists built the Star Amphitheatre on the Balmoral shore for talks by Jiddu Krishnamurti, whom they awaited as the 'World Teacher'. It was demolished in 1951.
Tip: There are no lifeguards. Stay in your depth by the pavilion. The bus drops you on the Esplanade. The Bathers' Pavilion kiosk at 4 The Esplanade is open every day 7:00 to 15:00. The bistro serves lunch and dinner all week.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 30 min · 2 km
2. Chinamans Beach~30 min at the stop
The sand over the hill. The esplanade runs to the north end of Balmoral, then a short steep street drops to the bay.
Worth knowing: The beach name is recorded from the 19th century, when Chinese fishermen worked this side of Middle Harbour.
Tip: There are no lifeguards here either. Walk back the same way to the bus at Balmoral.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.