5 Amazing Facts about Balmain you probably didn’t know

Balmain is a popular suburb in the inner west region of Sydney. The suburb of Balmain is not just any neighborhood or suburb but it is a treasure chest of the history of Sydney. It is also known as a hub for artists and musicians due to its richness in natural beauty and culture that acts as inspiration. This suburb has something for everyone, be it a tourist or a resident.

Let's dive into 5 fascinating facts about Balmain that unveil the unique character of this special Sydney suburb!

1. Named after Dr. William Balmain

The suburb was named after Dr. William Balmain, a Scottish-born naval surgeon who arrived in Sydney, Australia in 1788. William Balmain was a brave and skilled surgeon. He was appointed the third assistant surgeon to John White, the principal surgeon whose crew set about a journey to the land of modern-day Sydney. In recognition of his hard work and leadership throughout his work duration in Sydney, he was rewarded with 550 acres of land. These lands in modern times came to be known as suburbs of Rozelle and Balmain.

2. Balmain is the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party

The suburb of Balmain has played a pivotal role in Australian politics. The Balmain and Scone branches of the Australian Labor party are the oldest branches and date back to 1891. It is believed that the very first meeting of the Australian Labor Party happened in Balmain in 1891.

3. Home to the deepest coal mine in Australia: Balmain Colliery

The Balmain Colliery was ‘the deepest coal mine ever to have been sunk in Australia’ with an approximated depth of 2600 feet. It was also one of the earliest coal mines in Sydney. Coal mining started from 1897 to 1915 and stopped due to the emergence of World War I. Mining resumed in 1924 and continued up to 1931.

Now, the area is known for amazing harbor views and fashionable boutiques. The Birchgrove Public School is also situated right next to the area where mining used to happen. The area is a beautiful place surrounded by other important landmarks like the Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain Sailing Club, etc.

4. Featured in Movies and TV Shows

Balmain's picturesque scenery has attracted the attention of filmmakers. It has been a preferred location for several TV shows and films. Historical buildings, natural scenery, and cultural environment make it a potential backdrop for mesmerizing on-screen moments. Hit movies like The Great Gatsby, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Sum of Us, etc. have scenes from the amazing suburb of Balmain.

5. Destruction of Aboriginal Residence in 18th Century

The colonization of Australia was partnered by the outbreak of smallpox in the late 18th century in Sydney, 1781 to be precise. The smallpox epidemic destroyed the aboriginal residence leaving only a handful of survivors. This resulted in ease for the colonizers to take over. The aboriginal residents of the Balmain before this epidemic were the Gadigal people. Many of the Gadigal population along with other clans were brought to their knees by this epidemic.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Balmain is a fantastic suburb with historical importance preserved well along with modern establishments. There are many places you can explore and things to do in Balmain. There are many amazing things about these important landmarks which you can explore and learn about.