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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.