Mainstay Boarding House, Sydney

147 Balaclava Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122, Australia
Communal lounge at Mainstay Boarding House student accommodation, Sydney, Australia
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Macquarie University Proximity
Weekly Housekeeping
All Inclusive Rent
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Mainstay Boarding House Student Housing Overview

Mainstay Boarding House is a boutique student accommodation at 147 Balaclava Rd, Marsfield, Sydney, just an 11-minute walk from Macquarie University. With only 10 bedrooms, it offers a community-focused living experience with ensuite and studio room options. All-inclusive rent covers electricity, gas, water, heating, and Wi-Fi. Amenities of this student accommodation Sydney include free laundry, air conditioning, BBQ deck, landscaped gardens, and secure electronic access with CCTV. Nearby grocery stores, bus stops, and shopping centres make daily student life convenient and comfortable.

Where is Mainstay Boarding House accommodation located?

Mainstay Boarding House off-campus student accommodation is at 147 Balaclava Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122, Australia. This address is in the Marsfield area of Greater Sydney. Macquarie University College (MQ College) is just a short 4 min drive away from this student accommodation Australia. Mainstay Boarding House offers excellent connectivity with nearby bus stops, like Daughters of Charity, Balaclava Rd (47 meters/ 1 min walk), and Balaclava Rd opp Daughters of Charity (78 meters/ 1 min walk). Plus, the grocery stores are also very close to this student accommodation, including Woolworths Marsfield (400 meters), Everyday Mart (1.0 km), Moonlight Nepalese & Indian Grocery (1.1 km). Not only grocery stores, but pharmacies are also conveniently close to Mainstay Boarding House accommodation, such as Five Ways Pharmacy (1.1 km), and Priceline Pharmacy Upper Level Macquarie Centre (1.8 km). More to that, the shopping stops are also a short ride away, including Macquarie Centre (1.6 km/ 6 min drive), Coxs Road Mall Shopping Centre (3.3 km/ 6 min drive), and Midway Shopping Centre (2.4 km/ 4 min drive). Above all, Mainstay Boarding House’s location also puts students close to

  • Sydney Central Business District (17.9 km); students will find massive retail corridors along the pedestrianized Pitt Street Mall and inside the historic, Romanesque-style Queen Victoria Building (QVB).
  • Waranara Library at Macquarie University (1.0 km/ 3 min drive) is located at 16 Macquarie Walk, Macquarie University, right next to Marsfield. This massive, modern library is open to the general public for walk-ins.
  • Gale History Museum at Macquarie University (2.4 km) is a free-admission public museum located right on the Macquarie University campus, directly bordering the Marsfield area

Why is Mainstay Boarding House housing a great choice for students in Marsfield, Sydney?

More to unbeatable proximity to Macquarie University (11 min walk), Mainstay Boarding House offers unmatched amenities in Sydney, such as free laundry, free bike & cycle parking, optional car parking, garden, and covered deck with BBQ, all of which makes it more than a regular off-campus student accommodation Sydney. Plus, Mainstay Boarding House also has a one bill policy, which stands for your rent will cover all your bills, including water, heating, gas, electricity, and even high-speed Wi-Fi. That’s not it, but Mainstay Boarding House also has multi-demand floor plans, such as ensuite and studio rooms, making sure that every student is comfortable, whether a social butterfly or a lone wolf. In addition to that, fire mitigation measures, smoke detection systems, and secure electronic access with CCTV all come together to offer a sense of the comfortable atmosphere of home. In short, Mainstay Boarding House is amazing option for students because:

  • Boutique, Community Feel: A smaller, personal living environment with only 10 bedrooms and ample common spaces.
  • High-End Comfort & Tech: Fully air-conditioned (individual units), contemporary furnishings, 100Mbps internet, and energy-saving devices in every room.
  • Focus on Safety: CCTV, secure electronic access, and fire-rated compartmentalization.
  • All-Inclusive Living: Rent covers gas, water, electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi for simple budgeting.

Which universities and colleges are close to Mainstay Boarding House Sydney?

Macquarie University (800 meters) is just across the road from Mainstay Boarding House student housing. Plus, it is close to many other colleges of UTK, such as Macquarie University Faculty of Science and Engineering, etc. Mainstay Boarding House is also relatively very close to many libraries, such as Street Library (1.3 km/ 2 min drive), North Ryde Library (3.4 km/ 6 min drive), and Waranara Library at Macquarie University (1.0 km). In Sydney, international undergraduate tuition fees generally range from AUD $35,000 to AUD $60,000+ per year for standard degrees. Highly specialized programs like Medicine can reach up to AUD $97,000 per year. Following here is the list of colleges and universities close to Mainstay Boarding House student housing:

University/ Campus

Approx. Distance

Approx. Travel Time

Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus

800 meters

11 min walk

Macquarie University College (MQ College)

900 meters

12 min walk

Macquarie University Faculty of Science and Engineering

1.3 km

5 min drive

Avondale University

11.1 km

16 min drive

Morling College

1.1 km

15 min walk

Macquarie Community College - Carlingford

6.3 km

9 min drive

For part-time work near Marsfield, Macquarie Centre offers abundant retail and customer service roles with major stores like Woolworths, Kmart, and Event Cinemas. Hospitality positions such as baristas and kitchen hands are consistently available at nearby cafes and fast-food chains, while academic tutoring in nearby Eastwood and Epping provides a lucrative option for university students. To find vacancies, check SEEK and Jora, or drop resumes directly to store managers at the centre during peak hiring periods (mid-year and pre-Christmas).

What are the top attractions and hangout spots near Mainstay Boarding House residence?

The Marsfield area is filled with many student-oriented places, and most of them are close to Mainstay Boarding House. The most visited food spots are Mars Pizza (650 meters), The Ranch (1.0 km), Thirty 7even Dining (900 meters), and Library Cafe (750 meters). The green spots like Dunbar Park (200 meters), Pioneer Park (950 meters), Lynelle Park (650 meters), and Quandong Reserve (1.3 km) are the closest to the Mainstay Boarding House residence. The nightlife of students living in Mainstay Boarding House is mostly designed with spots like Nandy Blonde (950 meters), Ubar (1.0 km), and The Eastwood Club (2.9 km). Additionally, this student accommodation Sydney is also very close to many tourist spots, such as

  • Lane Cove National Park (6.7 km/ 11 min drive) borders the eastern edge of Marsfield. This massive pocket of bushland is perfect for rowing boat rentals, spotting wild kookaburras, and walking the historic Great North Walk track.
  • Macquarie Ice Rink (2.0 km/ 5 min drive) is located inside the adjacent Macquarie Centre. This Olympic-sized ice rink is a famous local recreational hub open year-round for public skating.
  • Darling Harbour (18.8 km / 21 min drive) is a vibrant pedestrian precinct packed with waterfront dining, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo.

What transport options are available near Mainstay Boarding House student Housing?

Mainstay Boarding House housing is very close to many transit options, including bus stops, such as Daughters of Charity, Balaclava Rd (47 meters/1 min walk), and Balaclava Rd opp Daughters of Charity(78 meters/ 2 min walk). Public transport costs around AUD $40 – $60 for students living in Sydney. Following here is the list of other transit options close to Mainstay Boarding House student housing:

Type

Stop Name

Est. Distance

Approx. travel Time

Bus Stop

Balaclava Rd after Agincourt Rd

270 meters

4 min walk

Bus Stop

Balaclava Rd after Abuklea Rd

550 meters

8 min walk

Bus Stop

Balaclava Rd before Epping Rd

160 meters

2 min walk

Train Station

Macquarie University

1.4 km

4 min drive

Internation Airport

Sydney Airport, Terminal 1 International

22.7 km

28 min drive

What does the rent at Mainstay Boarding House cover?

The rent is inclusive, so Mainstay Boarding House rent covers all the utility bills, including electricity, internet, water, heating, and Wi-Fi. Thus, you do not have to worry about the small bills, and you can focus on your studies. More to that, it offers many trendy amenities, such as free laundry with two washing machines, covered deck with BBQ free parking, beautifully landscaped interactive gardens, and more.

What type of students should choose Mainstay Boarding House accommodation?

Mainstay Boarding House is ideal for students who value a quiet, community-focused living environment over large, impersonal high-rise complexes. It suits those who prioritize safety (CCTV, secure access, fire-rated compartments), comfort (individual air-conditioning, high-speed internet), and all-inclusive budgeting (utilities covered in rent). It's also a great fit for students who enjoy social interaction but not overcrowding, thanks to its small 10-bedroom layout and shared common spaces. More to that, this student accommodation is greater Sydney best for

  • Independent: You enjoy managing your own routine.
  • Practical: You appreciate good value with all bills included.
  • Social but privacy-loving: You like having your own lockable room plus friendly common spaces.
  • Efficient: You value being just a 5-minute walk from university and transport.
  • Tech-savvy & safety-minded: You feel good about high-speed internet, CCTV, and secure.

Room Types

Ensuite
Studio

Ensuite Bedroom

King size bed

King size bed

Wardrobe

Wardrobe

Bedside Table

Bedside Table

Study Desk with Chair

Study Desk with Chair

Bookcase

Bookcase

+7

In this ensuite room, you’ll get a king-size single bed, ample storage as an in-built wardrobe, bedside table, desk and chair, bookcase, and storage cupboards to manage your productivity. A private bathroom equipped with a shower, vanity basin cupboard, overhead mirror cupboard and toilet suite. You’ll be sharing the kitchen and living area with other mates living in this apartment.

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  • -

  • -

Studio Bedroom

Double Bed

Double Bed

Storage Space

Storage Space

Wardrobe

Wardrobe

Bedside Table

Bedside Table

Study Desk with Chair

Study Desk with Chair

+7

This studio apartment offers a significant space equipped with a cozy queen bed and base with storage, in-built sliding door wardrobe, bedside table, desk and chair, bookcase and storage cupboards. to support your productivity and relaxation. An ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, vanity basin cupboard, overhead mirror cupboard, and toilet suite. Along with that you’ll get a private kitchenette with a cooking hob, microwave, oven, and sink, which makes it the best private space for a student.

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Facilities

Amenities:
  • Free LaundryFree Laundry
  • Lounge AreaLounge Area
  • Dining AreaDining Area
  • BBQBBQ
  • Sun DeckSun Deck
  • GardenGarden
Safety & Security:
  • Electronic KeyElectronic Key
  • CCTVCCTV
  • Fire SystemFire System
Bills Included:
  • Gas IncludedGas Included
  • Electricity IncludedElectricity Included
  • Water IncludedWater Included
  • Heating IncludedHeating Included
  • Wi-fiWi-fi

Property Highlights

  • Location: Marsfield in the greater Sydney area, close to Macquarie University College (MQ College)
  • Bill Inclusion: Water, Electricity, Wi-Fi, Gas, Heating
  • Amenities: Free Bike Parking, Free Laundry, Air Conditioner, Covered deck with BBQ, Garden, etc.
  • Safety: Electronic key secure entry
  • Daily Essentials: Just a few steps away from Woolworths Marsfield (400 meters), Everyday Mart (1.0 km), Moonlight Nepalese & Indian Grocery (1.1 km), Five Ways Pharmacy (1.1 km), and Priceline Pharmacy Upper Level Macquarie Centre (1.8 km)
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Where is Mainstay Boarding House located?

This student accommodation is at 147 Balaclava Rd, Marsfield, NSW 2122, Australia. It's in Greater Sydney, which places students close to Macquarie University.

How far is Mainstay Boarding House from Macquarie University?

Mainstay Boarding House is just an 11-minute walk or a 4-minute drive away from this university. Macquarie University College is also very close.

What types of rooms are available?

Mainstay Boarding House offers ensuite bedrooms with king-single bed, private bathroom, shared kitchen and studio rooms (queen bed, private bathroom, private kitchenette). Both are designed to fulfill every student's needs and budgets.

Does each room have air conditioning?

Yes, Mainstay Boarding House offers individual air conditioning units in every room. Plus, they also have energy-saving devices.

Is Wi-Fi included in the rent?

Yes, Mainstay Boarding House student accommodation provides inclusive high-speed Wi-Fi (100Mbps), which means its bill is included in your rent. All your internet needs are covered.

What bills are covered in the rent?

Mainstay Boarding House rent covers gas, electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi. It's a true all-inclusive one-bill policy.

Is laundry free in Mainstay Boarding House?

Yes, free laundry with two washing machines and a dryer. There are also outdoor clothes lines.

Is there parking available in Mainstay Boarding House student accommodation Sydney?

Mainstay Boarding House offers free bike and motorbike parking. However, car parking is optional, which might be paid.

Is the Mainstay Boarding House secure for international students?

Yes, CCTV cameras and electronic key secure entry. Fire mitigation measures are also in place.

Is there outdoor space?

Yes, beautifully landscaped interactive gardens. There's also a covered deck with a BBQ.

How far is the nearest bus stop?

Just a 1-minute walk (47 meters away). The stop is called Daughters of Charity, Balaclava Rd.

How far is the nearest train station?

Macquarie University Station is a 4-minute drive away. It's approximately 1.4 km from the property.

Where can I buy groceries nearby?

Woolworths Marsfield is only 400 meters away. Other grocery stores are also within 1 km.

Is there a shared kitchen?

In ensuite rooms, yes – shared kitchen and living area. Studio rooms have a private kitchenette instead.

What's in the studio kitchenette?

Cooking hob, microwave, oven, and sink. Everything you need for basic private cooking.

What bed comes in the ensuite room?

A comfortable king-single bed. It also includes a desk, chair, bookcase, and wardrobe.

What bed comes in the studio room?

A cozy queen bed with storage underneath. Larger studios offer even more space.

How can I pay the rent?

By debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Payments are per person per month.

Do I need a security deposit?

Yes, equal to one month's rent. It's required to secure your booking.