Balaclava is located 7 km south of the CBD. Balaclava is a small mixed-use suburb primarily of residential and commercial use. The suburb is one of the most densely populated in Melbourne with a high proportion of one and two person households. Balaclava also has a high proportion of the population in the 25-34 year old age group. The Sandringham Railway line traverses the suburb while trams enter the major commercial centres of neighbouring Prahran and St Kilda. The suburb also features the Carlisle St shopping strip.