Mosman – including Mosman Bay, Mosman Central and Mosman Junction – is a major suburb on the Lower North Shore and part of Mosman Municipal Council. Located eight kilometres north-east of the Sydney CBD, the suburb occupies approximately 251 hectares, surrounded by the suburbs of Northbridge and Seafort in the north, Cremorne in the west, Neutral Bay and Kurraba Point in the south and Clontarf in the east.
ABOUT MOSMAN
History
Mosman was originally inhabited by the Borogegal tribe, or the Birrabirragal, Boregal, Cammeraygal and Gorualgal Aboriginal clans. Bungaree, a well-known Aboriginal and tribe leader who joined British explorers and became acquainted with Russian and French explorers, originated from the area.
European settlement was dated from 1789, when HMS Sirius docked on what is now known as Mosman Bay. From 1801, Mosman became an important site for maritime and defence installations, including the Middle Head Fort, Georges Head Battery, Bradleys Head Fortification Complex, Beehive Casemate and the Submarine Miners’ Depot.
Although development was slow due to rugged terrain and limited access, a whaling industry thrived in the area during the 1830s, followed by the flourishing of other industries such as candle-making, wool-washing, farming and orcharding.
Mosman was named after Archibald Mosman and his twin brother George, who acquired a four-acre land grant in 1831. The brothers were involved in shipping and whaling, which moved them to establish a whaling station on a bay in the harbour, now known as Mosman Bay. By 1838, they owned 108 acres of land along the Mosman waterfront.
Growth occurred in the area around 1880s and 1890s when new roads, regular ferry services and artists’ camps were established. During the time period, Mosman became known as “Australia’s most painted suburb” following the rise of enthusiasm for painting en plein air, or the act of painting outdoors. Among the notable painters in the community are Julian Ashton, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and John Mather.
By 1893, the population was at 1,600. Further growth took place in the interwar period as a result of improvements in transport and access, as well as during the post-war years, particularly in the 1960s.
The 20th century saw the establishment of rows of shops across the suburb, Federation architecture homes, multistorey flat developments and several landmarks such as the Taronga Zoo.
Demographics
As of 2018, Mosman is home to 14,168 people. Apart from Australia-born citizens, other residents list their countries of birth as England, New Zealand, US, China and South Africa. Some of the common languages spoken in the suburb apart from English are Mandarin, Spanish, French, Cantonese and Italian.
Covering 29 per cent of the total land area of Mosman Municipal Council, the suburb features predominantly residential areas, with federation styles and California bungalow style as the most common characteristics.
Famous residents
Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber briefly called Coronation Avenue in Mosman his home in 2017, while shock jock Kyle Sandilands and his girlfriend Imogen Anthony reside on Burran Avenue. The Today host Karl Stefanovic has also rented a home in Cremorne before moving into a home in Mosman near Taronga Zoo.
Professional sportsmen Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Wayne Pearce own homes in Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay, while former Easts captain Luke Ricketson and his wife Kate Waterhouse, as well as their extended family, call Mosman and Balmoral their home.
Joining the star-studded list in 2015 are Channel 9 presenter Sonia Kruger and her husband Craig McPherson, who snatched up a $6.5 million Mosman family home, and Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr and her husband Andrew Thompson, who splurged on a $3.23 million property in Mosman. Meanwhile, Studio 10 presenter Sarah Harris has purchased a $2 million house in Cremorne with her husband Tom Ward.
LIFESTYLE
Mosman Municipal Council is a predominantly residential area, with military-use land in the eastern section, bushlands and beaches along the harbours and commercial areas from Spit Junction to Mosman Junction, along Military Road.
Considered as one of Sydney’s most affluent and prestigious suburbs, Mosman boasts grand historic homes and breathtaking views across the Sydney Harbour, as well as miles-long lines of boutique shopping, cafes and restaurants. Residents and tourists alike also travel to explore the hidden coves and beaches of the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Public transport
Walking, cycling and car sharing are included in Mosman Council’s Sustainable Transport Guide, which promotes ecological means of transportation.
Among the famous walking and cycling routes in Mosman are Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach, Middle Head Circuit, Mosman to Taronga Zoo and Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge. Apart from several local cycling routes, there is also a regional route linking Mosman to North Sydney, City and Manly.
Ferries are also available in the suburb. Weekday ferries depart from Mosman Bay and South Mosman for Circular Quay, with stops at Mosman Bay, Cremorne Point, Taronga Zoo, South Mosman, and Old Cremorne. Most ferries dock on Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf as it is the most accessible wharf from both Spit Junction and Mosman Junction.
For those who prefer land transport, numerous bus routes are available to and from Spit Junction and Sydney City. There are also buses travelling to Manly, The Northern Beaches, North Sydney, St Leonards and Chatswood, as well as Mosman Wharf, Balmoral, MIddle Head, Taronga Zoo Wharf and South Mosman. Metrobus 30, meanwhile, connects Mosman with Sydney’s Inner West, including the suburbs of Cremorne, Neutral Bay, Sydney City, Newtown, Enmore and Marrickville.
Schools and universities
- Mosman High School
- Mosman Public School
- Beauty Point Public School
- Middle Harbour Public School
- Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School
- Mosman Church of England Preparatory School (Mosman Prep)
- Queenwood School for Girls
- Mosman Community College
Hospitals
- Mosman Private Hospital
- Royal North Shore Hospital
Landmarks
- Sydney Harbour National Park
- HMAS Penguin Naval Base
- Taronga Zoo
- Mosman Art Gallery
Shopping centers
- Bridgepoint Shopping Centre
- The Strand
- Military Road Conservation Area
Sports and recreation
- Mosman Swim Centre
- Allan Border Oval
- Balmoral Oval
- Georges Heights Oval
- Middle Head Oval
- Rawson Oval
- Marie Bashir Mosman Sports Centre
- Mosman Drill Hall
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