Perhaps I’m biased, but I do believe Mosman is one of the best places to live in Sydney, if not all of Australia. Being a Mosman real estate agent means I’m lucky to live and work in this area, and there is always something new to learn.
Whether you’re looking to relocate or you are a long term local, there is always something interesting to discover about the Mosman area. Here are a few facts from history and current times.
Mosman’s original inhabitants
The former custodians of the area now known as Mosman are the Borogegal tribe, who lived in the bushland for centuries. There is not a great deal known about Mosman’s Aboriginal roots, however one point of interest is that the stretch of water between Chowder Bay and Obelisk Beach was once referred to as ‘Taliangy’.
Interestingly, one of the early owners of Mosman land after European settlement was an Aboriginal man named Bungaree. This tribe leader was a friend to the settlers and even circumnavigated Australia with explorer Matthew Flinders. Governor Lachlan Macquarie granted Bungaree the area now known as George’s Head, which he used to farm fruit and other produce.
The location of Taronga Zoo was home to the Cammeraygal people, who remained in the area until the 1820s. Our neighbouring suburb of Cammeray is named after these original inhabitants.
The old whaling station
Many Mosman locals have the pleasure of spotting whales outside the heads as they migrate each year. In centuries gone by, spotting a whale meant making money.
Though we now understand the ills of commercial whaling, in the 1800s it was a thriving industry. After noticing whales migrating past the heads, American whalers began weighing anchor in Curlew Bay and before long Mosman was home to a thriving whaling station. The reason for the lower north shore location was that whaling was a stinky business. People didn’t want the stench of carcasses lingering in Sydney Cove.
These days, with its prestigious houses and beautiful streets, it is difficult to imagine Mosman being home to such gritty goings-on.
An artistic hotspot
Mosman is home to many local artists who are continuing a 200-year-old tradition.
In the late 1800s, Mosman became a popular destination for Australian painters. Inspired by new schools of art throughout Europe, including the Impressionist movement and the trend for painting en plein air (in plain air, or outdoors), artists flocked to the leafy locale. Prominent names such as Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts camped in and around Mosman to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, which continues to inspire artists today.
Mosman’s military roots
Settlers realised the significance of Mosman’s clifftop setting as a potential military stronghold in the 1800s. Convict labour was used to build fortifications at Middle Head, George’s Head and Bradley’s Head as part of a network of harbourside defences. Take a stroll around these areas and you may come across the old guns that were installed to protect against a genuine threat of invasion.
A cheeky swimming spot
For the less inhibited, Mosman is home to Cobblers Beach, one of Sydney’s best-kept-secret nudist beaches. Many may not even be aware of its existence, but wind your way through the bushland from Middle Head and you’ll find yourself at a stunning little bay.
Views of the harbour and great snorkelling can be accessed by anyone bold enough to disrobe and enjoy the sun. Just make sure you stay clothed in the surrounding areas.
10/10 for family living
Far from the camping and whaling days, Mosman is now a thriving, modern community, boasting some of the highest ‘scores’ for liveability in the country. Popular website Microburbs.com rates Mosman 9/10 in lifestyle, tranquillity and community, and scores the suburb a perfect 10/10 for family, meaning it is the ideal place to raise children.
With a growing population of just over 30,000, the 40-59 age bracket dominates in Mosman but a growth in young families is expected in the next ten years.
Impressive house prices
We are all obsessed with property around here so it may not surprise you to know the average house price is around $2.5 million.
In terms of price records, they seem to be achieved on an almost weekly basis. The most expensive property to be sold in Mosman went for $25 million in 2018. The most valuable apartment sold in the same year, for $4 million. In 2018, an incredible 20 homes sold for more than $10 million.
There is always something to discover in this fascinating locale. It plays a huge role in our nation’s beginnings and continues to top the list as one of the country’s most sought-after locations.
