Pricey Mosman, where the beach and views are free

When I moved from Melbourne to Sydney, I worked at Willoughby, so I wasn’t keen on doing the “bridge” every morning. After a quick trip up the Hume Highway to find a place, I settled at Neutral Bay.

After a stint in London, I spent a week looking at every Sydney suburb in the inner west and east, only to find a place at Mosman that, surprisingly, offered better value for money.

It also felt like I’d found my home away from home. It’s a lovely village atmosphere and while it’s on the lower north “snore” when the sun is out so are the residents, making it a very vibrant community.

An enclosure with a view at Taronga Zoo, a perfect place to bring visitors.Credit: RickStevens

Of course, we had the Granny killer and a fatal shooting in nearby Cremorne, but thankfully, they were one-off events, many years ago.

There may be a great divide in incomes but when I go to Chargrill Charlie’s for my chicken and chips when my nephews come to visit, it’s a leveler with everyone from chief executives to the average Joe journalist, all standing in line and chatting.

That’s one of the many reasons I live in my village ’hood. There’s the long-time newsagent Anthony who likes to discuss the performance of my Sydney Swans footy team, to Isabelle at the dry cleaners who knows when I’ve been to the races and always asks about the day and comments on my “lovely dress that will look brand new in a jiff”.

There is easy access to the city via buses and the ferry, although Military Road from Spit Junction is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Sydney as it’s the main entry to the northern beaches.

Carolyn Cummins’ toes on Balmoral Beach.

Sure, we have just had the opening of a new Woolworths Metro store that has caused some division among residents and the traffic is alway busy heading to the zoo, but there is always a buzz along the Military Road strip.

Shops come and go but the main stayers of the hardware store, local fruit shop, bottle shop and a few chemists remain the same. There is also a plethora of gyms and scenic walks to keep fit and enjoy the free views of the harbour.

While there are upmarket fashion labels as befits the “lower north shore” there are other more affordable boutiques, too. And if shopping isn’t high on the agenda, then there are opportunities to just sit at the many cafes and people watch.

During the lockdowns, one of the more popular walks was along Middle Head Road to Georges Heights where people could sit at a social distance and watch the activity on the harbour. Some cafes were serving a “mobile margarita” in a coffee cup which was also enjoyed while resting from the walk.

Beautiful Balmoral beach.Credit: Steven Siewert

The first Saturday of the month is the local market filled with stalls offering clothes, jewellery, food and pet accessories and usually some live music.

But for me, the main drawcard is Balmoral Beach. It is a 15-minute walk or a quick bus trip and despite the crowds on a hot day, a serene feeling hits me when I walk on the sand and find a spot between the many cabanas that are all the rage. All my worries dissolve as I wade into the water.

It is a place I will take anyone anytime of the year.

The rotunda at the beach is the focal point for spring weddings, the annual Hunter Valley and Mudgee Wine festivals and free Christmas carols in December.

Best cafe? August, The Old Place, on Military Road.

Best restaurant Grecian Blue or The Buena pub.

Enjoy the view from the Fernery at Mosman’s RSL CLub.Credit: Phu Tang

Best beach, park or pool? Balmoral.

First place you take visitors? Balmoral Beach, the zoo and the Buena pub.

Perfect night out in your suburb? Fish and chips on the beach at Balmoral.

What would make your suburb better? Less traffic.

Best secret spot in your suburb? The Fernery on the rooftop of the RSL Club with its view across to the city.

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