The 2026 range has been produced in partnership with Australian brand Budgy Smugglers and designed by Australian contemporary artist Alexandra Angus.
Angus, a swimmer and illustrator, completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Advanced Studies in Anatomy and Histology at the University of Sydney. The design references natural forms and coastal environments, reflecting the character of ocean swimming along the Australian coastline. The collection is available exclusively through the event.
The Balmoral Swim Mosman will be held on Sunday 22 March 2026 at Balmoral Beach, The Esplanade. The event is described as a 100 per cent volunteer-run community swim supporting the Children’s Cancer Institute.
The swim has been running for 35 years and has supported the Children’s Cancer Institute for 19 of those years. All funds raised are directed to childhood cancer research, with organisers setting a fundraising target of $200,000 for 2026.
The published schedule lists the 5km and 2.5km swims from 8.00 a.m., followed by the School Relay at 8.30 a.m., the Balmoral Teams Challenge Relay at 9.45 a.m., the Junior 200m Swim at 10.00 a.m., and the 1km swim at 10.30 a.m. Event listings indicate activities between 7.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m.
Race categories include 1km, 2.5km and 5km distances, along with a Junior Swim for children aged 12 years and under. Elite divisions are available for the longer events, with age and qualification requirements applying to some categories.
For the third consecutive year, wheelchair access is planned, including the provision of a beach wheelchair to assist swimmers with disabilities.
The 2026 swimwear release forms part of preparations for the March event, which continues to combine ocean sport with community fundraising at Balmoral Beach in Mosman.
Andrew Scott Bell, who attended Mosman Primary School as a child, has been appointed Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, the nation’s highest civil honour.
The current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales received the recognition for eminent service to the judiciary and law, legal education and training, and the arts as an administrator and benefactor. Chief Justice Andrew Bell grew up on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, attending Balmoral Infants before moving to Mosman Primary School.
He is the son of economist Harold Bell and art historian Pamela Bell, who raised their family in the North Shore area during his formative years.Mosman-Educated Andrew Scott Bell Receives Australia’s Highest Honour
From North Shore Schools to Chief Justice
The educational journey of Chief Justice Andrew Bell began locally at Balmoral Infants and Mosman Primary before continuing at Neutral Bay Opportunity Class and Sydney Grammar School. This North Shore foundation preceded an outstanding academic career at the University of Sydney, where he won University Medals in both Arts and Law.
As a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, he completed a doctorate before returning to Australia to build a distinguished legal career. Before his appointment to the bench, he worked as a leading Senior Counsel at Eleven Wentworth chambers, specialising in complex commercial and constitutional law. He served as President of the NSW Court of Appeal from 2019 to 2022 before becoming the 18th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, making him the state’s highest-ranking judicial officer.
Multiple Leadership Roles Beyond the Bench
Beyond his duties as Chief Justice, Andrew Bell holds the position of Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales and serves as President of the Judicial Commission of NSW. His involvement extends significantly into the arts, notably as the long-time Chairman of Sculpture by the Sea.
The Companion of the Order of Australia citation specifically recognises him as an arts administrator and benefactor. This reflects a life-long commitment to the cultural sector, likely influenced by his parents’ backgrounds in economics and art history.
What This Honour Means for Mosman
For Mosman residents, the appointment of Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell to Companion of the Order of Australia highlights how local schools have shaped leaders at the summit of Australian public life. His early education at Mosman Primary School formed the first steps of a trajectory leading to the state’s highest judicial office.
Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell stands as a primary example for local families of how a North Shore education can provide the foundation for significant national contribution. His journey from Balmoral Infants to Chief Justice demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities available to young people educated in the Mosman community.
A multi-property site on Bond Street in Mosman has sold for $35 million, as a 27-dwelling residential proposal for the same address remains under assessment.
The deal covers 5–9 Bond Street, Mosman, combining three adjoining properties into a 1,724-square-metre site.
Property records included in the material state 5 Bond Street sold for $5.7 million in October 2023 and has since been demolished, leaving a vacant block. 7 Bond Street last sold for $2.8 million in February 2018, with renovations completed in 2021, and is described as currently occupied. 9 Bond Street was purchased for $2.1 million in May 2014.
Photo Credit: MosmanCouncil
The parcel is located near Bridgepoint and set back from Military Road. The properties are not described as heritage listed.
Photo Credit: MosmanCouncil
What The Proposal Seeks To Build In Mosman
The development application proposes demolition and a new residential flat building comprising 27 dwellings across six storeys, with basement parking.
The unit mix listed in the material is one one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom, 16 three-bedroom, and two four-bedroom apartments. The proposal states 3,792 square metres of gross floor area.
The planning tracker lists the cost of work as $23,915,000, with the application lodged on 7 November 2025 and under assessment from 9 December 2025. The target determination date shown is 18 March 2026.
Photo Credit: MosmanCouncil
Objections Focus On Height, Amenity And Trees
More than 50 objections have been lodged. Submissions included concerns about building height, setbacks, overshadowing and impacts on privacy and views. Some objectors contend rooftop facilities create an additional storey in practical terms and push the building above a stated height limit.
Other objections raise concerns about traffic and public transport capacity, geotechnical risk linked to excavation, and tree canopy loss. One submission claims more than 24 trees would be removed and alleges trees were previously removed without the required permissions.
As the first ferries glide away from Mosman Bay, this small harbour suburb is already setting a national record, with home buyers spending $1.58 billion on Mosman houses in a single year, more than any other suburb in Australia.
Cotality’s Best of the Best 2025 report, released 4 December 2025, tracked house sales across the 12 months to September 2025 and placed Mosman first by total value. Some 229 Mosman house sales made up that $1.58 billion figure, keeping the suburb ahead of Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill.
Morning Movement and Million-Dollar Homes
Early in the day, locals head to Mosman Bay Wharf for the F6 ferry to Circular Quay, a route run by Sydney Ferries that keeps the suburb closely tied to the CBD. The same harbour views that greet commuters also drive property prices. Cotality data showed the median Mosman house was valued at $6.1 million in November 2025, putting even standard family homes into a rare price bracket.
That mix of harbour access and high values means every sale carries weight. With close to 14,000 properties across the suburb, Mosman is large enough to generate steady sales, yet still tightly held. Cotality recorded a dwelling turnover rate of 4.1 per cent, below the national average, indicating that many households remain in their homes for years.
By mid-morning, walkers move through Georges Head, where NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service maintains historic sites and harbour lookouts just minutes from local streets. These shared spaces help explain why so many homes remain in the same families. Buyers are not just chasing views; they are seeking the everyday rhythm of a place that blends outdoor access with city convenience.
Later in the day, children and retirees pass through Mosman’s library and council venues, where local events and programs run year-round. These routines sit behind the numbers. While other prestige suburbs rely on one-off trophy sales, Mosman’s lead comes from both steady activity and high prices.
Even though the total value of Mosman sales dipped slightly from 2024, it has remained at the top of Cotality’s national ranking for five consecutive years, underscoring the strength of demand despite limited supply.
As evening settles across the harbour, Mosman’s property story looks much like its daily life: calm on the surface, tightly held underneath, and quietly expensive in every direction.
The tranquillity of The Spit Marina was shattered in the early hours of Friday morning when fire tore through several luxury yachts, ultimately destroying three vessels and causing millions of dollars in damage.
Emergency services were called to the d’Albora-operated marina on the western side of the Spit Bridge at approximately 3.20am after reports of a yacht ablaze. What began as a fire on a single vessel quickly spread to neighbouring boats in the tightly packed berths.
More than 40 firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW responded to the scene, supported by the Port Authority’s firefighting vessel Girawaa, which can pump up to 16,000 litres of seawater per minute. Despite their swift response, the blaze took around two and a half hours to bring under control and wasn’t fully extinguished until approximately 8am.
Four people were evacuated from the initial burning yacht, with one woman taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition after receiving treatment for smoke inhalation from NSW Ambulance paramedics. All four individuals who escaped were examined by paramedics, though thankfully no serious injuries were reported.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry surveyed the damage once crews could safely access the area. Three large yachts were completely consumed by the flames and subsequently sank, whilst a fourth vessel sustained significant damage to its port side but remained afloat.
Local boat owner Andrew Carr, a Melbourne resident who had been returning from a trip to the Whitsundays, described being woken around 4am by police urgently evacuating people from their boats. He noted that one of the vessels which burned had hosted a gathering until about 1am, though he emphasised it wasn’t an out-of-control affair. The owners were asleep when the fire started.
Another boat owner, Brad Cook from Lane Cove, rushed to the marina after seeing news reports, anxious about vessels belonging to friends berthed on the western side. Fortunately, his own boat was moored on the eastern side of the bridge. He received messages from contacts around the world asking him to check on their boats, highlighting the international community that uses the prestigious marina.
The fire occurred in the third and outermost row of wharfs, where some of the most expensive yachts are typically berthed. This location, whilst housing valuable vessels, may have prevented the blaze from spreading further into the marina.
Fire and Rescue NSW worked alongside the NSW Environment Protection Authority to deploy containment booms around the affected area, preventing oils, fuel and other pollutants from spreading into the harbour. EPA staff remained on site throughout the day monitoring the environmental response.
The incident caused significant disruption to the marina’s operations. Charter services were forced to cancel their Friday morning trips, and northbound traffic on the Spit Bridge backed up for about a kilometre as emergency services worked at the scene. A steady stream of people hoping to enjoy the warm weather were turned away from the marina.
David Joyce, d’Albora’s head of marketing, indicated the company’s priority was ensuring safety, supporting authorities with their investigation and clean-up efforts, and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible. Normal marina operations were expected to resume on Friday afternoon.
Police have indicated their preliminary checks suggest the fire was not suspicious, though investigations into the cause remain ongoing.
The Spit Marina markets itself as one of Sydney Harbour’s most prestigious boating precincts, offering luxury berthing, dedicated superyacht berths, 24-hour fuel and world-class facilities. The marina is home to numerous marine services, boat hire businesses, a boat club and waterfront restaurants.
Whilst the financial loss from the fire is estimated to run into the millions, many in the boating community expressed relief that no lives were lost and injuries were minimal. As one boat owner pragmatically observed, boats can be replaced – people cannot.
Veterinary teams in Mosman have successfully saved a green sea turtle that spent nearly a year fighting for its life after ingesting deadly fishing gear.
The sea turtle, known as Brownie, was released back into the ocean on 18 December, 2025. Her return to the wild marked the end of a grueling recovery saga that began in January 2025. Divers discovered her off Shelly Beach, where she was struggling to stay afloat.
She was entangled in more than a metre of fishing line and had multiple hooks embedded in her body. The heavy gear made it nearly impossible for her to swim or dive properly, leaving her vulnerable and exhausted.
Expert Care in Mosman
Rescuers rushed Brownie to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Mosman for urgent medical attention. Veterinary staff identified that she had swallowed a significant amount of fishing line, which poses a severe threat to marine life. Over the course of her treatment, she passed 1.67 metres of line through her digestive system.
She also suffered from a bone infection in her front left flipper, caused by a hook that had pierced her skin. Her case became one of the longest rehabilitation efforts in the hospital’s history, spanning more than 11 months of intensive care.
Once her medical condition stabilised, Brownie was moved to SEA LIFE Sydney for the final stage of her recovery. She spent four months in the aquarium’s facilities, where she focused on rebuilding her muscle strength. Staff monitored her swimming and diving abilities closely to ensure she was fit enough to survive in the open ocean. When she was finally cleared for release, a NSW Police Boat transported her offshore near Fairy Bower Beach, an area known to be her natural habitat.
Local wildlife experts hope Brownie’s story will encourage anglers to be more responsible with their equipment. Hospital reports indicate that two other turtles, including a loggerhead and another green turtle, were recently admitted with similar injuries from fishing gear. Keeping local waters free of discarded hooks and lines is essential to preventing future suffering for marine animals like Brownie.
Mosman community is remembering the life of a 64-year-old cyclist who died after being struck by a vehicle, with tributes focusing on his family devotion, sporting achievements and lasting impact on others.
The cyclist, Craig Parkes, was a father of four, a foster carer and a grandfather to seven. Family statements described a man deeply committed to those around him, known for his generosity, reliability and quiet support for others.
He was remembered as someone who expressed care through action, whether helping family members, offering guidance, or giving his time freely to those in need.
Craig Parkes was an experienced and accomplished endurance athlete with a long involvement in aquabike and triathlon events. He had recently represented Australia in international competition and remained an active participant in local events.
As a long-standing member of the Balmoral Triathlon Club, he was a familiar presence at early-morning swim sessions and regularly volunteered at club activities. Fellow members described him as committed, disciplined and supportive of athletes at all levels.
The Morning Ride In Mosman
On Sunday, 21 December 2025, Parkes was cycling north along Spit Road when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop. Emergency services attended the scene and he was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.
Police later confirmed he died later that day from his injuries. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.
A Final Act Of Generosity
Parkes’ family confirmed he was an organ donor, with his final act helping to save multiple lives. His donation has been described as a reflection of the way he lived, consistently placing others before himself.
Tributes from across the cycling and wider community have highlighted this final contribution as part of a broader legacy defined by care, discipline and service.
As inquiries continue, family and supporters have expressed a wish for Parkes to be remembered not only for the manner of his death, but for the life he led and the people he supported.
The Mosman community continues to reflect on his contribution as a family man, athlete and volunteer whose influence extended well beyond the road where his life ended.
A young American’s long-awaited Australian adventure has taken a tragic turn after a swimming accident at Balmoral Beach left him paralysed just two days after his arrival in Sydney.
Max Allen, 23, from Arizona, was staying with the Scott family in Mosman when the incident occurred on 6 September. The recent university graduate had travelled to Australia on what was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, arranged through his friendship with local resident Ollie Scott, whom he knew from their time as college roommates in America.
The accident happened during an early morning swim when Max struck a hidden sandbar whilst diving into waist-deep water, fracturing his C5 vertebra and leaving him paralysed from the chest down.
Sofie Scott, Ollie’s mother and Max’s host, described the morning as picture-perfect when the two young men decided to head down to the beach for a swim. The pair had simply placed their towels on the sand and run straight into the water, with both attempting to dive – but whilst Ollie dived high, Max unfortunately dived low into the concealed sandbar.
The impact knocked Max unconscious and left him floating in the water. In what the family described as a miraculous intervention, an off-duty lifeguard happened to be on the beach and immediately responded, stabilising Max’s head and keeping him in the cold water to help prevent spinal swelling.
Following emergency treatment, Max underwent a six-hour operation at Royal North Shore Hospital, where surgeons removed the fractured vertebra, performed a bone graft, and secured his neck with plates and screws.
Max’s parents, James and Julie Allen, flew from the United States to be with their son. James Allen expressed profound gratitude to the first responders, paramedics, surgeons and medical staff who gave Max a second chance at life.
The young man has since moved out of intensive care into the Acute Trauma Centre and has regained some movement. However, the road to recovery will be extensive, with plans to eventually return him to the United States for ongoing rehabilitation in Denver, Colorado.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the family manage what they describe as a “tsunami of unexpected bills”, including the need to reconfigure their home and lives around Max’s changed circumstances. The fundraising page indicates Max had been planning a year-long stay in Australia on a work visa.
The Scott family, who have become deeply involved in supporting Max during this difficult time, are encouraging the Mosman community to rally around the young American. They’ve suggested that local people in their twenties might consider visiting Max in hospital, as he could benefit from meeting new faces during his lengthy recovery.
Sofie Scott emphasised Max’s positive spirit despite the circumstances, describing him as someone who experienced only 36 hours of his dream Australian adventure before tragedy struck.
After calling 21 Hopetoun Avenue home for nearly two decades, healthcare industry veteran David Armstrong and his wife Kirsten have decided it’s time to downsize and have placed their impressive Mosman residence on the market.
The property, nestled in Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, comes with a $22 million guide price and represents one of the area’s more substantial offerings this spring selling season, according to listing agent Michael Coombs from Atlas Lower North Shore.
The Armstrong family’s four-bedroom, five-bathroom home spans four levels and showcases 645 square metres of internal living space on a 544 square metre block. The residence takes full advantage of its north-facing orientation, offering sweeping views across Chinamans Beach to Clontarf.
What sets this property apart is its hotel-like grandeur and entertainment capabilities. The home features a dedicated entertainment level complete with wet bar, games room, fully equipped cinema with automated acoustic curtains, and distinctive porthole windows that provide underwater glimpses into the mineral saltwater pool.
The main living level houses a marble kitchen fitted with Miele appliances, multiple living areas, and opens onto a courtyard featuring water features and an all-weather automatic awning system. The design allows for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining, whether hosting intimate dinner parties or larger gatherings of up to 50 guests.
A custom six-person lift services three levels of the home, whilst the top floor is dedicated to rest and relaxation with three bedrooms, each featuring private ensuite bathrooms, plus a library and additional courtyard space with harbour views.
The property’s lower level provides practical luxury with a four-car garage offering street-level access and an impressive wine cellar capable of storing 1,500 bottles.
Throughout their renovation, the Armstrongs worked with award-winning builders Total Co-ordination, engaged Corben Architects for design work, and enlisted Carlos Correa Design for interior styling. The result incorporates high-end joinery, extensive natural stone, comprehensive home automation, security systems, audio-visual integration throughout, air conditioning, heated floors, and gas fireplaces.
The location places residents within easy walking distance of both Chinamans Beach and the Balmoral esplanade, making it particularly attractive to families seeking a coastal lifestyle with city convenience.
David Armstrong brings extensive experience from the aged care sector, having founded the Amity Group, which was later acquired by British healthcare company BUPA in 2007 for $1.2 billion. His background in healthcare has informed many of the thoughtful accessibility features incorporated throughout the residence.
The property represents a significant addition to Mosman’s spring property market, particularly within the sought-after Golden Triangle precinct. With Mosman’s median house sale price sitting at $5.5 million over the past 12 months, this listing positions itself at the premium end of the local market.
For the Armstrongs, the sale marks the end of a chapter in their family home, as they transition to a new phase of life requiring less space but no compromise on luxury and convenience.
Father’s Day arrives this Sunday, 7 September, and Mosman has pulled out all stops to help families celebrate Dad in memorable style. Local restaurants have crafted special menus and experiences that go well beyond the usual socks-and-jocks routine.
Three standout venues across the suburb are offering distinct experiences, from waterfront elegance to family-friendly festivities and rooftop dining with harbour views.
Azul at The Spit continues building on its growing reputation with a full day of Father’s Day dining options. The venue, positioned right on the water, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner services to accommodate different family preferences.
Their breakfast offering stands out at $59 for adults and $30 for children, featuring champagne on arrival to set the celebratory tone. The menu showcases signature dishes including Moroccan Beef Quesadilla and Knafeh Pistachio French Toast, blending international flavours with the relaxed waterfront atmosphere that has made Azul increasingly popular with locals.
The Buena has designed its Father’s Day celebration with the whole family in mind, creating an atmosphere that balances great food with entertainment for children. The venue’s Lamb Roast Share Special takes centre stage, designed for families to enjoy together around the table.
Fathers receive a complimentary Stone & Wood beer as part of the celebration, whilst children can enjoy face painting activities running from 1pm to 3pm. This combination of quality dining and family entertainment reflects The Buena’s reputation for creating inclusive experiences that work for all ages.
The venue promises its characteristic festive atmosphere and local community feel, making it an ideal choice for families wanting a relaxed celebration close to home.
The Fernery offers perhaps the most distinctive Father’s Day experience with its rooftop setting providing sweeping harbour views. The venue has created a focused special featuring a hearty Pork Knuckle paired with a schooner of Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA for $49 per person.
This represents excellent value for a substantial meal in a premium location, and The Fernery maintains its full à-la-carte menu alongside the special for those preferring different options. The venue caters to both lunch and dinner service, giving families flexibility in their celebration timing.
The rooftop location provides the perfect backdrop for a Father’s Day toast, with uninterrupted views across the harbour creating a memorable setting for family photographs and conversation.
A Celebration Close to Home
These three venues demonstrate Mosman’s strength in hospitality, each offering a different approach to Father’s Day dining whilst maintaining the high standards locals have come to expect. From Azul’s waterfront sophistication to The Buena’s family-focused fun and The Fernery’s elevated harbour views, fathers have excellent options within the suburb.
The variety ensures families can choose an experience that matches their style and budget, whether seeking an intimate meal with views, a celebration that entertains children, or a rooftop experience that makes the most of Mosman’s natural harbour setting.
Mosman_houses_from_ferry.jpg){kind=link}
