Located at 37 Vista Street, the Mosman property is among eight similar sites across Sydney’s prestigious north shore suburbs being sold off by what’s understood to be an Ausgrid subsidiary. These properties are being marketed as opportunities in highly sought-after locations despite their small size and unusual features.
The block, zoned R2 – Low Density Residential, is scheduled to go to auction on April 30. It features a live electricity kiosk that will remain operational, with easements allowing maintenance workers access for repairs.
BresicWhitney’s Director Scott Thornton and Sales Agent Eliza Fitzpatrick are handling the sale. The official listing describes it as “a rare and intriguing offering” presenting “one of the most unique opportunities to hit the Lower North Shore in recent memory—its previous purpose now giving way to future possibilities, whether as an acquisition for immediate neighbours or something more ambitious.”
These substation blocks have generated significant online controversy, with social media users expressing reactions ranging from bemusement to anger. Critics have called the sales “disgusting” and examples of “greed,” while others questioned the practicality and safety of building homes around active electrical infrastructure.
The property sales have also sparked debate about missed opportunities for public space, with some residents arguing these small parcels would better serve communities as green spaces.
According to the original draft article, Belle Property agent Simon Harrison, who is coordinating most of these unusual sales, stated: “There’s nothing to compare them to. I’ve never sold anything like them.”
A hotly contested auction for a Mosman deceased estate ended with a local resident outbidding six other hopeful buyers, paying $16.1 million for what agents describe as a likely “knockdown” property.
The three-bedroom house at 13 Stanley Avenue, situated on the prestigious Balmoral slopes, attracted significant interest primarily due to its elevated position offering uninterrupted ocean views. The property had remained in the same family for 65 years before coming to market.
Despite rainy conditions, four Mosman locals participated in the indoor auction where bidding opened at $10 million. The price quickly exceeded the $11.5 million reserve—a figure aligned with comparable sales in the area. As the auction progressed, bid increments ranged from $500,000 down to $100,000, with the final two buyers exchanging $100,000 bids until the hammer fell at $16.1 million.
“We didn’t have much guidance because the property was always going to be sold [at auction],” said selling agent Adrian Bridges of Atlas Lower North Shore.
The property’s value lies primarily in its location rather than the existing structure, with Bridges noting it was “probably a knockdown.” Buyers showed remarkable confidence investing in Stanley Avenue, which currently holds the Balmoral price record of $33 million.
“This will ultimately become a trophy home,” Bridges explained. “For this one to sell at this level speaks to the buyer’s confidence that a finished product is going to be up in the sort of $30 to $40 million range.”
The auction was part of a busy week in Sydney’s property market, with 1402 properties scheduled for auction. Domain Group reported a preliminary auction clearance rate of 66 percent from 848 reported results, with 187 auctions withdrawn.
Mosman locals are about to lose a piece of their suburb’s history. The Himalayan Cedar at 17 Warringah Road, a tree tied to beloved Australian author Ethel Turner, is scheduled for removal, raising questions about heritage preservation in the community.
A Piece of Mosman’s Literary History Faces the Axe
A century-old Himalayan Cedar in Mosman, once part of the home and garden of Ethel Turner, the celebrated Australian author of Seven Little Australians, is set to be removed.
The tree, which is at 17 Warringah Road, is believed to have been planted during Turner’s stay on the property, which she lived for over five decades. It was a handsome and tall feature, but recently decayed at an extremely fast pace, necessitating its intended destruction.
A Declining Icon in a Historic Suburb
The Mosman Council confirmed that the tree has suffered significant decline, citing a recent arborist report that noted extensive damage to its roots and trunk. The assessment also raised concerns about possible poisoning, pointing to drill holes found near the base.
However, council officials have not formally determined foul play, attributing the removal decision to safety concerns. Turner’s home, Avenel, was a well-known fixture in Mosman’s history.
During 1901 until her death in 1958, Turner lived in the house, tending its gardens and finding inspiration for her paintings. The house itself was demolished in 1970 to be followed by apartments, but remnants of its past have remained, like the Himalayan Cedar.
Community Reaction and Preservation Concerns
News of the tree’s removal has sparked concern among Mosman residents and literary enthusiasts. Others see it as another loss of historical identity in a suburb already undergoing swift change. While there has been discussion of saving or memorializing the property, no plans have been formally set.
Local historians and residents have been shocked that more was not undertaken to save what they see as a living connection with one of Australia’s favourite authors. Turner’s Seven Little Australians remains part of the country’s literary heritage, and some locals think that the suburb should be doing more to commemorate that legacy.
As the demolition date draws closer, Mosman residents are left to wonder at the new form of their community and the challenge of striking a balance between heritage preservation and city growth.
According to newly released data from Sydney Water, Mosman residents are among the highest water consumers. They use nearly 65,000 litres more than the average Sydney home.
Sydney Water has reported a significant rise in water consumption across the city. Mosman, Hunters Hill, and Ku-ring-gai are among the top five water-consuming suburbs and Woollahra recorded the highest usage. Woollahra averaged 304,000 litres per household annually.
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Sydney Water supplied over 99 million litres of water across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra. An increase of nearly 5% compared to the same period last year has been noticed.
Sydney Water’s Conservation Manager, Suhanti Thirunavukarasu, highlighted the importance of mindful water use during the hotter months when demand rises.
New data reveals that Mosman households consume an average of 267,000 litres of water annually. In contrast, the water-conscious suburb of Kiama uses just 146,000 litres per household.
The top five water-consuming suburbs in Sydney include:
Woollahra: 304,000 litres per household
Hunters Hill: 277,000 litres per household
Mosman: 267,000 litres per household
Ku-ring-gai: 247,000 litres per household
Strathfield: 245,000 litres per household
On the other hand, some of the most water-efficient suburbs include:
Blacktown: 206,000 litres per household
Parramatta: 205,000 litres per household
Penrith: 205,000 litres per household
Campbelltown: 202,000 litres per household
Inner West: 172,000 litres per household
Blue Mountains: 160,000 litres per household
Kiama: 146,000 litres per household
The Push for Water Conservation
Sydney Water has urged residents to be more mindful of their usage. Small habits like leaving hoses running or taking long showers contribute to rising demand.
The agency has planned a $30 billion investment over the next decade to upgrade and expand water and wastewater networks, catering to Sydney’s growing population and increasing water needs.
Sydney Water emphasises the importance of conservation efforts to prevent future shortages as water demand is climbing. Dam levels remain steady. Still, ongoing monitoring and sustainable practices are essential for long-term water security.
Residents are encouraged to adopt water-saving practices at home. Limiting shower times, fixing leaks, and using efficient irrigation systems are suggested to reduce unnecessary waste.
The sharks circled close to D’Albora Marina, just metres from a popular dog swimming spot on 1 Feb.
Rising water temperatures have drawn sharks closer to shore, sparking concerns among residents.
Eyewitnesses Describe Close Encounter
A local boat owner, preparing for a fishing trip on Saturday, spotted the sharks around 1pm. He described the water as crystal clear, making the sharks easy to see.He also noticed that one of the sharks had a tag on its dorsal fin, likely from a research program.
With the harbour’s water temperature at 26 degrees, he urged pet owners to think twice before letting their dogs swim.
He suggested that Sandy Bay in Clontarf is a safer option because of its shallow water. However, he added that he would not let his dog into the harbour this summer.
Bull Sharks Are More Active Now
Marine experts say bull sharks thrive in warm water, making Sydney Harbour a hotspot during summer when temperatures rise between 20 and 26 degrees. When the water cools below 19 degrees, these sharks migrate north to Queensland.
Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane Society International Australia, emphasised that understanding shark behaviour can help people avoid danger.
As the climate warms, water temperatures will stay higher for longer, leading to increased appearance of bull sharks in Sydney Harbour and nearby estuaries, he added.
While fatal shark attacks remain rare, Sydney has seen several serious incidents in recent years.
In February 2022, a great white shark killed British diving instructor Simon Nellist off Little Bay. It was Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 1963.
In January 2024, a bull shark attacked 29-year-old Lauren O’Neill at Elizabeth Bay, causing severe leg injuries and significant blood loss. The attack happened in water above 25 degrees before 8 p.m.
With ocean temperatures rising and shark sightings increasing, authorities urge swimmers and pet owners to stay alert.
For now, Mosman locals should keep their dogs on dry land—or at least stick to safer, shallow areas like Sandy Bay.
Mosman residents are in for a delightful surprise this summer as the ALDI Ice Cream Truck makes its way to Balmoral Reserve offering frozen treats starting at just 36 cents.
This special one-day event combines summer nostalgia with budget-friendly prices, giving the local community a chance to cool down without overspending on Thursday, 30 January.
Andrew King, ALDI Australia’s Buying Director, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “ALDI’s Ice Cream Truck is delivering extra sweet savings this summer, so Aussies can beat the heat without breaking the bank.”
The truck’s menu features favourites like the Summer Delight and Tropical and Rainbow Stackerz, with no treat priced over $1. And for those unable to visit the truck, the same products are available at ALDI stores.
Where to Find this Affordable Treat This Summer
The ALDI Ice Cream Truck will stop at these locations:
A Mosman Woolworths shopper has sparked debate after sharing photos of Easter products already on display at the Lower North Shore store in early January, just days after Christmas.
The customer photographed shelves stocked with Cadbury Easter bunnies, Dairy Milk Easter eggs, and Turkish Delight Easter eggs. “Give it a break,” they wrote in their social media post.
The premature appearance of seasonal items, including hot cross buns spotted on Boxing Day, has drawn criticism from customers concerned about the commercialisation of religious holidays.
Woolworths confirmed that while most Easter products will launch in March ahead of Easter Sunday on April 20, they offer a limited selection from January. A spokesperson said this allows customers to spread their holiday spending over a longer period.
The supermarket chain plans to introduce new varieties in March, including ‘Cinnabon’ hot cross buns with cream cheese filling and cinnamon swirl. This follows their previous successful launches of fairy bread and Caramilk flavoured options.
Woolworths has also announced plans to stock Australia Day merchandise this year, reversing their previous position. Their stores will feature a “Perfect for Australia Day” section, including Australian-made Australian flags and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, with additional themed products available through their online marketplace platforms.
Mosman, renowned for its stunning views, proximity to the city, and luxurious lifestyle, has claimed the top spot in Sydney’s housing market for the second consecutive year.
According to CoreLogic’s Best of the Best Australia 2024 report, Mosman achieved the highest total value of house sales in the city, surpassing even its traditionally pricier counterparts.
Photo credit: Christine Chiong-Hamis/Google Maps
In the 12 months leading up to September 2024, Mosman recorded an impressive $1.65 billion in sales value, a significant leap from the previous year’s $1.4 billion. This surge in sales was driven by a total of 238 houses sold, with the median sale price reaching a substantial $5.5 million.
The suburb’s robust performance has demonstrated the enduring appeal of its prime location and diverse housing options, solidifying its status as one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses.
Why Mosman Continues to Draw Buyers
Photo credit: The Traveler (Going Places)/Google Maps
Michael Coombs of Atlas Mosman noted that the suburb is increasingly in demand due to its combination of luxurious estates, waterfront family homes, and its proximity to the city, making it an attractive choice for many buyers.
The area’s strong appeal is evident not only among local buyers but also among international expats. Mr Coombs noted that this year saw a significant increase in expat buyers, nearly doubling compared to 2023, and making up about 30 percent of the market share.
This influx of expat buyers contributed to a surge in activity at the beginning of 2024, with Mosman’s sales office recording a remarkable $300 million in transactions during February and March alone. The suburb’s blend of high-end properties, natural beauty, and central location near the CBD has proven to be an irresistible combination.
Eliza Owen, Head of Research at CoreLogic, explained that Mosman’s success is a direct result of the suburb’s higher price points and large sales volumes. The report reveals that while some suburbs saw a pullback in buyer interest, Mosman continued to draw significant investment, largely thanks to its mix of prestigious homes and strong market stability.
The Mosman Lifestyle: A Place to Live, Not Just Invest
What makes Mosman truly desirable isn’t just its real estate value—it’s the lifestyle it offers. Located just 8 kilometers from Sydney’s central business district, Mosman is close enough to the city to be convenient but far enough to feel like an oasis of calm. The suburb is home to some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, including Balmoral Beach, Taronga Zoo, and numerous parks offering expansive views over the harbor.
Residents often describe Mosman as a family-friendly suburb, with a wealth of outdoor activities, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. One local shared, “Mosman is where I grew up and holds many happy memories for me. It is a family-friendly suburb that offers a myriad of outdoor parks, beaches, and spots of natural beauty overlooking the harbours of Sydney.”
Another added, “Mosman is an amazing suburb which I have grown up in and where I am currently raising my 4 children. The neighbours are very friendly and helpful, the streets, park, and beach are always kept spotless, and the schools and childcare facilities are outstanding.”
These personal testimonials reflect the strong community spirit and lifestyle offerings that continue to make Mosman one of the most desirable locations in Sydney.
Looking Ahead
Photo credit: Claude Marceluc/Google Maps
As Mosman retains its crown as the top performer in Sydney’s housing market, it’s clear that the suburb’s appeal is set to continue well into the future. Whether it’s the prestige of owning a grand waterfront estate or the lifestyle of being close to both nature and the city, Mosman remains a coveted destination for buyers, investors, and families alike.
With a proven track record of strong sales and increasing buyer interest, particularly from expats, Mosman will undoubtedly remain one of the most dynamic and valuable suburbs in Sydney’s housing market.
Mosman’s Marry Me Bridal has once again demonstrated why it is the Lower North Shore’s premier bridal destination, creating the stunning gown worn by Alix Waddell during her marriage to NSW Blues skipper Jake Trbojevic in the Hunter Valley this weekend.
Located on Military Road, the boutique has long been a favourite among Sydney’s North Shore brides. It showcased its exceptional craftsmanship through Waddell’s elegantly designed dress.
The gown, featuring intricate floral embroidery on semi-sheer fabric and a classic sweetheart neckline, embodied the boutique’s signature blend of timeless sophistication and modern elegance.
A new chapter for the newlyweds
The wedding signifies a new chapter for the newly married couple, who announced their engagement in February before Trbojevic departed for the Sea Eagles’ season opener in Las Vegas. It also provides a brief respite for NSW skipper Trbojevic before he returns to pre-season training in January to prepare for the Sea Eagles’ 2025 campaign.
For two decades, Marry Me Bridal has built a sterling reputation as a cornerstone of Sydney’s bridal fashion. The Military Road establishment has combined exceptional service with an expertly curated collection of gowns, speaking to every bride’s unique vision.
The boutique continues to welcome brides-to-be at their Mosman location, where their passion for bridal fashion and commitment to individual style remains as strong as when they first opened their doors twenty years ago.
Taronga Zoo in Mosman has submitted a $77 million proposal to replace its former Sky Safari cable car system. However, Sydney Zoo has strongly opposed this plan, arguing that the upgrade could harm its business by diverting patrons away from the Western Sydney location.
Taronga Zoo’s new cable car design would span 1.5 km from the Mosman ferry terminal to the main zoo entrance, offering enhanced views of Sydney Harbour and the zoo grounds. The proposed upgrade, part of the Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2025, would feature larger gondolas with improved accessibility, including capacity for wheelchairs and prams, addressing limitations in the previous model retired in early 2023.
If approved under SSD-46807958, Taronga Zoo expects this cable car revitalisation to be completed by 2025.
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo
Funding Concerns and Economic Impact
Sydney Zoo’s managing director, Jake Burgess, has urged blocking Taronga’s development, arguing that the project relies heavily on public funding, which could give Taronga Zoo an unfair advantage over private competitors.
He suggested that Taronga’s plan violates the NSW competition policy guidelines on “competitive neutrality,” which require publicly funded entities not to compete with private businesses harmfully.
Mr Burgess warned that if the Sky Safari upgrade proceeds, Sydney Zoo could lose visitation numbers and revenue, potentially leading to job cuts and reduced community programs. He emphasised that while Sydney Zoo prioritises conservation programs and mobile education, Taronga’s upgrade aims to enhance its appeal to tourists.
Sydney Zoo also highlighted concerns about Taronga’s prioritisation of non-conservation attractions, such as themed events, which they believe could detract from conservation. Supporters of Sydney Zoo point out that, unlike Taronga’s $77 million gondola project, Sydney Zoo’s Ferris wheel and other temporary attractions were privately funded and only temporarily in operation.
Conservation and Community Engagement
Taronga Zoo has defended its Sky Safari upgrade to be consistent with its conservation and educational mission. According to Taronga representatives, the modernised cable car experience will integrate conservation-focused audio content within each gondola to educate visitors about wildlife protection.
Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo
Taronga officials noted that the zoo, established in 1916 as a not-for-profit organisation, allocates all its revenue toward conservation and animal welfare projects.
The NSW Government allocated funding for Taronga Zoo improvements as part of its 2022 state budget, covering the Sky Safari project and other developments such as a wildlife hospital and animal habitats. Taronga has highlighted that improved accessibility features will allow more visitors, including those with mobility challenges, to explore the zoo.
Taronga maintains that the Sky Safari, which first opened in 1987 and transported over 20 million visitors until its closure in early 2023, is a vital part of its infrastructure. They argue the upgrade aligns with their goal of creating an engaging and educational experience for all guests while reinforcing their commitment to conservation.
A History of Rivalry
The clash between Sydney Zoo and Taronga is the latest in a history of rivalry, dating back to 2019, when Sydney Zoo first opened in Eastern Creek. Initial confusion over the name “Sydney Zoo” prompted Taronga to seek clarification, fearing the public might mistake the new facility for Taronga’s iconic Mosman location.
This rivalry was further highlighted when high-profile visitors like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles visited Sydney Zoo, sparking fan debates about the artist’s choice of zoo. For many, the longstanding Taronga Zoo remains symbolic of Sydney’s heritage, having drawn 1.7 million visitors annually before the pandemic.
Beyond the immediate tourist appeal, the ongoing competition raises questions about funding and conservation, as both zoos strive to balance visitor engagement with wildlife protection. Sydney Zoo’s push to halt Taronga’s new project reflects broader concerns within the zoo industry over equitable competition and the role of public funding.
The Path Forward
As of now, Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari proposal remains under review by the NSW Department of Planning. Taronga representatives remain optimistic, asserting that the project is designed to secure the zoo’s financial stability and support conservation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Sydney Zoo continues to challenge the cable car project, urging NSW authorities to consider the potential economic impact on Western Sydney communities and the private sector before approving.
