The Borogegal and Bungaree
The Borogegal tribe were the original inhabitants of the Mosman area. Bungaree, who lived from about 1775 to 1830, joined British explorers on voyages, and at 26 sailed around Australia with Matthew Flinders. Bungaree went on to lead his tribe, was granted land at Georges Head, and held the patronage of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
“By 1838 Archibald held 108 acres of land along the Mosman waterfront.”
Naming and the whaling station
The suburb takes its name from Archibald Mosman and his twin brother George, who took up a 4-acre land grant here in 1831. Archibald and George worked in shipping and set up a whaling station on a harbour bay that took the name Mosman's Bay. By 1838 Archibald held 108 acres of land along the Mosman waterfront. The Barn on Avenue Road is the only building left from that whaling station.
Artists and a municipality
In 1871 Richard Harnett Senior built a wharf, and he subsidised a ferry service linking Mosman Bay with Neutral Bay and Circular Quay. In 1893 Mosman became a municipality with 1,600 residents, and Richard Harnett Junior, son of Richard Harnett Senior, was the first Mayor. In the 1880s and 1890s artists' camps sprang up around the harbour, most of them in the Mosman area, and Mosman became known as "Australia's most painted suburb".
Timeline
- 1789The First Fleet flagship HMS Sirius arrived in Great Sirius Cove
- 1801Maritime and defence installations for Sydney began at Mosman
- 1880Mosman Public School opened
- 1916Taronga Zoo opened, having moved from Moore Park
- 1942A boom net was built on Georges Head against enemy submarines
Living in Mosman
Mosman holds Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and parts of Sydney Harbour National Park. Mosman's shopping centre runs along Military Road, and Mosman Council has named the early 20th century shops there a conservation area. In Rawson Park, above the harbour, the Scotland Australia Cairn is a memorial to Scottish pioneers.
Questions
What is the postcode for Mosman?
The postcode for Mosman is 2088.
How many people live in Mosman?
In 2021, 28,329 people lived in Mosman, and the median age was 45.
Which council area is Mosman in?
Mosman is in the Mosman Council area.
What beaches are in Mosman?
Harbour beaches at Mosman include Balmoral and Chinamans Beach. Obelisk Beach and Cobblers Beach are legally designated as clothing optional.