Elegant and esteemed, the Sydney suburb of Mosman is defined by its huge mansions and waterfront bliss. It’s the home of extravagant chocolate shops, regal cafes and boulevards that stretch along broad beaches. Located on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Mosman fills a beautiful peninsula, fringed by the waters of Sydney Harbour. It’s long been one of the city’s most affluent neighbourhoods and is home to Taronga Zoo, one of Sydney’s most loved attractions.

Mosman links nature and history, with its refined mansions standing proudly on majestic cliff faces. A long walking trail connects most of the coast, running from Curraghbeena Point to Taronga Zoo, then onwards past Clifton Gardens to Headland Park and Sydney Harbour National Park. Restaurants and shops are centred on Military Road, while the golden sands of Balmoral Beach look out towards expensive yachts rocking gently in the harbour. Mosman is a neighbourhood for discovery, and there are many boutiques and cafes to uncover along the streets, along with a collection of Sydney’s most celebrated upmarket eateries.

Most of Mosman has a village-like feel, and it’s pleasant to explore on foot or by bicycle, even if the steep hills can make this slow going. There are regular buses to Mosman from central Sydney. Some of these buses continue north, linking Mosman with Manly. A more iconic way to travel is the public ferry service from Circular Quay, which passes Sydney Opera House on route to Taronga Zoo Wharf and Mosman Bay Wharf.

Taronga Zoo has been a home to exotic animals for over a century and makes for some inspiring Sydney photographs, like giraffe necks juxtaposed with the city skyline across the harbour. Exotic birds can also be found in Headland Park, where tranquil walking trails lead through open hectares of bushland.