LOWER NORTH SHORE

THINGS TO DO IN LOWER NORTH SHORE

Life on Sydney's Lower North Shore is meant to be lived outdoors with its show-stopping harbour and foreshore parks. 

With the glamorous Sydney harbour as the backdrop and a string of villages with a whole lot of style and elegance, the Lower North Shore has long been the stomping ground for Sydney's high rollers and fashionistas. 

Humming from the break of dawn, the Lower North Shore is loved for its incredible line up of foreshore walks, harbour parks and beaches. Add to this high-end designer brands, a dining and café culture and mesmerising views, and you'll know you're in for a real treat when it comes to things to do on the Lower North Shore. 

Spanning from Mosman to North Sydney and across to Lane Cove and Northbridge – it's no wonder everyone wants a slice of this exclusive cluster of harbourfront suburbs. So, settle in because our list of things to do on the Lower North Shore is long. 

Sydney Harbour

The shining star among these prestigious neighbourhoods is the harbour. Every which way you turn, you're met with sweeping views from Circular Quay to Middle Harbour. And there is no better way to enjoy it all than among the many foreshore walks, parks, harbour beaches and pools. Our pick is the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral walk, which meanders through Sydney National Park and takes in views of Sydney's headlands and beaches.

Harbour Beaches 

When the warm weather kicks in, one of the best things to do on the Lower North Shore to cool off is the harbour beaches – Greenwich Baths and Northbridge Baths are a top pick, but no other place is quite like Mosman. From Clifton Gardens to dog-friendly Sirius Cove to the stunning foreshore of Balmoral Beach – a favourite that attracts Sydneysiders from all over. But for a quiet, locals-only type feel head to Chinamans Beach.

Balmoral 

Worthy of a mention on its own, Balmoral is one of Sydney's most exclusive neighbourhoods thanks largely to its incredible views of Sydney Harbour and stunning grand homes. Located in Mosman, Balmoral's foreshore park is just as welcoming as the beach itself, and the waterfront dining scene impresses with Bathers Pavilion and The Boathouse leading the way.  

Foodie Delight

The café and dining scene on the Lower North Shore dishes up some of Sydney's finest. Whether it's dining with a view (Ripples Chowder Bay, Gunners Barracks, Aqua Dining, or Ormeggio at The Spit) or a leisurely brunch (Burnt Orange, Thelma and Louise, Maggio's Café), yet it is the global eats that truly delight. Be it Asian fusion in Kirribilli, Japanese in Crows Nest, or French dining in Mosman. When eating out in the many villages of the Lower North Shore, you can't go wrong. 

Shop 'til You Drop

In Sydney's Lower North Shore, a trip to the local market is more than a weekly dose of fresh fruit and veg. Artisan stalls and high-end fashion and homewares define Kirribilli Markets and Mosman Markets. Still, if you want to give your credit card a real workout, Mosman's Military Road has a string of designer labels that keep the well-heeled at bay. Chatswood Chase and Westfields is also a go-to shopping destination.

Parks Galore

One thing that the Lower North Shore loves just as much as its harbour is the many parks and open greenspace sprinkled throughout, be it the neighbourhood parks, playing fields, reserves and bushland. The Coal Loader and Balls Head Reserve in Waverton is a hidden gem, and so is The (not so) Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. Cremorne Point is the place to be at sunset, and Lane Cove National Park feels worlds away from it all. Middle Head to Sydney Harbour National Park in Mosman is the icing on the cake. 

Tourism Hotspot

Whether you're a local or a tourist, one of the best things to do on the Lower North Shore is Taronga Zoo. Famed for their giraffes whose graceful long necks sit in striking contrast to the harbour backdrop, Taronga Zoo is filled with adventure and fun. For a different pace, Luna Park in Milson's Point is full of heart-thumping rides, and for a touch of nostalgia, the Orpheum Cinema in Cremorne is a heritage building that screens blockbuster hits and film classics.

The Lower North Shore is about the finer things in life – meandering streets lined with head-turning homes, on-trend cafes, fine dining with a view, and high-end fashion and homemaker stores. The list of things to do in Sydney's Lower North Shore is long.