Shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet, ships from other nations began to slip in to the Harbour to see what the fuss was all about. Captain Arthur Phillip had them moor across on the northern side of harbour in a wide and safe bay until he was satisfied their intentions were peaceful. That bay became widely known as Neutral Bay.

Early development of the area was thwarted by the rugged hillsides around the bay, and access was only by water. When the regular vehicular punt service began, linking the city to the northern foreshore of the Harbour, the sporadic development of Neutral Bay accelerated, booming in the early part of the 20th century.

Many of the grand turn of the century (19th that is) residences have escaped the attentions of Sydney’s property developers, offering to a new century the elegant living of their past. Amidst these fine homes are stylish apartments from the 20’s , 30’s and 40’s, and contemporary town house style developments geared to the needs of busy commercial life.

Once you’ve crossed the Bridge and point north, Neutral Bay’s first refreshment stop is the Oaks Hotel. Grab a cold beer from the John Mellion bar (named in memory of the great actor and local character), find a table in the beer garden and graze on great pub food whilst people watching. Further along Military Road there are plenty of opportunities for a caffeine fix at the many street side cafes, or to dine in restaurants of all styles catering to the laid back atmosphere of the Neutral Bay village.

Hard working couples can have their kids well catered for in Neutral Bay with its excellent Primary school, Forsyth Park playgroup, and the Neutral Bay Child Care Centre and Creche.

A few minutes by car is Mosman High, North Sydney High, S.C.E.G.G.S, Queenwood, Scots College and Monte St Angelo.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie were born at Nutcote, the gracious Edwardian home of author May Gibbs. These days, Nutcote has been beautifully restored and is open to the public as a Museum to the banksia babies that have entertained Australian kids for decades.

Military Road and its surrounding streets support a flourishing shopping centre. Supermarkets, all services, designer clothing and elegant homewares can be found mingling with a vibrant café society.

The very fit can brave the hilly foreshores of Neutral Bay, but for a flat jog or walk there is Forsyth and Anderson Parks or the harbourside Kurraba Point reserve where you can combine exercise with a sublime view of the city. There are plenty of gyms in nearby Mosman and North Sydney.

Neutral Bay is on the northern side of the Harbour, 5km from the CBD. By car its only a couple of minutes, buses are plentiful on Military Road, or try the ferry.