Birchgrove

The quiet bit of the inner west between Rozelle and Leichhardt, with the Bay Run and Easton Park close by. Leafy, low-key and made for an easy lap.

Inner-west diversity at full tilt — dumplings, grocers and Ashfield Park's green at the centre. Busy, well-fed and easy for an after-dinner lap.

A leafy inner-west favourite of cafes, quiet lanes and light-rail ease. Walkable, friendly and reliably dog-welcoming.

Wedged between Newtown and Glebe, with Sydney Uni's leafy grounds and quiet terrace streets to wander. The inner west's calm achiever — the buzz close by, the pace nicely unhurried.

A harbour peninsula built for wandering: village pubs, waterfront parks and ferry views at every turn. Half of Balmain owns a dog, the other half wants to pat yours.

Grand terraces, the famous Witches' Houses and quiet streets between Glebe and Leichhardt. A calmer slice of the inner west, made for an unhurried lap.

Inner-west edge with Sydney Park's off-leash acres on one side and a craft-brewery strip on the other. Industrial bones, Newtown energy and plenty of green to burn off.

Live music, late eats and Enmore Road's dog-welcoming pubs, all a short stroll from Newtown. Hip, walkable and happy to pour you a schooner with the dog at your feet.

The very tip of the peninsula, where ferries dock and Illoura Reserve hands you front-row harbour views. Tiny, historic and built for a slow waterfront wander.

Grand terraces, leafy streets and a quiet that belies how close Newtown sits. The inner west's calm side, made for an easy, unhurried walk.