Camperdown

Wrapped around Sydney's grandest parkland — off-leash lawns, shady avenues and open green for days. The city's best backyard for a dog.

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.

Leafy backstreets, off-leash pockets and a cafe scene that actually wants your dog there. Crown Street's the morning-walk MVP — coffee at one end, a tie-up spot at every other.

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.

Chinatown's neon and night-market buzz at the city's edge, with Belmore Park close. Dense, lively and walkable for a quick lap.

Erko keeps it small and friendly — village pubs, leafy lanes and a water bowl at every door. Inner-city character without the crowds, dog by your side.

Spice Alley, hidden bars and Central Park's green roof, all a stumble from Central. Small, arty and dense, with pockets of lawn for a quick stretch.

Tight, hilly and caffeinated. Darlo crams cafes, courtyards and dog-welcoming corners into every block. A short lead-walk from the city, big on character.

Sydney's Little Italy: Norton Street espresso, gelato and Pioneers Memorial Park for the walk-off. Loud, warm and family-run, dog absolutely welcome.

The Inner West at its scruffy best: craft breweries, multicultural eats and Cooks River trails where dogs rule. Come for the dumplings, stay for the off-leash runs.