North Balgowlah

Bush-edged and leafy above the beaches, with reserves and quiet streets. Green, calm and made for a walk.

Lagoon, surf and a lakeside loop made for walking. Northern-beaches relaxed, breezy and built for a day outdoors with the dog.

Northern-beaches bohemia: surf, a barefoot village and bush running down to the sand. Relaxed to the core and made for a dog that likes salt in its fur.

A busy northern-beaches hub with surf, a lagoon and a long sandy front. Lively, salty and made for a beachside wander.

Surf, lagoon and a long sandy stretch at the beaches' north end. Salty, relaxed and made for a barefoot day out.

Bush-wrapped on Garigal's doorstep, with big skies, big blocks and trails out the back. Where the northern beaches go leafy and the dog gets proper room to roam.

Pittwater's tucked-away edge, where ferries leave for the offshore bays. Leafy, waterside and made for a slow, scenic stroll.

Surf, lagoon and a headland walk between the beaches. Low-key, salty and made for a barefoot kind of day with the dog.

Manly's leafy neighbour, with the bushland of Manly Dam close and a village that ticks every errand. Family-paced, green and easy-going with a dog.

Where the northern beaches exhale: open sand, a rugged headland and rock pools. Relaxed, coastal and happy to share the path with a salty dog.