Rushcutters Bay

Green Square's shiny new heart: rooftop apartments, Gunyama Park and wide modern footpaths built for a lap. Brand-new Sydney, dog included from day one.

Darling Harbour-close and city-dense, with Wentworth Park's green just over the road. Urban, studenty and handy for a quick lap between the high-rises.

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.

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.

Warehouse cafes, big skies and Sydney Park's off-leash acres on the doorstep. Industrial-cool with plenty of room for a proper zoomie.

A brand-new harbour precinct with a headland park and foreshore promenade. Waterfront, walkable and made for a city-edge stroll.

Art deco blocks, tree-lined streets and a cafe on every corner. Embarkation Park hands you off-leash time with a harbour backdrop. Dense, glamorous and surprisingly dog-easy.

Glebe Point Road runs on coffee, secondhand books and Saturday markets, then spills down to a harbour foreshore walk. Bohemian to its bones and very glad to see your dog.

Converted wharves, water on three sides and Pirrama Park's waterfront lawns right on the harbour. City-close living with room to stretch the legs.