Willoughby, NSW 2068

Architecturally Willoughby’s renowned for its classic turn-of-the-century houses and semis along with traditional California bungalows.

Willoughby is loved by young families for its strong community culture, charming period architecture and proximity to retail offerings, great schools and the city, which lies just 8km away.

It's a wonderful address for lovers of village living, with a number of vibrant hubs where fashionable café culture is alive and well, along with great restaurants and interesting design, fashion and interiors stores. Locals love to frequent the Bridgeview Hotel for classic pub fare, live music and old-school trivia nights.

Of course, if you're after some big time retail therapy you can always head to neighbouring Chatswood, one of Sydney's major shopping destinations, home to Westfield, Chatswood Chase and a thriving multicultural dining scene, along with entertainment galore. Northbridge Plaza shopping centre also borders Willoughby, an upmarket boutique complex perfect for all of your day-to-day needs, while the renowned dining hub of Crows Nest is just a stone's throw away.

There's an abundance of parkland in the vicinity, providing plenty of space for relaxation and exercise. Bicentennial Reserve is an idyllic 9 hectare expanse of natural bushland that contains Hallstrom Park, sporting fields, a playground and bike path. It has a treasure trove of attractions to explore including Aboriginal carvings, waterfalls and the heritage-listed Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator, a prominent 1934 sandstone landmark now transformed into an art gallery, artists' studios and café. Flat Rock Gully features a walking track down to Long Bay and is also home to Henry Lawson Cave, where Australia's most famous poet would find sanctuary and put pen to paper.

Willoughby Leisure Centre is a much-patronised recreational drawcard providing aquatic, health club and sporting facilities for young and old.

Local schools are highly regarded, reflecting the family friendly nature of the area, with Willoughby Public School, St Thomas Catholic Primary and Willoughby Girls High School found in the suburb. A variety of bus services, including express buses, afford easy access to the CBD, Chatswood and Northern Beaches.