Challenger Place, Birchgrove, NSW 2041

Formerly an unsightly agglomeration of council townhouses overlooking a central garage, Challenger Place and its sister street Lizzie Webber Place have undergone quite the makeover. The whole surrounding area is wide parkland that spills onto Sydney Harbour - with views of the bridge to boot. Community spirit is high and you'll find dog walkers out in force any day of the week socialising and letting their pets play together in the local ammenities. The excellent aspect of the park means it attracts heaps of locals to fireworks displays, while being secluded enough to never be overcrowded. New childcare centre has set up just next door too. A quiet area full of very young families and young professionals, as well as proud long-term residents. Since it is a relatively new redevelopment it has that slightly sterile feel to it - but that will wear out in time. Challenger is nicknamed 'ToyTown' by residents of overlooking Rowntree Street because of its cute, simplistic and toy-like architectural charm. Well, that's putting it nicely. Right on the harbour with a huge park and basketball court - what more could yu want?