Croydon

The inner-western Sydney suburb of Croydon, about 10km from the city centre, is sandwiched between two of the city's most important arteries, Parramatta Road and the Hume Highway.

It is a diversely multicultural place of intensive housing, much of it semi-detached or large terrace houses, many of which are being lovingly restored.

On the Sydney-Parramatta rail line, this is another suburb close by the Olympic Games complex at Homebush Bay and, of course, it's just a hop, step and a jump into the heart of Sydney, which must certainly rank as one of the greatest cities in the world.

Croydon is within a short drive south of Canterbury Racecourse and, in the opposite direction, it's a similar distance to Kings and Canada bays on the closest reach of the Parramatta River.

The shoreline on this reach is liberally graced by a chain of magnificent and varied public reserves which include Cabarita, Prince Edward, Massey, Barnwell, Halliday, Henry Lawson and Battersea parks. Battersea adjoins the revered and delightful Sydney Rowing Club, whose bar and dining room offer panoramic views of the river.