Etival Street, Palm Beach, NSW 2108

This short and narrow cul-de-sac leads off busy Pittwater Road, and is therefore very handy to the city buses. The street has houses only on one side, as the other side is parkland.

Although the road leads straight to the waters of Careel Bay – there is only one waterfront property here. That is the last house – which is a beautifully renovated weatherboard cottage, with wide waterfront lawn. The other homes are a mix of older, original, and beautifully renovated houses most of which have a cottage type feel.

The end of the street itself doesn’t give direct access onto the sand – but a viewing platform has been built. The adjacent parkland consists of thick rainforest type flora but in the midst of this is the large grassed area of Careel Bay Dog Park (offleash). You used to be able to take your dogs down on to the foreshore at all times – where they could run freely in the water, but council stepped in and fenced the beach off – and dogs are now prohibited there. This was to protect the mangroves and water-birds and has been a bone of contention ever since.

South, the dog park opens onto the playing fields of Hitchcock Park – and it’s a nice walk to the small local shops of Careel Head Rd – including a takeaway, café, pizzeria and convenience store. Careel Bay Vet is also close by, but other than this there is not a lot within walking distance.