PetaJayne Ker

I have lived in Leichhardt for 2 years and in the inner west for over 15 years (Balmain for 10, Lilyfield for 2).
ENTERTAINMENT:
Leichhardt has changed a lot since it was Little Italy, but some of these changes are for the better. We have the Palace Cinema for entertainment showing foreign films and festivals and regular premieres and events. There are some great pubs (The Empire Hotel and the Royal Botanical) and great new wine and cocktail bars (The Golden Gully and Creek n Cella), as well as the awesome italian restaurants you would expect (Mario's Pizzeria, Morretti's and family favourite Bar Italia).

Add to this late night venue The Crow Bar for live music and it really has it all, with express bus transport to Sydney CBD, and the Broadway Shopping Centre and Centro even closer.

EDUCATION:
For parents of high school aged children, Leichhardt is in the catchment for Sydney Secondary School (Leichhardt campus) which is in hot demand as a co-educational public school, with sister campuses at Balmain and Glebe.
Additionally, for private schools it is an easy school bus ride to Rosebank (co-ed catholic at Five Dock), Dom Remy (girls, Five Dock), train ride from Petersham to PLC & MLC (girls, Strathfield) and Santa Sabina (girls, Strathfield).

Local primary schools include St Fiacre's (Catholic) and Leichhardt Public, both of which are highly ranked for academic achievement.

A quick bus ride down Parramatta Road takes you to Sydney University, UTS and Notre Dame universities. Buses run frequently.

TRAINS:
Depending on your location, it is an easy walk to Stanmore or Petersham railway stations, about 15-20 mins walk from Norton Street. The train line is the Inner West line which takes you directly to the city in 15 mins. Newtown is on this line, one stop from Stanmore if you're heading over there.
Trains run to Wynyard station (walking access to Barangaroo), which provides easy access (walk across the platform) to head to the North Shore, or you can jump out at Circular Quay to make a ferry connection. It's a simple easy line to use.

FITNESS:
There are many gym options including the council run Leichhardt Aquatic Centre with a large pool and gym, a brand new Fernwood Ladies Gym opening in Annandale, and many gyms on Parramatta Road ranging from personal training (Body By Hewida) to all hours access.

For outdoor exercise, it is conveniently close to the Bay Run and the Green Way (home to a Park Run on Saturdays). There are many boot camps and similar trainers in the area.

PETS:
Leichhardt is very dog friendly with Cafe Bones located in the Green Way, and other off leash areas. Groomers Spoilt Rotten Dogs and Paws on Norton Street will pamper your pets, and the Hound Lounge is close by for dog training. Annandale Animal Hospital and the pet store Pet Stop at the end of Catherine Street are conveniently located near yet another dog friendly park (Memorial Park).