Places to run
Going away from home and hoping to fit in a run while away?
Sure it's great to experience running in new venues, but often it's difficult to get the local knowledge on where to go.
Now you can, simply select one of the states below and start planning on wear to go running. Of course, if you have further suggestions on where to, then add it to the list by emailing us now.
This list will evolve a great deal, but check out the following places to run in Australia.
Find places to run in - TAS - NSW - VIC - WA - SA - QLD
Hobart
Pipeline (Fern Tree) - A favourite on Sunday's amongst locals. Beginning at the Fern Tree Tavern on Huon Road, this dirt trail gradually makes its way up Mt Wellington to a lovely waterfall. An out and back course, with several individual trails leading off. Perfect for a Sunday long run, you can easily run 30km without crossing a road.
Cornelian Bay (Hobart) - beginning at the cenotaph in Hobart, head towards the Tasmania Bridge, this a popular venue for city slickers in Hobart. With the surface mainly dirt, you run along the Derwent River, next to Government House, then cross over the road the botanical gardens and follow the dirt trail to Cornelian Bay, where you can do a loop and return back to the centotaph. Out and back is around 8km. If you feel up to it, you can also run up the Domain hill on soldiers walk from the Cenotaph as well.
Risdon Dam - The equivalent to Melbourne's Tan track. This 4.5km circuit, loops around the Risdon Dam and is all dirt. 90% of the loop is flat, with a couple of short hills to get the heart rate up. If you are feeling up to it, you can venture off the beaten track and head bush up some of the tracks to make up a long run without doing loops. This venue is ideal for doing faster runs.
Seven Mile Beach (near Hobart airport) - From Hobart, go straight through the roundabout to the airport and take your first right after that. Fantastic venue to run, offering all types of surfaces and terrain, from hilly roads, to flat beaches and dirt trails. With plenty of trails, you can get lost running for hours here, then when you are done, head to the cafe fora coffee on your way to ducking into the water for a recovery paddle.
Eastern Shore (various) - Along the foreshore from Geilston Bay Oval, meandering along the Derwent to Tranmere. This run takes in the majority of the Round the River fun run course with add on from Geilston Bay and from Howrah to Tranmere. Basically a mostly flat even surfaced course with some small climbs at times to strtch the legs out. The course from start to finish about 15/18k although it is possible to do various loops of varying distances.
Huntingfield (located 15mins from Hobart) - offers 10km of trails weaving around Blackmans Bay and North West Bay Golf Club. The trails are mostly sand through the Huntingfield Pony club and the perimeter loop is just under 10km. The trail offers one large hill, undulating ground and beautiful scenery. A must for those heading south of Hobart.
Bruny Island - there is a great 17km loop around the Labillardiere peninsula in South Bruny National Park, offering stunning coastal views and good trail running. Shorter out and back loops are also possible. There is a great sheltered beach and campground at the start and finish.
Kingston - The Peter Murrell conservation area just south of Hobart is a great venue for an off road run. Has plenty of different options and trails. There are access points everyting, find out more info here.
Launceston
Heritage Forrest - Begin at carpark near Mowbray Racetrack, where the play area is. The circuit is 2.5km, or you can head out along the flood levee towards central Launceston where you can run to the end of the boardwalk and return for an easy 8km, or turn left at the bridge, instead straight on the boardwalk to follow the north east river trail and make the run to Hobblers Bridge and return 14km.
Launceston Gorge - Start at King's Bridge, near the Penny Royal motel. Have choice of Zig Zag track which is very hilly and rocky, or a hilly ashfelt on the other side of the hill. The tracks then meet at the Gorge and after you cross the rocking bridge, turn right, follow that until you get to Duck Reach Power Station. Return trip is close to 9km.
Devonport
Bluff coast run - one end of the run begins on bluff road, running along the coast. When you get to William st, jump onto the bike path that joins up to the Don Reserve, next to the railway line. Follow the bike path for a couple of kilometres and you will then come to a a terrific runners playground within the Don Reserve, filled with various trails covered with wood chips, behind the Devonport pool.
Heritage Walking track (East Devonport) - Starting at the beach at the end of North Caroline st, this trail snakes along the coast of northern Tasmania, with sweeping views of the water. Surface is largely dirt, with patches of footpath and sand and is suitable for up to 10km of running.
Burnie
Fern Glade (Burnie) - located 3.9km inland from the centre of Burnie, this is best described as a mini version of Melbourne's famous Fern Tree Gully. Dirt trails hug the Emu river and Access is from the Bass Highway on the western side of the Emu River bridge. Many hilly hours of running to be done here.
St Helen's
Next to the beach (Binalong Bay) - Perhaps one of the nicest trails in Tasmania, just 10min north of St Helen's. It doesn't go for long, but this trail runs along edge of the beach, sheltered by chest high shrubs which act as a wind break, the surface is compacted sand. Out and back, you can get 30min at a casual pace done.
Sand dunes (peron dunes) - A fantastic place to put yourself through some pain. There are sand dunes galore here and at a recent AT/TIS Development Squad camp, the athletes smashed themselves into lactic city, before returning to be fitter and stronger. Nickname - Peri Peri dunes.
Bicheno
Follow the foreshore dirt trail that hugs the coastline. It runs from the beach blowhole at one end to Diamond Island at the other, so you can easily fit an 8km run in. For variety, jump on the beach at Diamond Island and come back on the sand.
New Norfolk
A lovely tranquil place for a run in New Norfolk is along the river. Park your car near the main bridge in town and head down to the Hobart side of the bridge where there is a dirt trail that hugs the river all the way to Tynwald Park. Aside from a short steep climb above the river, the run is flat and scenic, with no roads to cross. Out and back will give you around 10km.
Coles Bay/Freycinet
Wineglass Bay beach/lookout (Freycinet) - It's rough, hilly, but simply spectacular. Beginning at the car park to Wineglass Bay, run around the coast keeping to the right. You will come out on a beach, where you follow to re-join the track that takes you through a swampland and onto Wineglass Bay. From there take the more direct route, up the hill to the lookout and back to the car park. Breathtaking views and changing scenery makes it one of the world race runs. Loop is about 16kms.
Sydney
Bay Run - Running around the Iron cove bay, the Bay run is 7.5km through the suburbs of Five Dock, Russell lea, Drummoyne and Rozelle. Flat and good surface, it is used by many runners year round. Click here for a map of the Bay run circuit and here for a Wikipedia details on the Bay run.
Centennial Park - In the Eastern suburbs of Sydney, centennial park provides many hectares of parklands. You can do a circuit of the park or just do an ad hoc run around many of the paths, trails and roads. There are plenty of canteen, coffee and toilet facilities within the park. Click here for the officials website.
Lane Cove National Park - The lane cove national park extends from East Ryde to Wahroonga/Pennant Hills. Provides some excellent running areas in a picturesque surroundings. Click here for some suggestions
Sydney Olympic Park - Home of the Sydney Olympics, there are many flat roads, paths and a horse track around Wentworth common providing an excellent running surface for short reps. Extend the run into neighbouring Bicentennial park for further options including grass running. Afterwards there are plenty of options for coffee snacks in the Sydney Olympic park precinct or at the café/restaurant in Bicentennial park. Map
Coastal run/walk- (Bondi) Starting at Bondi, you can follow the coastal path South past Tamarama and Bronti beaches and then right through to Coogee and even Maroubra beaches. Run along the cliff tops and marvel at the magnificent views and then drop down to beautiful beaches. No shortage of places to grab a coffee or drink along the way. It is about 3.5km from Bondi to Bronte, and the around 7km if you continue to Coogee.
Hornsby/Berowra - the bushland shire, is surrounded by bush making some perfect areas to run. There are many walks and runs in this area. Click here for some suggestions. There is are some great runs through Galston area, as well as Berowra and Berowra waters areas. More info
Kur-ing-uai Chase National Park - Park extends from St Ives North to Brooklyn. It has a number of amazing walking tracks perfect for a great run. For a flat out and back 7km, try the trail at the bottom of Bobbin Head Rd in St Ives. There are also some great running areas to the North. Try the Great North walk that appears at the top of Bewora heights. For a full list of options, please click here.
Parramatta Park - A hub for lunch time running in Parramatta, this park provides flat grass running or well surfaced rds to run around. The whole circuit of the roads/Park is around 3km. There are toilets and a nice café.
CBD - Not too many cities in the world have scenery like Sydney. On the one run, you can take it places like Circular Quay, Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay or even the big bridge!
Wollongong
Beach Cycleway - The cycleway on the coast is perfect for a flat and sealed traffic run. From North Wollongong Beach, there is13km (26km return) going North and heading south is a very scenic 8km return. The run can start anywhere on the cycle way and provides wonderful views and picturesque surroundings from the beautiful beaches of Wollongong. For some variety, run north, and then cut through Puckey Nature Reserve for some bush trail running. Click here for details on Puckey reserve. More info
Killalea Beach Nature Reserve, Shellharbour - The nature reserve provides some excellent running trails overlooking The Farm Beach, more info.
Cycleway around Lake Illawarra foreshore - This starts at Yallah going anti-clockwise to Fred Finch Park at Berkeley. The missing section joining Yallah to Berkeley is under construction.
Kembla Joggers Cross-Country Running Park - New and excellent cross Country Course used for club and state competitions. Mostly flat, the course is mown and can be easily followed. Provides a good option for 1 or 2km reps. Toilets facilities available. The venue is just South of Wollongong, on Darkes Rd, Brownsville
Illawarra Escarpment - There are many great bush tracks along the Illawarra escarpment starting from the truck stop at the top of Mt Ousley Pass or the hairpin bend on Bulli Pass. Always check your route before running as there is a possibility of getting lost. These trails are very popular with seasoned runners.
North Cost
Pottsville - Head to the environmental park, right on the edge of town. This area is large enough to get lost on trails for up to an hour of running. There are plenty of twisting and turning trails, with cute names like the Eucalyptus trail. On the edge of the environmental park you will also find an oval and several soccer fields for doing some faster work if you're interested.
Byron Bay - Tallow's beach at Byron Bay is the most eastern point in Australia and a great place for a run. If you have the time and energy you can run from there through rainforest up to the Lighthouse, and stop to watch whales, dolphins and turtles.
Nambucca Heads - Start at the surf club and head north on the beach, taking a left into the bush after about 3kms. This then takes you through the magrove region and loops around back to Nambucca. If you keep going north up the beach, you'll hit Valla Beach and can turn it into a nice 20km adventure.
Albury/Wodonga
Mungabareena Reserve - located near the Albury Airport, this public area has plenty of fire trails in it, that follow around the Murray River. An easy 8km can be covered without retracing a step. To throw in a hill, head up Eastern Hill, tht will give you a spectacular view of the region.
Nail Can Hill - A massive forrest region right in the middle of Albury, steer clear if you hate hills! there are enough tracks in here to get lost for hours. the annual Nail Can Hill Run in May takes you from one side to the other in 11.3km. For directions, just look west from the centre of town and find the main hill. The 'monument' at the end of Dean Street is a nice place to start.
Noreuil Park - Located just on the Albury side of the Hume Freeway, right on the edge of the Murray River. Tracks go in either direction from Noreiul, with a variety of surfaces. Take the cycling trail south and cross the bridge to go into Victoria and follow the track in a nice loop that is around 8km. Or head west right next to the mighty murray and eventually find a dirt track.
Melbourne
The Tan - Every runner has heard of the 'Tan'. It is a 3.8km trail that goes around the edge of the Botanical Gardens. Originally named after the colour horses made it when travelling around the Botanical Gardens, it is now a well maintained dirt running surface, populated by thousands of runners and walkers everyday. The official record for one lap is held by Craig Mottram in 10minutes, 12 seconds. To find the tan, head to the Botanical Gardens, on the opposite side of the Yarra River from Olympic Park. If you get bored of running laps, you can include a circuit of nearby Faulkner Park to the south, or follow the River's edge on either side.
Albert Park - soon to be the home of Victorian track and field, its located between St Kilda Road and Middle Park in Melbourne's South. There is a terrific 4.8km dirt circuit that goes around the lake there, plus plenty of grassed fields to run around.
Princes Park - Located in North Carlton, this flat trail goes around the outside of Princes Park and is a popular running venue in the North of Melbourne. Running Australia Ambassador Lisa Weightman does plenty of her training around here!
Torquay
A great track follows the coastline, that is mainly dirt and goes as far as the eye can see from one end. If you get bored of that, when you return on the out and back, come back via the spectacular beach.
Geelong
Barwon river - The full loop from Fyansford to Breakwater and back is approx half marathon distance of 21km, or shorten the loop at any of the bridges along the loop (approx 5km for each bridge). Great scenery and track, water fountains and toilets.
Bellarine Rail Trail - goes from South Geelong all the way (32km) to Queenscliff. The trail is sealed in some parts while the majority is gravel. Once you arrive at Drysdale the trail follows the old railway line all the way into the heart of Queenscliff. The trail has great scenery, hills, starts off in the city and winds through farm land all the way to the sea.
Ballarat
Any runner heading to Ballarat must clock a lap of the famous Lake Wendouree. Near enough on 6km around, it has the perfect surface for training and has been the hunting ground for many of Australia's top distance runners.
Falls Creek
If you've got a week or a month free, head to this natural runners playground. Ideally at altitude, Australia's top runners flock to this mecca as soon as the snow melts each year to take on the hills, trails and benefit from the rare air.
Belair National Park (Adelaide Hills) - runners from many various athletic clubs meet on Sunday mornings at the Golf Course carpark to run within the park. The park offers a variety of different options from demanding steep tracks and fire trials to moderate tracks and low traffic internal roadways. Wonderful views over Adelaide are offered via many routes and the ever changing flora & fauna provide seasonal highlights.
Morialta Falls - located 10km north east of Adelaide and is a popular bushwalk trail. There is an excellent set of rock and wooden stairs up to Giants Cave for threshold training. A loop is around 7.5km.
Brownhill Creek Reserve (Adelaide) - starting at the lower end of Brownhill Creek Road, follow the creek on the parallel compacted dirt path. Out and back is about 8km, but you can extend the run into the Belair National Park.
A great list of walking/running trails in South Australia can be found here.
Caloundra foreshore - Travels along the Pumiceston Passage Golden and Bulcock beaches Trail includes the timber boardwalk, walking track and beach. Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, it often provides some great dolphin watching and is the home of the Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run.
Ipswich - Starting behind the Fernvale Futures Visitor Info centre, the well maintained 8.3km track dirt trail (formally the old Fernvale-Lowood railway line) winds through the picturesque Brisbane Valley. The 8.3km run finishes at the Lowood end of the trail, however; the run can be extended into the township of Lowood for those training for a half marathon/marathon. Every July, the Rail Trail Fun Run challenges runners with either the 8.3km/3km course.
Speewah - just inland from Cairns lies the perfect place for a long run. This trail nestled in the national park has a bit of everything, hill,s creek crossings, river crossings and spectacular scenery.
Southport (Gold Coast) - Starting at the Southport pier, follow the walking paths south, keeping the Broadwater on your left. Heading towards the spark of the Gold Coast skyline, cross the spit bridge and head left towards Sea World. Cross over Sea World drive, 100m north of the yacht Club and head towards Sea World. Turn around when you start feeling tired and head back.
Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast) - starting at the surf club in North Burleigh, take the beach path to Burleigh Headland and through the national park. Cross the Tallabudgeera Creek and follow the path along the creek to Palm Beach. This one is an out and back run!
Brisbane
Toohey Forest - There are runs for the trail runner or for the runners requiring a little bit more sure footing. It is central to Tarragindi, Nathan, Moorooka, Salisbury and Mt Gravatt. There are a number of sign posts to give direction for those not wishing to get lost.
Perth
Canning River Loop - The Canning River foreshore is approx 9km south east of Perth. The run goes from the Canning Bridge over the Mt Henry Bridge and back. This is a beautiful, flat 6 - 7 km loop around the river.
Swan River - Along the foreshore of the Swan River, Perth. From Nedlands to the Narrows and back is 8 kms. Can make it as short or as long as you want. If you are after a longer run Nedlands to the Causeway is 16km. There's a dual use pathway all the way along.
Swan River (from Casino) - From Burswood out along the path past Belmont and then Ascot race courses, over Garrett Road Bridge, back through the back of Bayswater, Maylands and East Perth. You can then either run across the Causeway and back to your start (for 23-24km) or carry on around the Bridges for a full 20 miles (approx 32km).
Coast - A spectacular coast line exists in Perth and you can run along it forever. Either go on the soft sand, or stick to the path next to the beach. you can travel as long as you like, but a popular leg is from Cottesloe to Hillaries.
Other great venues in WA include - Kings Park, Bold Park, Perry Lakes, Lake Monger, West Coast Drive, John Forrest National Park, Carine Open Space.
Want to win a pair of 2XU compression tights, simply by writing in with your favourite place to run that isn't on this list. If your place gets listed on irun.org.au, you could win one of 3 pairs up for grabs. Simply email them through to info@irun.org.au.