Best Running Tracks in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia’s sports capital, is home to many sports fans. Jogging outside is a no-brainer for many individuals, especially during the fall season. There are several jogging tracks and parks in Melbourne where you can get in various cardio activities.
There’s a good possibility you’ll be able to sneak a look inside one of the city’s many hidden jogging tracks mentioned below.
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Lake Albert Park
It’s a pleasure to run along the shores of Albert Park Lake, a well-known jogging path in the CBD. Just under 5 kilometres in length, this inner-city oasis is a great spot to test your speed. On Lake Albert Park’s level course, you can see the city skyline as well as rowers and swans.
A trip to the Melbourne Grand Prix circuit, home of the world’s fastest racing vehicles, is always an eye-opening experience. This may be due to the land being so flat. If you’re just starting started with jogging, start here. Albert Park’s low terrain and proximity to Port Phillip Bay contribute to the area’s frequent gusty winds.
On the track, beside the lake, and in the parks, you can find a wide variety of native birds. Swans and rowers are among the many sights to see on the lake. The placement of 500-meter markers around the whole lake is a nice touch. This is a helpful tool for anyone who wishes to do some speed training or is just starting in the fitness world.
Bay Trail
The Bay Trail begins with the well-known St Kilda Pier, an ideal starting point for one of Melbourne’s most incredible hikes. If you visit Luna Park, be sure to say hello to the famous moon face, which always has a wide smile for visitors. This route is ideal for families with young children and those seeking a more laid-back experience.
Yachts and sailboats anchored at Port Phillip Bay provide a picturesque backdrop for the 6 km circle, popular with walkers and runners. Brighton’s famous 82 Bathing Boxes along the shore are a must-see on every harbour tour. There are four seasons in a day in Melbourne, so it’s a good idea to pack your swimwear, sunscreen and a sweater.
Princess Park
Short running tracks in Melbourne’s Princess Park are among the nicest in the city. There is a 3.2-kilometre circle in Princess Park where runners may exercise. There is no substantial climb on the course. Like the one at Albert Park Lake, this track has 500-meter block signs, making it ideal for speed practice or interval training in general. Several fitness challenge stations with chin-up bars and other workout equipment are scattered around the park.
Princess Park’s athletic ovals and Princess Hill’s tennis club may be seen from the gravel track’s circumference. One side of the railway follows Royal Parade straight, while the other takes a curved path into Carlton North, passing the cemetery. The route may be extended to go around and through Royal Park if you’d like a bit more distance and variation. You’ll be racing around the Melbourne Zoo in the dark and morning, listening to the Lions yawning if you take this.
The Tan
Even though the other runs were well-attended, the Tan is the clear winner here. When the Tan is not crowded with happy moms and fit office workers out for a run, the Tan is a terrific place to go for a challenging run or a relaxed route consisting of gentle downhills.
It’s an excellent track for keeping track of your progress because markers indicate when you’ve crossed the 250-meter mark and clocks that show how long it takes you to complete a lap. During the week, this is a must-do run because of the difficulty parking because of the nearby private girls’ school. However, on weekends, this is a must-do run. If you want something more, you may join running events and clubs.
Having just completed the Tan, the Lawson Grove Shop is an excellent location to stop for a cup of coffee and a dish of muesli. Lawson Grove’s art deco room is nestled amid the suburbia of South Yarra, making you feel at home while you enjoy a free-range egg or pick up some milk and house-cured meats.
Capital City Trail
The Capital City Trail begins at Princes Bridge at Flinders Street Station. It connects to other Melbourne trails, including Merri Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek, and Inner Circle Rail trails. You’ll pass notable sights like Southbank and Docklands along with the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Zoo. But keep an eye out for other bicyclists since it’s a common space.
Maribyrnong River Loop
Maribyrnong river loop is a 4km track along the palm-tree-lined banks of the Maribyrnong river. With just a few short inclines, the loop is very level, consisting of both footpath and grass. This popular route, located in the heart of Melbourne’s congested North West, is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy run. If you have more time or want to go farther, you may expand the route to 7km. The local post-run snacks are a feature of the region. Why not treat yourself to a coffee or something sweet from one of the surrounding cafes? You, like me, will not be disappointed.
Abbotsford Convent
While Abbotsford Convent is well-known for its art displays and pleasant cafés, many people are unaware of the facility’s jogging track, which was just added to the National Register of Historic Places. When it comes to running, if you prefer not to follow the crowds, this is the route for you. To begin, enter via the gates and go along the paths along the Main Yarra Trail, passing the Collingwood Children’s Farm, where you may pause for a break and feed the cute animals before continuing on your journey through the gardens and along the river.
Mentone To Beaumaris
It’s a challenge for those who aren’t the best runners, but the views of Melbourne are worth the effort — you’ll see a lot of stairs and hills. You may cool down at Beaumaris beach or indulge in a sneaky beverage at Mentone’s The Corner Store (we won’t tell the coach).
This is one of Melbourne’s most popular runs despite its relative obscurity. Incredible clifftop vistas and explorable side paths await you as you run along this trail. Beach Road in Mentone is an excellent place to start, and the Red Cliffs of Beaumaris are the end goal.
Point Nepean
The beach path around the Mornington Peninsula would be great for anyone who likes cross country running. There are a lot of places where you can run along beautiful coasts with up to 40 kilometres of connected paths.
In the Point Nepean National Park, a jogging trail leads to the end of the Mornington Peninsula. It goes past an old quarantine station, World War II military fortifications, and roads along the coast or through woods. The Point Nepean Track is 14.5 kilometres long, and it should take about three hours to walk through the trail.
It is called Wilson’s Folly Track, and it starts at London Bridge and ends at the famous Point Nepean. It leads to the Point Nepean National Park. Explore mediaeval fortifications and artillery emplacements and the Quarantine Station, which is well-known.
Otways National Park
Following the world-famous Great Ocean Road, the Great Otway National Park spans Torquay to the Otways hinterland. This natural rainforest is at its most picturesque with hills, streams, and paths. After a hot day of trekking, you’ll be glad you went to the beach to cool down.
Take a stroll along the Great Ocean Walk or hit the waves at some of Australia’s most popular spots. The Great Ocean Walk is an excellent chance to stroll along the stunning coastline while looking for local species. Instead, take a trip on the Great Ocean Road.
St.Kilda Foreshore
One of the city’s most popular attractions is an 11-kilometre one-way jogging track along the shoreline. This 11-kilometre running and cycling path along the Hobsons Bay beachfront, which connects Port Melbourne and Elwood, is perfect for a seaside outing.
From Port Melbourne to St. Kilda, Brighton, and beyond, this coastal running and bicycle path will take you along Melbourne’s bayside, past skate parks, cafés, pubs, yachts, and other watercraft. While jogging or wandering the St Kilda beach, take in the sights of the pier, sea baths, marina, and Catani Gardens together with the sounds of the ocean.
The Final Take
Exercising helps you lose weight and burn calories. When it comes to improving your general health and well-being, nothing beats a good run. Your organs and cardiovascular system are better able to perform at their best. Take advantage of one of the many excellent jogging paths in and around the city of Melbourne.