WHERE TO RUN: NSW AND QUEENSLAND

If you’re a Sydneysider, you know that running through the dirt trails of Centennial Park and down to Macquarie’s Chair form the heartbeat of Sydney’s running culture.

If you’re a tourist to Sydney, Centennial Park found just outside the Sydney CBD is an absolute treat. Featuring a variety of sealed and dirt trails, a 3.5km loop encompasses the outer perimeter of a park.

 "Centennial Park, Sydney" by Michael Wood is licensed under CC BY 2.0

On the other side of the harbour, you’ll find Sydney Harbour National Park located on the North Head of Manly.

Whilst reaching the head includes an imposingly steep rise out of Manly and into the National Park, the views reached at the top are phenomenal.

By following Scenic Drive to the end of the Head, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views across the water towards the city.

"Sydney Harbour at dusk, as seen from North Head, Manly" by Mark D is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Further north, you'll often find runners circumventing an 8km loop of Narrabeen Lagoon, just in-land from Narrabeen Beach.

Beyond the local parks, Sydney is home to many stunning national parks full of great trails.

Everyone knows the Blue Mountains, but if you have the time to explore the area on foot, you won’t regret it!

Particularly around the Katoomba area, you'll find an endless amount of single track and fire-roads with breathtaking views of the region. 

In slightly closer proximity yet with a similiar bush-like feel, is Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, located on the Upper Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Beginning just north of St Ives, the expansive green space features many single trails featuring sweeping views over Sydney’s northern waterways. 

Outside of Sydney and surrounds, Wollongong’s coastal trail offerings are becoming well known in the running circles.

Home to several world-class runners and triathletes, the mixture of beach tracks and rising roads into the hinterland highlights Wollongong as a destination for those living an active lifestyle.

Queensland

In Brisbane, you’ll find the best sections of running closest to the University of Queensland, alongside the river. For the trail enthusiasts, Mt Coot-Tha offers some tough running for the trail enthusiasts, located just 15 minutes west of the Brisbane CBD.

The St Lucia area of Brisbane encompassing the University, features pleasant gravel tracks regularly occupied by runners of all levels.

South of Brisbane, the outer-Brisbane suburb of Logan is in close proximity to several natural parks suitable for running.

Largely bushy off-road trails, the parks including Daisy Hill and Koala Bushland, are best run early to minimise sightings of some certain reptiles.

 "Brisbane Koala Bushlands" by Lyle Radford is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

On the Gold Coast, the best running trail is found at Main Beach on the north side of town, encompassing gravel/sandy trails right all the way up to The Spit next to Sea World.

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the Gold Coast, ample trail running options can be found once you head into the Currumbin Valley, which lies close to the NSW border as you near Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.

Outside of Queensland’s major cities, Noosa National Park is a runners paradise, featuring a mix of sealed and rugged trails.

Given it is situated on the Heads, the trails are undulating yet worth it once you see the views!

South of Noosa along the Sunshine Coast and just below Mooloolaba, you’ll find a lovely coastal path between Bokarina and Buddina. 

Further North, Townsville has an active population who you’ll often see along the waterfront as the sun is rising.

The waterfront, beginning in the centre of town follows the coast right out to Cape Pallarenda, featuring a cruisy bike path with many drink taps, toilets and a good amount of shade.