Ultra marathons in Australia offer some of the most scenic, challenging, and rewarding experiences for endurance athletes. From coastal trails to rugged outback landscapes, these events attract runners from around the world. Below is a list of ten of the best ultra marathons in Australia, ranked based on popularity, challenge, and scenery.
| Rank | Event | Distance(s) | Location | Key Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ultra-Trail Australia | 22km, 50km, 100km | Blue Mountains, NSW | Stunning trails, world-class event | Visit |
| 2 | The Great Ocean Road Ultra | 60km | Victoria | Coastal scenery, road-based challenge | Visit |
| 3 | The Guzzler Ultra | 21km, 50km, 100km | Brisbane, QLD | Rainforest trails, great community vibe | Visit |
| 4 | Tarawera Ultra Australia | 21km, 50km, 100km | Sunshine Coast, QLD | Fast course, diverse terrain | |
| 5 | Simpson Desert Ultra | 50km, 100km, 160km | Simpson Desert, NT | Harsh but breathtaking desert conditions | Visit |
| 6 | Down Under 135 | 135 miles | Victoria | One of the toughest ultra events in Australia | Visit |
| 7 | GNW100s (Great North Walk) | 100km, 175km | NSW | Scenic and technical trails | |
| 8 | Margaret River Ultra Marathon | 80km | Western Australia | Beautiful coastal course | Visit |
| 9 | The Bloody Long Walk Ultra | 35km, 50km | Various Locations | Fundraising event, accessible to all | Visit |
| 10 | Brisbane Trail Ultra | 30km, 60km, 110km | Brisbane, QLD | Challenging urban trail race | Visit |
| Rank | Event | Distance(s) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ultra-Trail Australia | 22km, 50km, 100km | Visit |
| 2 | The Great Ocean Road Ultra | 60km | Visit |
| 3 | The Guzzler Ultra | 21km, 50km, 100km | Visit |
| 4 | Tarawera Ultra Australia | 21km, 50km, 100km | Visit |
| 5 | Simpson Desert Ultra | 50km, 100km, 160km | Visit |
| 6 | Down Under 135 | 135 miles | Visit |
| 7 | GNW100s (Great North Walk) | 100km, 175km | Visit |
| 8 | Margaret River Ultra Marathon | 80km | Visit |
| 9 | The Bloody Long Walk Ultra | 35km, 50km | Visit |
| 10 | Brisbane Trail Ultra | 30km, 60km, 110km | Visit |
1. Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA)
2. The Great Ocean Road Ultra
3. The Guzzler Ultra
4. Tarawera Ultra Australia
Inspired by its famous New Zealand counterpart, this event offers a fast and scenic course through the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The mixture of beaches, rainforest, and fire trails provides variety, while the course is designed for both experienced and first-time ultra runners.
5. Simpson Desert Ultra
6. Down Under 135
7. GNW100s (Great North Walk)
Following the famous Great North Walk trail, this race connects Sydney and Newcastle through some of New South Wales’ most scenic and demanding bushland. Steep climbs, technical descents, and long stretches of remote wilderness make it an adventure like no other. The 175km option is one of the toughest challenges on the Australian ultra scene.
8. Margaret River Ultra Marathon
9. The Bloody Long Walk Ultra
10. Brisbane Trail Ultra
The Brisbane Trail Ultra provides an urban ultra-running experience, blending steep mountain climbs with stunning city views. Held in July, it offers distances from 30km up to 110km, making it suitable for a wide range of runners. With a combination of single-track trails, rocky climbs, and fire roads, this race is a true test of endurance in Queensland’s capital.
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Your Ultimate Ultra Marathon Adventure Awaits
Australia’s ultra marathons are some of the most challenging and breathtaking events in the world, offering a wide range of experiences from coastal races to rugged desert landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Mountains at Ultra-Trail Australia, the intense heat of the Simpson Desert Ultra, or the lush rainforest of The Guzzler, there’s an ultra race to suit every type of runner and adventure seeker.
Participating in one of these ultra marathons is more than just a test of physical endurance – it’s a journey that challenges your mental strength, builds resilience, and allows you to experience some of the most stunning environments in the country. The support from the ultra-running community, coupled with the spectacular scenery, makes every step worth the effort, whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just soaking in the experience.
However, completing these races requires more than just a passion for running. Preparation is key to success. Training smart, building endurance, understanding the terrain, and having a race strategy are all crucial components of a successful ultra marathon journey. That’s where personalized coaching can make all the difference. By working with experienced coaches who understand the demands of ultra running, you can ensure you’re fully equipped for race day, with a tailored training plan that suits your goals and abilities.
At SportCoaching, we offer expert coaching for ultra runners of all levels, helping you build the strength, stamina, and race strategies needed to conquer your next ultra marathon. Our science-based approach ensures that you’re training efficiently and effectively, ensuring your preparation aligns with your race-day ambitions.
With the right coaching, dedication, and mindset, you can turn these ultra marathon challenges into milestones of achievement. So, lace up your shoes, set your sights on one of these incredible events, and take the first step toward your ultra marathon success.
