The Tan Track
The Tan Track is a 3.8km gravel loop that circles the Royal Botanic Gardens, an institution in Melbourne. Its smooth hills, including the steep ascent at Anderson Street, give runners a workout, while vibrant gardens and lunchtime skyline views provide motivation. Favoured by elites and casual joggers alike, it’s also great for speedwork or social runs.
From a thick crowd of early morning runners, all ages and stages. The track, which has a forgiving, soft surface, is easy on your joints, and drink fountains punctuate the route. After your run, grab a coffee or waffle at Jardin Tan. Craig Mottram’s 10:08 record from 2006 remains a competitive carrot.
The Tan is within walking distance by tram or on foot from the CBD. Its combination of shady and open areas works for year-round running, except for hot summer afternoons. For a community atmosphere, join the Saturday Parkrun.
Albert Park Lake Track
A flat and scenic 4.8km paved loop around Albert Park Lake is just 3km from the CBD. Surrounding the lake, it provides skyline vistas and wildlife, with swans and ducks contributing charm. The track’s smooth surface is ideal for fast laps or slow jogs.
Runners share the path with cyclists and walkers so weekends can feel bustling. Begin at Lakeside Carpark with facilities such as restrooms and cafes. The trail’s 500-meter markers aid pacing, and South Melbourne Market, nearby, calls for postrun treats.
Known for its Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, the park is a destination for pros such as the Melbourne Track Club. It’s very flat, suitable for beginners or tempo runs, though there can be strong bay winds to contend with.
New to running and inspired by the flat, scenic loop? Try our Couch to 10K Training Plan to build fitness gradually and confidently.
Capital City Trail
The 29km Capital City Trail circles Melbourne’s inner suburbs, following the Yarra River. Linking Docklands, Merri Creek, and the MCG, it combines urban and natural landscapes. Starting at Rushall Station, a varied run past parks and historic sites.
This paved trail is a good option for long-distance runners wanting a change of scenery. Highlights include riverside vistas, the bushland at Yarra Bend Park, and the smells of cafes near the Royal Botanic Gardens. Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, especially around the CBD. It’s an exhilarating, urban discovery.
For shorter runs, choose a section, such as the Yarra River stretch. The trail is conveniently located with public transport access. The best seasons are spring and autumn, with pleasant and colourful weather.
Yarra Bend Park Trail
Melbourne’s largest expanse of natural bushland is Yarra Bend Park, a 9km trail that winds through slabs of eucalyptus forest and beside the Yarra River. About 4km from the CBD in Clifton Hill is a retreat with views of the skyline and a flying fox colony, something that gives it a rural feel.
Begin near Dight Falls for a level range of flat paths and gentle hills. The trail’s dirt and gravel surfaces are well-suited to trail runners, although muddy conditions are common in wet seasons. Highlights are Deep Rock Swimming Hole and Wurundjeri cultural sites.
Amenities such as toilets and picnic tables also improve the experience. Mornings tend to be quieter and give you a chance to spot kangaroos or koalas. Pair with a coffee from Abbotsford Convent’s bakery for the perfect outing.
Princes Park Loop
Princes Park in Carlton North has a 3.2km flat gravel loop, great for all levels of runners. Near the University of Melbourne, it draws students, Olympians, and locals. Ikon Park and Melbourne General Cemetery feature along the route, giving character.
It has a soft surface and drink taps that make it very runner-friendly. For variety, extend your run along the Capital City Trail or Park Street bike path. Weekday evenings are bustling, and mornings are more subdued. Three Bags Full offers gluten-free breakfast options (to have post-run).
The park’s open spaces and shade offer respite in summer. Its flat topography is suited to speed sessions or recovery runs, and the Saturday Parkrun builds community. Public transport access via Royal Parade is also easy.
Perfect for all fitness levels, especially those just starting out. Check out our 12-Week Running Plan for Obese Beginners to get started safely and successfully.
Maribyrnong River Trail
25km long Maribyrnong River Trail offers the racing from the Docklands through to Brimbank Park, an urban area from Akku to the Shinju. This paved, shared-use pathway provides riverside sights, wetlands, and parklands. Start at Footscray for a shorter loop of 10km (the full route is 23km).
There are cafes and rest stops for runners along the way; the Full of Beans run club meets Wednesdays. The trail’s gentle grades and switchbacks are good for endurance training, but cyclists need to be aware. Wildflowers bloom in spring, making for a prettier experience.
Though it’s close to the city, the trail feels serene and is accessible via public transport. For a post-run caffeine treat, head to a riverside cafe in Footscray. Its versatility makes it a popular pick for solo or group runs.
Bayside Coastal Art Trail
The 11km Bayside Coastal Art Trail, from Brighton Beach to Elwood, merges sea breezes and creativity. Beginning at Brighton’s bathing boxes, it runs past St Kilda’s pier and Catani Gardens. Well paved and flat, great for steady-paced runs.
None of the trail’s shared nature means dodging cyclists and walkers. Trams make for easy access, and spring brings mild weather. If you have the option of a shorter run, aim for the section along the St Kilda foreshore.
Plenty River Trail
The 10km Pleasure River Trail begins at Greensborough Station and weaves its way through Melbourne’s northern suburbs. This dirt and gravel trail follows the river through parklands and football fields. It’s a quiet trail run with local fauna such as kangaroos.
Return to Clifton Hill Station for a 20km loop by merging onto the Main Yarra Trail. Trail shoes will help you negotiate the uneven ground off proper paths, and especially when the weather is wet. Rest stop at the Heidelberg Football Ground. Autumn’s brisker temperatures add to the coziness.
Easily reached on the Hurstbridge Line, this trail is perfect for runners seeking greenery close to the city. But its quieter vibe is a sharp contrast to the urban tracks, and friendly locals wave to cyclists as they pass through their towns, and that lifts the spirits.
Two Bays Walking Track
The 6km out-and-back Two Bays Walking Track from Dromana Beach to Arthurs Seat on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula features a 3km climb that tests runners. The dirt path, with views of Port Phillip Bay, promises a dip at the beach afterwards.
This trail is tailored for skilled runners owing to its climbing gradient and rugged terrain. Trail shoes can grip the gravel, and spring’s clear skies make for sweeping vistas. The descent will test knees, so descend with care. Drive or take a bus from Melbourne, about an hour away.
Lesser-travelled than urban trails, it is perfect for solitude. Be mindful of weather conditions, since summer temperatures can be extreme. The final destination of the trail, Arthur’s Seat lookout, is a victorious finish.
Yarra Boulevard
It’s an undulating 12.5km loop (it’s out-and-back, but you could do it as an out-and-back as most runners do) along Yarra Boulevard in Kew, with the Yarra River on the right. Beginning at Walmer Street, runners wind past Studley Park Boathouse and colonies of bats. The road is quieter than most; cyclists outnumber cars, and the vibe is zen.
The hilly first half tests your endurance, and the flat return gives you recovery time. The greenery and city skyline views of spring inspire. The Yarra River can be accessed via trails to add some variety. Nearby cafes in Kew do a booming trade serving hearty breakfasts post-run.
Best for hot-weather morning runs, the route is a good option for runners who value both exertion and scenery. Getting to Kew by public transport is easy, and the variety along the trail keeps every kilometre interesting.
