The most scenic running routes in Sydney
Couple running through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to increase your heartrate while you explore the Harbour City. Sydney is full of spectacular scenic running trails that pair fitness with incredible views.
Apr 2025 -
3
min read
Blackwattle Bay Run (Glebe Foreshore Walk)
Following the shoreline of Blackwattle Bay between Bicentennial Park and the Sydney Fish Market, this paved trail offers views of the Anzac Bridge and the CBD beyond. It’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend for an off-lead jog, before rewarding yourself with a feast of fish and chips at the end.
Length: 2.2km one-way
Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe
Centennial Parklands
This enormous green space in Sydney’s east covers 189 hectares and is threaded with running, cycling and horse-riding trails. Follow Grand Drive – the main loop through the park – past duck ponds, historic homesteads, playgrounds and sporting fields.
Length: 3.5km loop
Centennial Parklands, Moore Park
Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House
Trace the shoreline of Sydney Harbour and tick off Sydney’s most iconic landmarks in one run. Start at Barangaroo Reserve, then take yourself along the heritage-listed wharves of Walsh Bay, underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Museum of Contemporary Art, and through busy Circular Quay, before finishing at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Head in the opposite direction – starting at the Opera House – and you can end your outing with a dip in Barangaroo’s Marrinawi Cove.
Length: 3km one-way
Sydney Harbour Bike Tours, Barangaroo
Sydney Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
This short but scenic trail follows the water to the east of Sydney Harbour Bridge and along the leafy edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, your path flanked by vast fig trees that have watched the harbour for more than 100 years, until it reaches the historic Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Continue another 500m around the trail and you can dive into the refreshing waters of Andrew Boy Charlton Pool (reopening in September 2025), overlooking the heritage-listed Garden Island naval base.
Length: 1.5km one-way
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Narrabeen Lagoon
Discover a pocket of tranquil bushland hidden in the heart of the Northern Beaches. The Narrabeen Lagoon trail loops around the edge of the estuary, giving you views of windsurfers and kayakers – keep an eye out for wildlife and birds in the surrounding bush. Need a break? You’ll find plenty of parks and picnic areas along the way.
Length: 8.6km loop
Narrabeen Lagoon, Narrabeen - Credit: Northern Beaches Council
Hermitage Foreshore Track (Rose Bay to Watsons Bay)
Run between pretty parkland, secluded beaches and mega mansions in Sydney’s east along the picturesque Hermitage Foreshore Track. Admire the views out to Shark Island, stop for a swim at Milk Beach, cross the scenic suspension bridge at Parsley Bay and finish your outing in the glamorous enclave of Watsons Bay.
Length: 5.5km one-way
Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Vaucluse
The Bay Run
A favourite with Inner West locals, The Bay Run is always busy with walkers, cyclists and runners. The mostly flat path follows the shoreline of Iron Cove, where you can spot pelicans and kayakers bobbing in the water, people fishing and dogs frolicking at the small beaches along the way. Grab a latte from one of the many cafes and catch a great view of the Inner Harbour as you cross the Iron Cove Bridge.
Length: 7km loop
Bay Run, Drummoyne - Credit: Ming Ye
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Track
Arguably Sydney’s most famous route, this popular track follows the cliffs between Bondi and Coogee beaches. Beat the crowds and maintain your pace by heading out early, then stop at one of the beaches or ocean pools along the way for a post-exercise dip. Come spring, the track is lined with spectacular artworks for the annual Sculpture by the Sea festival.
Length: 6km one-way
Coastal views of Tamarama Beach along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Shelly Beach to Curl Curl
Breathtaking ocean views accompany you for the full length of your run between Shelly Beach and Curl Curl; two of Sydney’s most beautiful and popular beaches. Jog over the Curl Curl Boardwalk, which runs right along the edge of the cliffs with the surf pounding below, then try bodysurfing at Curl Curl Beach or finish your run with a swim in one of the two rock pools nearby.
Length: 5km one-way
Coastal run, Freshwater Beach
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
Ocean cliffs, untouched bushland, ancient Aboriginal sites and quiet beaches await along this famous walk through the Sydney Harbour National Park. A few challenging sections that might see you running up stairs or scrambling over rocks are no match for those gorgeous ocean views, offering all the motivation you need to keep going.
Length: 10km one-way
Forty Baskets Beach, Balgowlah
Parramatta to Olympic Park
This Western Sydney route follows the Parramatta River Walk, a pretty trail that sits close to the edge of the water. Starting at the historic Paramatta Park, the path follows the river, leading runners through quiet parklands and suburban streets. Cross over Silverwater Bridge and loop through the historic Newington Armory before ending your run in Olympic Park.
Length: 13km one-way
Parramatta River, Parramatta
