10 Best Places To Run In Melbourne

Melbourne has a bunch of great running spots. Okay, maybe I'm a little biased.

As a Melburnian myself, it's been a great pleasure to discover, run, ride and enjoy many of these tracks over the years.

Eventually, you begin to gravitate to some more than others. Whether it's the vibe, the terrain, the ease or less congestion. Each track and trail has its pros, cons and unique character.

In this article we jump into some of the best places to run in Melbourne, many of you will know, but some are a little left-field.

Let's go.

The Tan Track

Melbourne’s iconic Tan Track loops around the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, stretching 3.8 km on a gravel surface that’s easy on the knees. It’s a popular choice for runners of all levels, featuring the famous Anderson Street hill that offers a satisfying challenge. Along the way, you’ll pass lush gardens, ponds, and stunning city views, especially rewarding in the early morning light. The Tan also attracts both casual joggers and elite athletes, creating a lively, motivational atmosphere.

The fastest recording of the Tan was by none other than Australian legend, Craig Mottram, in a time of 10:08 in 2006. Third place on that list is 2024 Melbourne Marathon winner, Jack Rayner.

Albert Park Lake

This 4.8 km loop around Albert Park Lake is perfect for runners seeking a scenic, flat track in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. The path winds around the lake, with striking views of Melbourne’s city skyline in the distance.

You've probably seen the drone shots of this track, with a lined road of beautiful palm trees, with the city in the background. Iconic.

Known for its tranquility, the lake is home to swans, ducks, and other wildlife, offering a calming, natural setting, right amongst the city. Albert Park also hosts events like the Australian Grand Prix, adding an extra touch of excitement to this well-loved route.

Princes Park

Located in Carlton North, Princes Park offers a 3.2 km circuit that’s popular with students, locals, and visitors alike. The flat, well-maintained path is ideal for all skill levels, whether you’re doing intervals or a steady run. With sports ovals, open spaces, and leafy surrounds, it has a relaxed vibe that’s refreshing and uplifting. Close to the University of Melbourne, it’s also a convenient spot for city-dwellers, making it a go-to choice for a quick, scenic run.

If you're looking for that typical Melbourne-like run, this is it. Relaxed, vibey, leafy and aesthetic. Take a detour down the Capital City Trail for a bit of exploring and extra distance.

Capital City Trail

For those seeking a longer, immersive route, the 29 km Capital City Trail is Melbourne’s ultimate urban adventure. Connecting numerous neighborhoods, it winds through the Yarra River, Docklands, and Merri Creek, offering constantly changing scenery. This trail is ideal for endurance runners or those simply wanting a tour of Melbourne’s diverse landscapes. You’ll see city skylines, riverside parks, and even a touch of bushland, making it an engaging journey for all types of runners.

When I moved near to the CCT, I was genuinely shocked at how beautiful and diverse the trail is. At some points in the trail, you could be anywhere in the world, but you're just a stone throw from the Melbourne's city centre. It is a combination of paved track and gravel trail. In parts it's quite flat, in other parts you're met with lots of ups and downs.

Maribyrnong River Trail

Following the Maribyrnong River, this 25 km path offers peaceful riverside views and a unique mix of urban and natural environments. The trail starts near Docklands and stretches all the way to Brimbank Park, providing various entry points for shorter runs or longer distance training. Its meandering route passes parks, wetlands, and cafes, offering spots to rest and recharge. The Maribyrnong River Trail is ideal for anyone looking to escape the city’s hustle without traveling far.

The Maribyrnong River is home to many run clubs, including Full of Beans, a great inner north-west run club offering a supportive and inclusive running community. Full of Beans run at the Maribyrnong River each Wednesday evening.

Yarra Bend Park

As Melbourne’s largest area of natural bushland, Yarra Bend Park is a haven for runners who crave fresh air and quiet trails. It features numerous paths along the Yarra River, with distances to suit every level. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including fruit bats, and its serene trails are lined with eucalyptus trees. It’s the perfect choice for runners wanting a more adventurous, nature-filled experience within easy reach of the city center.

Keep in mind, as natural and beautiful as the trail is, it can get busy during peak times with plenty of walkers, runners, cyclists and dog-walkers using the trail. So if you're looking for a speedy run, best to avoid peak-hour.

St Kilda Beach and Bay Trail

For beach lovers, the Bay Trail from St Kilda Beach to Brighton is a scenic dream come true. Beginning at the lively St Kilda Beach, this coastal trail heads south, offering breathtaking ocean views and gentle sea breezes. Runners can enjoy the sandy stretches, palm trees, and iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes along the way. With its vibrant atmosphere, the trail is perfect for runners who enjoy combining exercise with a coastal, holiday-like vibe.

It's a busy track, for good reason. But the paved trail is really well-designed and offers ample room and access for runners, walker and cyclists alike.

Royal Park

Just north of Melbourne’s CBD, Royal Park offers wide-open spaces and scenic trails that wind through native bushland and grassy fields. Near the Melbourne Zoo, this 4.5 km loop attracts runners looking for a more relaxed, nature-centric environment. The park’s diverse landscapes, including wetlands and dense patches of trees, make it feel like a mini-escape from urban life. It’s also family-friendly, so runners can often see families enjoying picnics and other recreational activities.

For much of my life I have lived just a stone throw away from Royal Park. Okay, maybe a few stone throws away. But it took me until my mid-20's to appreciate and understand the diverse nature of Royal Park and how it is home to so much important wildlife in the area. Don't be afraid to take the gravel trails off the beaten track to discover more of the beautiful park.

Dandenong Ranges

For serious trail runners, the Dandenong Ranges provide a challenging but stunning destination with steep inclines and lush forests. Known for the famous 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, the ranges offer a tough workout with rewarding views over Melbourne. The misty eucalyptus forests and fern gullies make for a refreshing experience, and wildlife sightings are common. It’s an ideal spot for runners looking to challenge their endurance in a serene, natural setting.

The Dandenong Ranges is the home of the very popular Roller Coaster Run Melbourne.

Williamstown Foreshore

Let's not forget about some of the beautiful runs out West. The Williamstown Foreshore Trail is a scenic coastal path that stretches along the beautiful waterfront of Williamstown, offering runners spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline.

In my opinion, some of the best photos of Melbourne come from Williamstown, with beautiful unique views of the city on offer.

This gentle, well-paved trail winds past sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and picturesque parks, creating a refreshing environment for a leisurely run or walk.

Starting near the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, runners can enjoy glimpses of native flora and wildlife, with several cafes and picnic spots along the way for a well-deserved break. Ideal for all fitness levels, the Williamstown Foreshore Trail provides a peaceful yet vibrant coastal experience, blending natural beauty with local charm and history.

So there you go - these are some of the best and most popular running spots in Melbourne.

Melbourne’s diverse running spots offer something for every runner, from serene coastal paths and bustling city circuits to challenging forest trails. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a flat, easy route or an experienced runner seeking a demanding hill climb, Melbourne’s landscapes cater to all preferences.

Grab a running vest, fill up your water bottles and head out for your next adventure.