There’s no better way to experience Sydney than on foot. Boasting year-round running weather and a stunning backdrop of bays, ocean cliffs, and world-famous landmarks, the city is home to some of the most beautiful recreational tracks in the country.
In addition to these regular routes, Sydney also hosts an impressive lineup of annual fun runs. These events cater to all fitness levels and offer a unique opportunity to join thousands of others in support of great local causes.
Below, we’ve highlighted 11 of the best running tracks in Sydney. We’ve also included a dedicated list of this year’s upcoming fun runs.
1. Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay Loop
This popular 5 km loop is a local favourite, perfectly balancing the quiet, flat stretches of the Glebe Foreshore with the challenging ascent of the Anzac Bridge.
It’s a fantastic way to see the city skyline from a different perspective while soaking up the atmosphere of the harbour.
The climb up the bridge is fairly steep, but once you reach the midpoint, the panoramic views across the water are spectacular. The breezy descent on the other side is the ultimate reward, making you feel like you’ve truly earned your post-run coffee.
- Distance:
Approximately 5 km (allow 30–45 minutes). - Getting there:
Parking is generally available near the Glebe Foreshore parks, or you can try the suburban streets of Pyrmont closer to the bridge. - Public transport:
The Light Rail is incredibly convenient for this route, with five stations (including Rozelle Bay and Glebe) situated nearby.
2. Opera House, Botanic Garden and the Domain
For the ultimate Sydney running experience, look no further than a loop through the Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain.
This route takes you past the city’s most iconic architecture before hugging the sandstone shoreline out to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. It’s the perfect escape from the office grind, offering a refreshing harbour breeze and a front-row seat to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The beauty of this area is its versatility. You can stick to the flat, paved paths along the water or add some hill repeats on the grassy slopes of the Domain.
- Distance:
Highly flexible; a standard loop from Circular Quay and back is roughly 4–6 km. - Getting there:
Street parking is extremely limited and expensive in the city. If you’re driving, the Domain Car Park is your best bet, though it fills up quickly. - Public transport:
Extremely accessible. Circular Quay, St James, and Martin Place stations are all within a five-minute walk of the start.
3. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
The run from Bondi to Coogee is a bucket-list experience for any Sydney-sider. This world-famous clifftop track offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, weaving past bays, rock pools, and some of the city’s most popular beaches.
While there are a few staircases to navigate, the beauty of the coastline makes the kilometres fly by. If you aren’t quite up for the full trek, the Bondi to Bronte section is a shorter 2.5 km alternative that still packs in plenty of scenery.
Just a heads-up: this track is a magnet for tourists and daytrippers, especially on sunny weekends. To get a clear run and beat the heat, aim for an early start.
- Distance:
Approximately 6 km one-way (allow at least 45-60 minutes). - Getting there:
Parking can be a nightmare at both ends. Look for paid parking at the Bondi Pavilion or the residential streets behind Coogee Beach, but check the signs carefully. - Public transport:
Highly recommended. Take the 333 bus from Bondi Junction or the CBD to Bondi Beach, and the 373 or 374 bus from Coogee back to the city.
4. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Lavender Bay
Every Sydneysider should run or walk the Harbour Bridge at least once. While the traffic noise is a constant companion, there’s an undeniable thrill in crossing such a world-famous landmark on foot.
Once you hit the northern side, descend into Milsons Point and follow the shoreline past the iconic smile of Luna Park. From here, the path softens as it winds around scenic Lavender Bay.
At the north end of the Lavender Bay foreshore, walk up the steps to Wendy’s Secret Garden and return to the city via Lavender Street, Alfred Street, and the bridge.
- Distance:
Approximately 4–5 km for the loop from the CBD to Lavender Bay and back. - Getting there:
Start from the Bridge stairs at Cumberland Street in The Rocks. Paid street parking is available in the area, but it’s often easier to park in the North Sydney/Milsons Point residential streets. - Public transport:
Extremely easy. Hop off at Milsons Point Station to start on the north side, or Wynyard or Circular Quay for a southern start.
5. The Bay Run (Iron Cove Loop)
If you’re looking for the heart of Sydney’s running community, try the Bay Run.
This iconic 7 km loop hugs the shores of Iron Cove in the Inner West, offering a completely flat, paved path that’s perfect for setting a personal best. It’s a beautifully consistent run that takes you across the Iron Cove Bridge and past the leafy foreshores of Haberfield, Five Dock, and Lilyfield.
The Bay Run is a fantastic training ground; as the local saying goes, if you can lap the bay three times, you’re well on your way to tackling the Sydney Half Marathon.
- Distance:
A perfect 7 km loop. - Getting there:
Parking is available in dedicated car parks at King George Park (Rozelle) or along the residential streets of Haberfield and Lilyfield. - Public transport:
The Inner West Light Rail is your best friend here. Hop off at Leichhardt North or Lilyfield stations, both of which are just a short jog from the water’s edge.
6. The GreenWay (Cooks to Cove)
Opened in December 2025, the GreenWay is a transformative 6 km environmental corridor that links the Cooks River at Earlwood with the Parramatta River at Iron Cove.
Following the route of the Inner West Light Rail and the Hawthorne Canal, this dedicated shared path offers a seamless, mostly off-road track through the heart of the Inner West, passing through Lilyfield, Haberfield, Leichhardt, Summer Hill, and Dulwich Hill.
For runners, the GreenWay is a game-changer. Thanks to several impressive new tunnels and underpasses, you can now enjoy an uninterrupted flow between two of Sydney’s major waterways. Best of all, it connects directly to the Bay Run at the northern end and the Cooks River Cycleway at the southern end.
- Distance:
Approximately 6 km. - Getting there:
A good place to start is at Richard Murden Reserve (Haberfield) in the north. - Public transport:
Exceptionally easy to access via the L1 Dulwich Hill Light Rail, which runs parallel to the track.
7. Pyrmont and Darling Harbour
Few people, apart from Pyrmont locals, know how fantastic the Pyrmont Foreshore is. It’s great for a casual evening stroll or a comfortable short run.
This beautifully landscaped route follows the harbour’s edge, taking you through a string of modern parks including Pirrama Park and Pyrmont Point Park. It’s a fantastic, flat stretch of pavement that offers a unique perspective of the Anzac Bridge and the Balmain peninsula.
For those wanting to clock a few extra kilometres, continuing past the Maritime Museum into Darling Harbour is a great option. If the foot traffic is light, crossing the historic Pyrmont Bridge allows you to complete a full loop of the bay.
- Distance:
Approximately 4–5 km for the full loop through Darling Harbour. - Getting there:
Street parking is available along Pirrama Road or Bank Street, though it’s mostly metered. - Public transport:
The Light Rail is ideal here, with four stations near the track. Otherwise, catch a ferry to Pyrmont Bay.
8. Centennial Park Loop
Commonly referred to as Sydney’s answer to Central Park, Centennial Park is the ultimate sanctuary for runners and walkers. Tucked between the city and the Eastern Suburbs, it offers a welcome escape from the urban hustle.
The main Grand Drive loop is a flat 3.8 km circuit that features a dedicated lane for runners and walkers, making it a safe and social place to clock some kilometres.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your run, the park’s interior is crisscrossed with smaller trails that wind past scenic ponds and shaded groves.
- Distance:
3.8 km for the main loop, with endless variations available on the internal tracks. - Getting there:
Ample free parking is available along Grand Drive within the park, though it can fill up quickly on weekend mornings. - Public transport:
The L2 Randwick Light Rail (Royal Randwick stop) or the L3 Kingsford Light Rail (ES Marks stop) will drop you within a short jog of the park gates.
9. The River Walk in Sydney Olympic Park
For those who love a wide-open path and plenty of riverside scenery, the River Walk at Sydney Olympic Park is an excellent option.
Starting at the Olympic Park Wharf at the northern tip of Wentworth Point, this flat, sun-drenched route hugs the Parramatta River all the way to the Silverwater Bridge.
The track is beautifully maintained, winding past Blaxland Riverside Park and the historic Newington Armory. The paths are quite wide, making it an excellent spot for a weekend run without having to dodge too many other path-users.
- Distance:
Approximately 3 km one-way from the wharf to Silverwater Bridge. - Getting there:
There is paid parking near the ferry wharf, or free timed parking within the Blaxland Riverside Park area. - Public transport:
Arriving by Ferry (F3 Parramatta River service) is a great way to start. Alternatively, Rhodes Station is a 15-minute jog across the Bennelong Bridge to the start.
10. Manly Lagoon to Shelly Beach
For a classic sand and surf run, you can’t beat the stretch from Manly Lagoon to Shelly Beach.
Starting at the northern end of Queenscliff Beach, this mostly flat route follows the entire length of the Manly beachfront. It’s a spectacular way to take in the ocean air, with the wide promenade providing plenty of room to find your stride alongside surfers and beachgoers.
As you move south past the Corso, the path narrows as it hugs the rocky shoreline leading to Shelly Beach. While it can get a bit busy with weekend crowds, the stunning water views make it a nice, relaxing stretch.
- Distance:
Approximately 2.5 km one-way. - Getting there:
Look for parking around Manly Lagoon Reserve or on the residential streets of Queenscliff to avoid the congestion in central Manly. - Public transport:
The B1 bus to Manly or the F3 Ferry will bring you close to the ocean side of Manly.
11. Manly to North Head
The running track from Manly to North Head is perhaps not the most obvious choice when you want to go for a run, but the incredible views make it special.
Start in Manly and make your way to Shelly Beach. From there, find the track that leads to North Head, from where you’ll be running past the Shelly Headland Lookouts, the Bluefish Track, the Barracks Precinct, and Hanging Swamp, before reaching the scenic lookouts along the Fairfax Walk.
The second section of the walk, back into Manly past Collins Beach and Little Manly Beach, is a lot easier, especially knowing that many cafes are awaiting you, not to mention the beaches.
- Distance:
Approximately 9 km. - Getting there:
Paid parking is available at the Manly beachfront or the Shelly Beach car park. Alternatively, try the residential streets closer to North Head. - Public transport:
The Manly Ferry is the most scenic way to arrive. From the wharf, it’s just a short walk to the start of the track.
Fun Runs in Sydney
Sydney hosts a variety of fun runs throughout the year, with different distances available to suit runners of all fitness levels. While prizes are sometimes up for grabs, the focus is more on participation and having a great time.
One of the best aspects of these events is the chance to run for a good cause. You can set up an online donation page to promote your challenge and the charity you’re supporting.
Here are some of Sydney’s most popular fun runs.
1. Run2Cure
Held in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain, this family-friendly event offers a range of distances (1 km to 21.1 km). It’s a significant fundraiser for childhood cancer research.
Sunday 29 March 2026 – The Domain, Sydney.
2. MS Walk Run + Roll
Starting at Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont, this inclusive event supports people living with Multiple Sclerosis. It features 5 km and 10 km courses with stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour.
Sunday 19 April 2026 – Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont.
3. HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon
Formerly the SMH Half Marathon, this is one of Australia’s most prestigious road races. The 21.1 km course winds through the CBD, The Rocks, and Pyrmont, finishing at the Domain.
Sunday 3 May 2026 – Cahill Expressway, Sydney.
4. Balmoral Burn
Short but incredibly steep! Created by Wallaby legend Phil Kearns, this 420-metre race up Awaba Street in Mosman is a local favourite that tests your lungs and legs to raise money for children’s hospitals.
Sunday 24 May 2026 – Awaba Street, Mosman.
5. Mini Mos Community Fun Run
A community staple for over 40 years, this event in Mosman features 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km courses. It’s famous for its leafy, hilly suburban streets and high-energy atmosphere.
Sunday 14 June 2026 – Belmont Road, Mosman.
6. Sutherland 2 Surf
The Shire’s biggest fun run! This 11 km course runs from Sutherland to the beach at Cronulla. It’s a fast, relatively flat road race that attracts everyone from elite athletes to casual walkers.
Sunday 19 July 2026 – Sutherland.
7. Real Insurance Harbour 10
One of the flattest and fastest courses in the city. Starting at The Rocks, it hugs the shoreline of Sydney Harbour and Barangaroo, making it a prime event for setting a personal best.
Sunday 26 July 2026 – The Rocks, Sydney.
8. City2Surf
The heartbeat of Sydney and the world’s largest fun run. This iconic 14 km run takes 80,000+ participants from Hyde Park, over Heartbreak Hill, and down to the finish line at Bondi Beach.
Sunday 9 August 2026 – Hyde Park, Sydney.
9. TCS Sydney Marathon
Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, this is the pinnacle of Sydney racing. The course is world-class, crossing the Harbour Bridge and finishing on the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
Sunday 30 August 2026 – Miller Street, North Sydney.
10. Coastal Classic
A spectacular 30 km trail run from Otford to Bundeena through the Royal National Park. It features technical terrain, beaches, and cliff-top tracks with whale-watching opportunities.
Sunday 5 September 2026 – Otford Primary School, Otford.
