Sydney is an ideal city for a run. With its nearly perfect climate, it offers a variety of scenic tracks that pass by beautiful bays, parks, ocean cliffs, and iconic landmarks.
The city also hosts several fun runs each year, encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved. Many of these events support charities, giving you another great reason to join in.
Below, we’ve listed our ten favourite scenic running and jogging tracks in Sydney. Depending on your fitness level, you can tackle smaller sections or add a few extra kilometres to push yourself.
Further down, you’ll find a list of fun runs scheduled for this year.
1. Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay Loop
The loop around Blackwattle Bay and Rozelle Bay, taking in the Glebe Foreshore and the Anzac Bridge is a popular track for weekend runners.
The loop is around 5 kilometres long and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. The Anzac Bridge is a challenge as it’s pretty steep, but once you’re halfway and on your way down, you will feel like a million dollars.
Parking is available at the Glebe Foreshore Parks; otherwise, try suburban street parking in Pyrmont close to the Anzac Bridge. If you’re travelling by public transport, there are four light rail stations close to the route, between Fish Market and Rozelle Bay.
2. Opera House, Botanic Garden and the Domain
If you’ve ever worked in the city, you’ve probably seen the many joggers and runners working out at lunchtime.
What better way to spend your afternoon break than with a refreshing run in the Sydney CBD via the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the Botanic Gardens and the Domain.
You can make this run as short or as long as you like. With such fantastic scenery and with so many fellow runners around you, motivation will not be an issue.
3. Bondi to Coogee
Running between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach is a fantastic experience and is not as hard as some may think. The scenery along Sydney’s coastline doesn’t get any better, which certainly gives you a boost.
The track between Bondi and Coogee is approximately 6 km and should take around 50 minutes to complete. If you want to do a shorter run, you can try the Bondi to Bronte section, which is only 2.5 km long.
Be mindful that it gets very busy on the weekends with tourists and daytrippers, so it’s recommended to go early in the morning to make the most of your workout.
4. Harbour Bridge and Lavender Bay
If you’re a true Sydneysider, you should run or walk the Harbour Bridge at least once in your life.
The walkway gets noisy with traffic, but you will feel great knowing you’re running across one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.
At the other side of the bridge, make your way to Luna Park and continue running along the Lavender Bay foreshore. If you’re feeling very energetic, you can go a bit further and run around McMahons Point.
Otherwise, you can go through Wendy’s Secret Garden and return to the city via Lavender Street, Alfred Street, and the bridge.
5. The Bay Run Around Iron Cove
The Bay Run is one of Sydney’s most popular running tracks.
This relatively easy 7 km long track takes you along the beautiful shores of Iron Cove Bay in Sydney’s inner west. Do the loop three times, and you’re ready for the Sydney half marathon!
Note that on the weekends, especially when the sun is out, the Bay Run gets quite busy with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
6. 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 worthwhile.
Start in Manly and make your way to Shelly Beach. From there, find the track that leads to North Head. This bit is not the easiest section to run as it’s going uphill, so some running fitness is expected.
The panoramic views you’ll get to enjoy once you’re at the top are amazing. The run downhill back to Manly is a lot easier, especially knowing that many cafes are awaiting you, not to mention the beaches.
7. Pyrmont and Darling Harbour
Few people, apart from Pyrmont locals, know how fantastic the Pyrmont waterfront is. It’s great for a casual evening stroll or a comfortable short run.
Start at Bank Street and follow the landscaped shoreline that runs past Waterfront Park, Pirrama Park, Pyrmont Point Park, Jones Bay and the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.
If it’s not too crowded, cross the Pyrmont Bridge and loop around Darling Harbour before returning to your starting point.
8. Centennial Park Run
Centennial Park is a favourite spot for many local Sydneysiders to go for a run or a walk. Nestled between the Sydney CBD and Bondi Beach, Centennial Park always feels like an escape from the city.
Running here is easy, with a flat 4 km circle track. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, explore the centre of the park, too, with lots of different routes and ponds to discover.
9. River Walk in Sydney Olympic Park
The scenic River Walk in Sydney Olympic Park starts at the Olympic Park ferry wharf at the northern tip of Wentworth Point and follows the shoreline to the Silverwater Bridge.
This fantastic walking track and running route passes Newington Park, the Newington Armery, Blaxland Riverside Park, and Wilson Park.
10. Manly Lagoon to Shelly Beach
This scenic route starts from the Manly Lagoon Reserve at the north end of Queenscliff Beach and continues all the way to Shelly Beach, south of Manly Beach.
The path along the oceanfront is generally quite wide, with enough space for pedestrians and parents with prams.
However, things can get a little more cramped and busy towards Shelly Beach, especially during weekends. However, on a weekday, there should be enough space to get a good workout in.
If this running route is too short, you can extend it at the Queenscliff end and continue to Freshwater Beach and Curl Curl Beach.
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 Sydney
Organised by volunteer charity Neuroblastoma Australia, the Run2Cure involves a 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, 3 km and 1 km fun run/walk to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute, Cancer Council NSW and The Kids’ Cancer Project for research into neuroblastoma.
Sunday 6 April 2025 – The Domain.
2. Sutherland 2 Surf
The Sutherland2Surf is a 2 km, 5 km and 11 km long fun run and walk hosted by the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club. Run or walk from Sutherland to Cronulla and raise funds for a charity.
Sunday 20 July 2025 – Sutherland.
3. Sydney Harbour 10K & 5K
One of the most popular running events in Sydney, the Sydney Harbour 10K & 5K starts and finishes in The Rocks. Running or walking, competitive or social, it’s entirely up to you, but a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
Sunday 27 July 2025 – The Rocks, Sydney.
4. City 2 Surf
Famous around the world, the City2Surf race draws massive crowds each year in August. No less than 85,000 runners and joggers make their way from the city to Bondi Beach. Enter as an individual or a team, and raise money for your chosen charity.
Sunday 10 August 2025 – Sydney.
