Sydney's five best running routes

Home to a sparkling harbour, kilometres of stunning coastline and some pretty good-looking natural wonders, Sydney is one of the world's most scenic running cities.

That’s why we asked five Sydney running clubs to share their favourite local route, as well as a few insider tips, so you can change it up on your next run.

1. Narrabeen Lakes, Northern Beaches

Nominated by: Vipers Run Club

Start & End: Bilarong Reserve is the best spot, with plenty of parking and toilet facilities.

Distance: 8.5km

Narrabeen Lakes offers a pleasant mix of nature and lake views that make the kilometres fly by. Sunrise is the best time here as you avoid the crowds as an added bonus. The loop has no traffic lights making it perfect for both speed and easy runs. And since it’s a loop, once you start, you’re committed to finishing. 

Insider tip: There are plenty of bubblers along the way, so no need to bring water, and there’s a few bridge crossings where you can walk to keep your breathing and heart rate controlled. Find more info here.

2. Kurnell Loop, The Shire

Nominated by: Underground Run Club

Start & End: Milkhouse Cafe, Kurnell.

Distance: 11-12km

This run is known in the area as one of the most spectacular runs in Sydney, and you’ll soon see why. There are incredible views out to the Pacific Ocean, the most amazing sunrises as you run along the cliff tops and (if you're lucky) you'll witness whales just offshore. This route is easier to navigate by running it anti clockwise. So, from the Milkhouse Cafe head back along Captain Cook Drive before making a left hand turn onto Sir Joseph Banks drive. This will take you all the way to the cliff tops where you will hang another left onto the rocky trails. Following the boardwalk and trails is pretty straight forward until you get to Cape Solander where there will be a number of road or trail options that will lead you back down to Captain Cook Drive and the finish at the Milkhouse Cafe. 

Insider tip: It’s relatively flat with some minor elevation but watch your step on the cliff tops as it can be uneven. Find more info here.

3. Malabar 10k, Eastern Suburbs

Nominated by: Coogee Run Club

Start & End: The top of the Rainbow Steps, Coogee Beach.

Distance: approx. 10km

This is a gorgeous coastal run from Coogee to Malabar Headland National Park and back with plenty of ups and downs along the way. It’s a challenging and varied route,

but lots of fun. The highlight is definitely the country’s most beautiful coastline, plus you might even see some dolphins and whales in the ocean as you run. Be warned though, the staggering coastline views will make you want to stop and take a photo every five minutes… You’ll find the Coogee Run Club here every Sunday at 8am – join them and share the experience! 

Insider tip: With an out and back route like this, you can take it easy one way and

enjoy the scenery in this beautiful part of Sydney. Find more info here.

4.  Iron Cove, Inner West

Nominated by: Sydney Striders

Start & End: Drummoyne swimming pool (or any other point around the bay).

Distance: 7km

Also known as the ‘Bay Run’, this scenic route can be enjoyed by any runner (or

walker). There’s plenty of water stops and toilet facilities around the area so if you want a stress-free run, you can just do an endless loop around the course. It’s generally pretty flat, however if you start from Drummoyne pool, there’s a gentle downhill with a tiny uphill at the end to get you up the bridge to close the loop for the last 800 metres. The route is super popular, so it gets extremely busy with dog walkers, families and cyclists alike, so your best bet is early morning or late arvo.

Insider tip: As the route is quite picturesque, you’ll never run out of distractions but consider a stop at one of the cafes around the loop for that post-run caffeine hit.

Find more info here.  

5. Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, South Western Sydney

Nominated by: Campbelltown Joggers Club

Start & End: The main car park.

Distance: 10km (Each loop is 5km so you can do one or both). At 416 hectares, these gardens are bigger than New York’s Central Park. There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery (and atmosphere) than by running along its many roads, paths and trails. There are so many options for running routes, with the easiest to navigate being the two main road loops incorporating both Caley and Cunningham Drives. Both loops are around 5km and start and stop near the main car park. Keen runners can continue along Cunningham Drive to complete 10km. This loop takes in the northern end of the gardens where you’ll see views across to the city and the Blue Mountains. The road winds and undulates through remnant Cumberland Woodlands before delivering you back to the main car park. The combined two loop course is challenging, and the elevation is intense for such a short run so even the most seasoned runners will be satisfied.

Insider tip: Always be aware of cars; there are lots of blind curves and a 30km speed limit that drivers may not always observe, and before you leave home, check there are no special events scheduled in the gardens that could restrict your access. Find more info here.

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