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The Best Runs in Sydney for When You’re After a Scenic Route
Ready for a new route? Try our edit of the best runs in Sydney.
Sydney’s best runs range from the harbour views along Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House, to the dog-friendly Glebe foreshore at Blackwattle Bay, to the whale-watching headland trail from Maroubra to Malabar. There’s no better place to run than the great outdoors, and no better city to enjoy it in than Sydney, where a winding coastline spoils runners for choice on trails with an ocean view close by.
Further from the coast, the Narrabeen Lagoon Loop and Lane Cove National Park’s Riverside Walking Track offer flatter, bush-immersed alternatives, while Western Sydney dwellers get their own daily backdrop along the Parramatta River. Whichever route you choose, this edit covers Sydney’s harbour, headland and bushland options for every kind of runner. Ready? Read on for the best runs in Sydney.
In This Guide:
Best Runs in Sydney for Harbour and Ocean Views
Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House
Keen to sightsee while you run? The Barangaroo Reserve to Sydney Opera House running track takes you under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the heritage-listed wharves at Walsh Bay, and through bustling Circular Quay to the Opera House. Finish with a cool-down stroll through the scenic Sydney Botanic Gardens. Barangaroo even has its very own Run Club for those who like to train and run with a group.
Where: Barangaroo
Cost: Free
Best For: Unique experiences, Outdoor, Visitors
Need To Know: Barangaroo Run Club offers group training sessions for those who prefer to run with others.
Maroubra to Malabar
Fancy an ocean view while you run but without the crowds? Try the less well-known but equally beautiful route from Maroubra to Malabar. Follow the trail from Maroubra along the Boora Point Walking Track and on to Malabar. From May to November, this section of the headland is prime whale-watching territory, so keep your eyes peeled.
Where: Maroubra
Cost: Free
Best For: Nature lovers, Outdoor, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Whale watching season runs May to November along this section of headland.
Best Dog-Friendly Runs in Sydney
Blackwattle Bay (Glebe Foreshore)
Blackwattle Bay is perfect for those who like to run with a furry friend. Dogs abound, and there are designated off-leash areas where you can throw your pooch a ball when your run is over. This 5km run snakes along the Glebe foreshore, offering views of the Anzac Bridge and Balmain. Afterwards, reward yourself for your hard work with a coffee at one of the numerous cafes lining Glebe Point Road.
Where: Glebe
Cost: Free
Best For: Dog-friendly, Outdoor, Locals
Need To Know: Off-leash areas are available along the route.
Bay Run (Iron Cove)
This 7km loop is well-loved by Sydney’s running community. The Bay Run track is in excellent condition and not too hilly, making it perfect for both beginners and more advanced runners. Finish your workout with a visit to the Birkenhead Point Outlet, where you’ll find designer brands at a steal.
Where: Drummoyne
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Active, Weekend plans
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Best Runs in Sydney for Beginners
Centennial Park
This lush parkland in the heart of the city is a favourite for cyclists, dog-walkers and, of course, runners. Head over on a sunny Saturday and you’ll find run clubs and individual runners pounding the pavement. But don’t worry, with 189 hectares, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Most people choose to run the Grand Loop (the road following the circumference of the park) which sits at approximately 3.8km. Want to go further? Run a second lap! When you need to refuel, you’ll find plenty of kiosks and cafes dotted across the ground serving everything from brunch fare to gelato.
Where: Centennial Park
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, Outdoor, Weekend plans
Best Bushland and Riverside Runs Away From the City
Lane Cove National Park
The Riverside Walking Track is a 5km (one-way) track in the picturesque Lane Cove National Park. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush—all while just 20 minutes from the CBD. Leave your earbuds at home for this gorgeously immersive run through the national park and bask in the sounds of local wildlife.
Where: Lane Cove
Cost: Free
Best For: Nature lovers, Outdoor
Narrabeen Lagoon Loop
Northern Beaches runners, rejoice! The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a fairly flat run with breathtaking views. At just over 8km, it’s a great one for intermediate runners, but if you get tired, you can always walk the remainder of the track. Take a dip in the beautiful Lagoon to cool down once you’re done, or hire a stand-up paddle board to take even more of the Lagoon’s unique scenery.
Where: Narrabeen
Cost: Free
Best For: Nature lovers, Outdoor, Active
Need To Know: The track can be walked for the remainder if needed. Stand-up paddle board hire is available at the lagoon afterwards.
Olympic Park to Parramatta
Make like an Olympian and run from Olympic Park to Parramatta. This run is not for the faint of heart, following the approximate contours of the Paramatta Marathon Three Bridges Run, and will take you along the Parramatta River into the heart of Sydney’s second CBD.
Where: Olympic Park
Cost: Free
Best For: Active, Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney’s Best Runs
Sydney offers running routes to suit every level and interest. The Bay Run around Iron Cove is a well-loved 7km loop that’s flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced runners. For something more scenic, the route from Barangaroo Reserve to the Sydney Opera House takes in the Harbour Bridge, Walsh Bay’s heritage wharves, and Circular Quay. There’s no single “best” track, the right one depends on whether you’re after flat and reliable, harbourside and scenic, or bushland and quiet.
Blackwattle Bay along the Glebe foreshore is one of Sydney’s most dog-friendly running routes, with designated off-leash areas where dogs can play once the run is done. The 5km track follows the foreshore with views of the Anzac Bridge and Balmain, and finishes near the cafes of Glebe Point Road, making it easy to reward both yourself and your dog afterwards.
The Bay Run around Iron Cove is widely regarded as one of Sydney’s flattest and most consistent running tracks. At 7km, it’s in excellent condition year-round and suits beginners as well as more advanced runners training for distance. The Narrabeen Lagoon Loop on the Northern Beaches is another largely flat option, running just over 8km with the choice to walk any remaining distance if needed.
Yes. The route from Barangaroo Reserve to the Sydney Opera House is one of Sydney’s most scenic harbourside runs, passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and through Circular Quay before finishing near the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a popular choice for visitors and locals wanting to sightsee while they train, and Barangaroo also runs its own group run club sessions.
The Bay Run around Iron Cove is considered one of Sydney’s most beginner-friendly routes thanks to its flat terrain and well-maintained path. Centennial Park’s Grand Loop, at approximately 3.8km, is another accessible option in the heart of the city, with the flexibility to run an extra lap for a longer session, and kiosks nearby for refuelling afterwards.
If you enjoyed this edit of the best runs in Sydney and are keen to explore more of the city on foot, be sure to take a peek at our edits of the best hikes in Sydney and the best walks in the Royal National Park.
