Top running routes in Brisbane

Ready for a change of scenery? Lace up your trainers and mix it up with Brisbane’s best running routes. Our lifestyle city is perfect for an outdoor run along the river or through sprawling greenspace.  

We have views to inspire and tracks and terrains to suit all running levels, whether you're just starting out, a regular or experienced runner, or preparing for your first Bridge to Brisbane event – all just a hop, skip and a jog from your doorstep! Let's go!

Bridge to Brisbane trail

The annual Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane event has two race options - 4.5 kilometres or 10 kilometres.

Designed for beginners, the 4.5-kilometre course starts in Hamilton, and heads along Brisbane River, to end in the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills.

The 10-kilometre course (nicknamed 'the ultimate challenge') kicks off at the base of the Gateway Bridge, with the course giving runners a chance to run over the bridge and to the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The great thing about this event is that you can raise funds for a worthy cause and share the love. Get fit and feel good!

Distance: 4.5 or 10 kilometres
Start points: 4.5-kilometre route starts at Hercules Street Park, Hamilton; 10-kilometre route starts at the base of the Gateway Bridge, Murarrie
Transport options: Shuttle buses running to the starting point of each course on the event day

River run

The 5-kilometre route between the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most scenic with stunning views of the Brisbane River, City Botanic Gardens and Howard Smith Wharves.  

For the return trip, make it a 10-kilometre run, or hop on a CityCat to see the city from a different perspective.  

Distance: 5 kilometres
Add-on: 4 kilometres from New Farm Park to Newstead, or a one-kilometre lap of New Farm Park
Terrain: Paved, flat
Start point: Run from QUT Gardens Point Campus
Transport options: QUT or New Farm ferry terminals

Mariner's Reach, Newstead

Triple park run

If you like the sound of leafy, waterside scenery for a southside jog, follow the three-park river stretch, including Orleigh Park, West End Riverside Lands Park and Davies Park at West End. You’ll also find free outdoor gyms along the run to help switch up your movement. 

Distance: 5 kilometres
Terrain: Paved, mostly flat
Start point: Orleigh Park, West End
Transport options: West End ferry terminal, Blue CityGlider, or car with parking at Davies Park and Orleigh Park

Epic views

Kangaroo Point Cliffs has epic skyline views to keep you motivated. Make your way down to the iconic Story Bridge and back along the waterfront, giving you around four kilometres of riverside running.  

Want an extra challenge? Sprint the cliff steps – all 107 of them! From the stairs, it's 1.8 kilometres to Captain Burke Park.

Distance: About 4 kilometres of waterfront running on Kangaroo Point (not including stair climb)
Add-on: Kangaroo Point to South Bank Cultural Forecourt is 2.1 kilometres
Terrain: Flat (except for optional stair climb)
Start point: CBD or South Bank, Holman Street ferry terminal
Transport options: Bus options and Holman Street ferry terminal nearby

Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point

Go off road

Head to Mt Coot-tha Reserve, less than 30-minutes from the city by car. There are over 70 nature tracks and trails across the Mt Coot-tha precinct, that also make great trail running routes.  

The 1.9-kilometre Summit Track takes you up to the iconic Mt Coot-tha Lookout, where you can have a stretch or coffee at the cafe and soak up the incredible views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay before jogging back down.  

Mt Coot-tha boasts more than 50 kilometres of trails for those who want to switch the pavement for interesting terrain that’s not too rugged.  

Distance: Many options - Summit Track is 1.9 kilometres, Honeyeater Track is 2.1 kilometres
Terrain: Depends on the trail
Start point: J. C. Slaughter Falls picnic area is one of the main starting points - see track map for details
Transport options: Car or public transport

Enoggera, easy as!

New to running or want to ease into it? The Enoggera Creek Bikeway is a hassle-free run that follows the creek through a series of parks. Starting at The Gap, this 13-kilometre signposted path weaves through Brisbane’s northside suburbs of Windsor, Wilston, and Newmarket. 

From Newmarket, it is around 2 kilometres to Bancroft Park in Kelvin Grove, and four kilometres to Downey Park in Windsor.  Running from Bishop Street Park in Kelvin Grove will step you through a 5-kilometre track.  

Distance: 2-13 kilometres (one way)
Terrain: Mostly flat, paved
Start point: Anywhere along the path
Transport options: Train and bus

Bayside beauty

Does your exercise routine need a sea change? The spectacular 6.5-kilometre Sandgate Foreshore promenade from Shorncliffe to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge is one of the most beautiful water runs around, and only about half an hour by car or train from Brisbane City.  

For a bay run on the southside, try the 5-kilometre return Wynnum Manly foreshore run through Bayside Park. 

Both Sandgate and Wynnum foreshores are home to popular parkrun events, so shake a leg and make the most of our cracking coastline! 

Distance: Sandgate Foreshore - 6.5 kilometres, Wynnum Manly Foreshore - five kilometres return
Terrain: Paved, flat
Start point: Moora Park in Shorncliffe or Bayside Park in Manly
Transport options: Car is best for both, or train to Shorncliffe station or Manly station

White line fever

Get in the zone on the pedestrian path along Kedron Brook Bikeway. Pump up your playlist and forget the need to navigate as the 23-kilometre northside path takes you from bright green grass and lush bushland to rainforest and open fields. 

Distance: 23 kilometres including the Jim Soorley Bikeway, between Doorey Street at Keperra and Nudgee Road, Nudgee
Terrain: Flat, paved with some sections on road and some separated bike and pedestrian paths
Start point: Anywhere along the path
Transport options: Train station in Toombul or car

Lace up closer to home

Beginners and experienced runners come together weekly at local parkrun events across Brisbane. Beat your personal best with a Saturday morning run with the family. Check out the Brisbane app to find a spot for a post-run beverage of choice.

Related links

**This blog was updated in August 2023.**

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Topics: things to do

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