Australia's Best Trail Runs Near Major CBDs

In the midst of a busy life, it can be difficult to find the time to head out to trails that are far away. Your inbox is out of control, work deadlines are mounting, and your boss has you travelling everywhere every month. At TRM, we want our trail runners to get the most out of hitting the great outdoors, and that doesn’t mean having to drive two or three hours to get there. Tiffany Watson has put together a list of the best trail runs under an hour away from your closest Aussie CBD. 

It happens. Sometimes you switch the bush for treadmills, cruisy downhills for pavement bashing, and your foam roller’s been gathering dust for weeks on end. 

But what if you could be on the trails in under an hour? 

The number of nature trails in or around our Australian cities is more than you think. Even Melbourne has some spectacular national parks and gorges all under an hour from the CBD. 

So, dust off your foam roller, prep your packs, and get ready to be racing along technical tracks, and puffing up punchy hills before you have time to put on your toe socks. Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way because you’ll be surprised who you might share your run with. 

Melbourne

A trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without clocking your time on the Tan Track. Sadly, getting close to the records set by Olympic runners Craig Mottram and Jessica Hull is off the cards for most of us. Plus, you’re probably looking for something with a little more dirt. 

Main Yarra Trail | 18km | Start: Fairfield Boathouse | Finish: Southbank

You don’t have to venture far from the city to find some nature filled trails. The Yarra River Trail in Yarra Bend Park is just 15 minutes from the centre and perfect for a morning or sunset trot. What it lacks in flowing single tracks, it makes up for in accessibility to the metro area, and beautiful views of the river throughout. For a great view of the city head to Wurundjeri Spur Lookout and if you go at dusk, look out for the famous local bats. 

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk | 10km | Circular Trail

For technical tracks and punchy hills, head out to Werribee Gorge State Park. Fifty minutes from Melbourne centre you’re met with wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging trails amid the steep, river-washed gorges will keep even the most experienced trail runner on their toes. Test your agility on the ‘iron way’, a 50m section of trail consisting of metal cables held with iron pins to assist you along the narrow rocky trail along the riverbed. 

Hobart 

Those living in Hobart are spoilt for choice! Run from the city in almost any direction and you can be on the trails within six minutes. Hobart Trail Runners’ favourite spot is the summit of Knocklofty. This ‘High Hill’ is home to an incredible network of bush trails that are conveniently the closest to the CBD. 

Summit Loop, Knocklofty Reserve | 4km | Circular Trail

Six minutes from the centre of Hobart, Knocklofty is an outdoor lover’s playground. Jog through the forest foothills of Mt Wellington along the Summit Loop path, past many highlights including ‘Frog Ponds’, a rehabilitated dam now a wetland habitat teaming with life! 

Organ Pipes Track | 9.2km | kunanyi/Mount Wellington 

If you’re after something a little longer, the Organ Pipes Track is a great runnable trail. Plenty of cruisy, downhill single track, mesmerising forests, and selfie-worthy views. A 20 minute drive from the CBD this diverse loop passes historic huts and the curious geological features called The Organ Pipes – one of the most distinctive features on kunanyi, the columns of dolerite (120m) were formed as subsurface molten rock cooled and contracted into regular hexagonal pillars. Local trail runners connect this trail with the Pinnacle and Zig Zag tracks for some added elevation and enjoyable downhills.

Adelaide 

In just over 20 minutes you can go from patting the Rundle Mall bronze pigs in central Adelaide, to the trail head of Mount Lofty. With pristine trails this close to the city, it’s no wonder the Adelaide trail running scene is exploding. Exciting new events and series throughout the year have created a fantastic trail running community. 

Steub Trail to Mt. Lofty Summit | 7km | Cleland National Park

The Steub Trail is a favourite with the Adelaide Trail Runners. Owner and founder of the club Brett Crosby claims this ‘a downhill lover’s dream trail’ Enjoy panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast before the flowing descent back to the start. 

Pengana Spur Track & Chambers Gully Loop | 11km | Cleland National Park

The Pengana Spur Track will get your calves burning; it’s 1.4km in length and with over 100m of elevation, after only a few reps your legs will be indestructible. If you have more time, resident trail runners recommend combining Pengana Spur Track with Chambers Gully Loop for the perfect 11km trail run. 

Sydney

Trail running in Sydney is a little more populated than other cities but no less beautiful. Rugged coastlines and historic lighthouses have created a web of interconnecting trails in and around the CBD. A celebrated trail destination is Manly. The scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay takes around 20 minutes but the trails you hit when you get there offer some of the best views in Sydney. 

Spit Bridge to Manly | 10.5km | Sydney Harbour National Park 

This popular route is normally done from Spit Bridge to Manly, but if you’re coming from the ferry you might want to start in Manly. The trail follows the Manly Scenic Walkway all the way to Spit Bridge. You’ll be passing sandy beaches, ancient Aboriginal sites, stunning viewpoints. 

Harbour Bridge to Spit Bridge | 16km | Sydney Harbour National Park

Tread the paths of history along this superbly scenic route. Starting on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge the path passes harbour fortifications and Federation homes, then takes you through beautiful bushland and rainforest remnants. 

Perth 

Perth is full of surprises when it comes to trails, home to one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park, as well as the third longest hiking trail in Australia, the Bibbulmun Track. The latter will take you through ancient jarrah forests, dotted with balga and zamia plants and up granite monadnock summits.

Kings Park | 2km – 12km | Perth CBD 

This beautiful inner-city park is home to the spectacular WA Botanic Garden, which displays more than 3,000 species of the state’s unique flora. With multiple interconnecting trails throughout the park the routes are endless. The terrain is gentle with tracks past unique native bush land and botanical gardens. 

Kalamunda to Hewitts Hut Bibbulmun | 20.8km | Kalamunda National Park

Kalamunda marks the start of the Bibbulmun Track, the third longest hiking trail in Australia. This popular section is well marked and a favourite route for local trail runners. The terrain is with about 750m of elevation. Enjoy views across Piesse Brook, a waterfall in winter, and lots of wildflowers in spring. 

Brisbane

Shh! Don’t tell anyone but Brisbane has some fantastic city trails. It might be a little hot and sticky but if you can handle the heat, you’re in for some trail running fun along these tracks. Plus, you might spot a koala or tawny frogmouth along the way. 

Seven Hills Bushland Reserve | 3km – 7km | Brisbane suburbs 

About 15 minutes from the CBD this 50ha bushland area in southern suburbia is an undiscovered trail haven. There are two main loops within the park, the Seven Hills Circuit and the Ridge Track loop. Unwind with a gentle 5-7km along these wide undulating paths shaded by gum trees and grey-trunked eucalypts.

Mt Coot-tha Reserve | 5km – 25km | Brisbane suburbs 

Disconnect from city life along the extensive trails found in Mt Coot-tha Reserve. About 15 minutes from the city and you’re surrounded by 1,600ha of open Eucalypt forest and 70 routes to choose from. If the number of trails doesn’t impress you, then the sweeping view of the city from Mt Coot-tha lookout surely will. There’s even a café at the top so you can enjoy a morning coffee before heading down.  

Canberra

Affectionately known as the ‘Bush Capital’ this unique planned city is the only Aussie capital that isn’t on the coast. Surrounded by mountains, native bushland and the National Arboretum, Canberra has an abundant amount of picture-perfect trails. 

Kokoda Track | 4.5km | Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve 

It’s hard to miss Mt Ainslie standing in solidarity behind the Australian War Memorial. With a height of 843m this trail offers great elevation for you all hill lovers. The track follows the Kokoda Trail to the summit and is well worth the climb for the great views of Canberra and the best way to take in capitals magnificent setting and international award-winning design features.

Darwin

Not all crocs and sunsets, Darwin has some great central trails to discover too. With monsoon and mangrove forests this unique landscape is home to some of Australia’s most deadly wildlife. Remember to stick to the path at all times.

East Point Science Trail | 7.3km | East Point Reserve 

This trail is a coast wonderland with Mangrove forests and elevated boardwalks protecting you from the snappy locals below. Whilst you do have to keep your eyes peeled for lurking residents, you’re well protected by the walkways and railings. Explore the winding trails through the monsoon forest home to many native birds including the Pied Imperial Pigeons and Rose-crowned Fruit-doves.