12 Scenic Australian Running Routes To Motivate You

Here come the endorphins. Find your perfect shoe and love the run even more with The Athlete's Foot.

1. Kings Park, Perth WA

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With most of the park protected as bushland, this haven in Western Perth has two designated walks that wind through beautiful scenery. You might even forget you're right outside Perth's CBD.

2. Bush to Beach Trail, WA

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The Bush to Beach Trail lies on Whadjuk Noongar land, and runs from near Kings Park all the way down to beautiful Cottesloe Beach, where you can watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

3. Surf Coast Walk, VIC

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It’s virtually impossible to think about your aching calves when you’re surrounded by such amazing coastal views. If you’re feeling ambitious you can tackle the whole path from Point Impossible to Fairhaven. Otherwise, just pick a section to run.

4. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, VIC

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Running up the 1.8km trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, it’s hard to believe you’re only an hour out of Melbourne. Hear those native birds squawking? They’re cheering you on.

5. Cape to Cape Walk, WA

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At 135km, this magnificent track in the Margaret River wine region is famed for being the longest coastal walk in Australia, and at a walking pace it takes about nine days to do the full thing. Again, pick a section, unless you're up for the challenge.

6. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, NSW

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Enjoy a good slap of fresh air on your run through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. With harbour views, lush greenery, and the odd galah, this track beats a treadmill any day.

7. Albert Park, Melbourne VIC

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Swans! Lake! Sunset! It’s so easy to get caught up in the picturesque surroundings you’ll have finished running the round-it-up-to-5km track before you know it.

8. Waterfall Bay, TAS

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This Tasman National Park trail runs through heathland and along the cliff tops, with beyond-spectacular coastal views. It's best seen just after rain, when the waterfall is at its most majestic.

9. Bondi to Coogee, NSW

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Stretching along stunning coastline, this track is famous for good reason. The entire path from Bondi to Coogee is around 6km long, but you can stop off for a dip at any of the beaches along the way – no judgement. Go early to avoid the crowds.

10. The Brisbane River, QLD

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Brissie Council has kindly set up three running courses along the Brisbane River, so you can take in the views of the skyline and the botanical gardens while doing some serious training. There's a map of the courses available here.

11. River Torrens, Adelaide SA

Photograph By David Messent / Getty Images

The River Torrens Linear Park Trail starts by the sea and passes through the City via Bonython and Elder Parks. And if you don't want to run alone? Every Saturday at 8am you can join the free 5km Park Run, at Torrens Lake Weir.

12. Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas QLD

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You haven't lived until you've run along Queensland's beloved Four Mile Beach. It may be ridiculously hot and sweaty (even before you start running), but hey, at least there’s some pretty epic water you can cool off in when you’re done.

A perfect run starts with the perfect running shoe. And with The Athlete's Foot, you'll find your fit.

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