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. 

Brisbane has tracks and terrains to suit all running levels. Whether you're a beginner, a regular runner, or preparing for your first running event, there's a run for for you! Let's go!

River run

The 5-kilometre route from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to New Farm is one of Brisbane’s favourite routes. It has 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

Triple park run

If you enjoy running with leafy surroundings and waterfront views, explore the 3-park river stretch on the southside. This scenic route includes 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. Run down to the iconic Story Bridge and return along the riverfront.

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

Go off road

Visit Mt Coot-tha Reserve, just a short 30-minute drive from the city. Explore the expansive network of over 70 nature tracks and trails,which are perfect for trail running.

Embark on the 1.9 kilometre Summit Track leading to the iconic Mt Coot-tha Lookout and back. Enjoy a moment up top to relax, stretch or refuel at the cafe while taking in stunning views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay.

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 about 2 kilometres to Bancroft Park, Kelvin Grove and 4 kilometres to Downey Park, 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

If you're looking to switch up your exercise routine, consider heading to the stunning Sandgate Foreshore promenade. This picturesque, waterfront path stretches from Shorncliffe to the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge in Brighton.

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

Distance: Sandgate Foreshore - 6.5 kilometres, Wynnum Manly Foreshore - 5 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 enjoy the view as the landscape changes 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

Find running events

To find even group running events near you, visit our What's on in Brisbane calendar.