Chase That Runner’s High On Sydney’s Best Running Tracks

There are two types of people in the world: those who love to run, and those who would prefer to run through this list of Sydney’s finest desserts.

Look, we all know running isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who are chasing the runner's high on the regular, finding a great new track to take is a great way to challenge yourself and switch things up with some fresh scenery.

Whether you’re racing other Sydney runners on Strava, or just catching up on your favourite podcast as you hit the pavement—Sydney’s got great running routes and you should absolutely try ‘em all.

These are Urban List's picks for Sydney’s very best running tracks.

Sydney's Best Running Tracks At A Glance

Jump to:

• Best Easy Running Tracks
• Best Challenging Running Tracks

Best Easy Running Tracks

The Bay Run

Drummoyne

Image credit: Darling Balmain Rozelle | Instagram

This sweet 7km route will take you right around Iron Cove with the Parramatta River sparkling beside you the entire time.

You’ll jog past the Leichhardt Rowers club and a series of green parks that line the shores of the bay (like Callan Park, which, as a side note, fronts the super creepy heritage-listed insane asylum, Callan Park Hospital). It’s pretty flat, save for a little rise to set you up onto the spectacular Iron Cove Bridge.

Insider intel

• Weekends are busy with walkers and families with pups in tow, but if you hit this run at sunset, it’s a little quieter and you’ll catch the bay when it (literally) glows gold and orange.

Sydney Park

St Peters

Another of Sydney’s best-kept urban secrets has to be Sydney Park. As well as its beautiful native gardens, rolling hills, epic picnic spots and secluded creeks, the 2km track that circles the park is a neat, pint-sized run with a few steep hills to get your heart pumping.

Insider intel

• If you're short on time, this run will sort you out, with a spectacular 360-degree view of the city from the top of its biggest hill. If you have the time, a couple of laps will make for a solid workout.

Parramatta Park

Parramatta

Image credit: Parra Park | Instagram

A chilled 3.2km loop that you might have to share with a couple of bikes, this track is on relatively easy and scenic terrain. You'll pass by historic landmarks like the Old Government House, the Dairy Cottage, the Boer War Memorial and The Crescent, a naturally occurring amphitheatre. 

Insider intel

• Part of the track will also take you along the banks of the Parramatta River, so there are plenty of sights to see.

Cronulla Esplanade

Cronulla

This 4km run takes you down the paved waterfront Esplanade that runs through Cronulla, so you can expect a fairly flat run with some great sightseeing along the way. The north end will begin as Smitty’s Walk at Elouera Beach, continuing south to Hungry Point Reserve.

This is a one-stop shop for all the best beaches in South Sydney, taking you past North Cronulla Beach, South Cronulla Beach, Shelly Beach, Oak Park Beach, Bass and FIanders Point, and Salmon Hall Preserve.

Insider intel

• If you want to keep things moving, the promenade can be connected up to Cronulla's heritage sand dunes at Wanda Beach—just take a brief detour along Mitchell Road.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park

Image credit: Cent Parklands | Instagram

This sprawling inner-city sanctuary has a lot to offer—wetlands, gardens, off-leash dog spots, horses, ducks and more. It’s also a big-time favourite for runners—with 3.5km flat loops on pavement and softer grass.

The only downside is you will have to mind the (occasionally obnoxious) lycra-loving cyclists that flood Centennial Park most mornings.

Insider Intel

• For an extra kick, make your way over to the mighty Moore Park hill for some challenging hill sprints (find it between the tennis courts and the Eastern Distributor).  

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Best Challenging Running Tracks

Bondi To Coogee

Bondi

Image credit: Sydney Visitor Centre | Instagram

It’s one of Sydney’s most iconic walking trails, snaking across the cliff tops of Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee. But spectacular views come at a cost, and in this case, it’s the crowds.

If that’s no issue for you, get set to soak up the salt air with the turquoise ocean by your side for close to 8km of running bliss. As you are moving up and down cliffs, the elevation on this route can be tough.

Insider intel

• Being the hub of the Eastern Suburbs, you’ve got water stations, rest stops, cafes and bars at the ready to step in and save you should you need it.

Narrabeen Lagoon

Narrabeen

Further north, the 8km Narrabeen Lagoon route will also have you jogging beside another of Sydney’s picturesque bodies of water. The lagoon is the Northern Beaches' largest, and as of 2015, it features boardwalks and bridges that circle it entirely.

Insider intel

• If cars and roads aren’t your vibe, this could be your new favourite run: you’ll head through lush bushland and natural reserves.

Moonrise Loop

Western Sydney Parklands

Image credit: Western Sydney Parklands | Instagram

For those who prefer the challenge of a trail, Moonrise Loop in Western Sydney Parklands delivers the perfect mix of endurance and scenery. Winding through some of the park’s most picturesque spots, this 6.2km circuit rolls across a mix of sealed and unsealed pathways, with gentle inclines that’ll keep your heart rate honest.

You’ll pass through open grasslands, wildflower fields, and forested pockets alive with bird calls—and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few kangaroos or wallabies along the way. Between the panoramic Moonrise Lookout, the Knoll Lookout, and the WaterNSW Upper Canal, there’s plenty of incentive to stop for a breather and take in the view.

Insider intel

• Start at Lizard Log for the best pre- or post-run setup—it’s home to a café, toilets, picnic shelters and even BBQs for a reward well earned.

Lane Cove National Park

Chatswood West

This leafy 10km road run loops through the centre of Lane Cove National Park. It’s considered one of Sydney’s best-kept running secrets, and if you’re up for a scenic route with lots of hills (there’s a pretty hectic one at the 4km mark), Lane Cove is the track for you.

Insider intel

• Park your car at the Delhi Road bridge side at Chatswood West, and get ready to feel the burn.

Spit To Manly

Mosman

Image credit: Hello Manly Official | Instagram

If the idea of running along bush tracks around Middle Harbour sounds like a big adventure to you, make sure you add the 9km Spit to Manly run to your list. As the name implies, it kicks off at the Spit Bridge and then hugs the coastline around Clontarf and Dobroyd Head before arriving at the Manly Ferry Wharf. It’s an undulating dirt-track vibe, so make sure your shoes can handle a little gravel slip-and-slide.

Insider intel

• If you’ve gone too hard, you’re in luck because you’re a stone’s throw from Manly Wharf Hotel, Queen Chow and Manly’s other best eats, as well as (duh) Manly Beach for a soul-reviving swim.

Karloo Track and Bottle Forest Trail Loop

Royal National Park

If you’re after a dose of classic Sydney bushland without straying too far from the train line, the Karloo Track and Bottle Forest Trail Loop is a winner. Starting and ending right near Heathcote Station, this 8km route dives straight into native scrubland, weaving past rugged sandstone outcrops, colourful wildflowers, and shaded gullies that feel worlds away from the suburbs above.

The highlight? Karloo Pool—a stunning natural swimming hole perfect for a mid-run cooldown on hot days. From there, you can push on to Uloola Falls for an extra challenge (and a worthy reward). There’s even a small campsite if you’re keen to turn your run into an overnight escape, but you’ll need to book ahead.

Insider intel

• Because the track begins outside the park, there’s no entry fee if you’re coming in on foot.

Main image credit: Sydney Marathon | Instagram

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