Manningham City Council’s Warrandyte Yarra River Water Frontage trail has been crowned Australia’s ultimate running track with a perfect ‘100’ score, followed by Merri-bek City Council’s Edgars Creek Parkland, with a running trail score of 95.87.
Health supplement brand, Fat Burners Only, analysed some of the most popular routes under 10 kilometres with moderate elevation gains on AllTrails. Each route was assessed on trail rating, scenic value and traffic levels. Additionally, Strava data was used to analyse the total number of run clubs within a 10-kilometre radius of the trails, the Air Quality Index for air quality, Green Spaces Better Places for canopy coverage, and the Bureau of Meteorology for average annual rainfall for the nearest weather station.
A customised index was then created to rank each of these seven factors to determine the ultimate running trail.
“With so many incredible running trails across Australia, choosing the right route can be overwhelming. The key to finding the best spots is balancing scenic beauty, social community and overall running conditions. Our findings reveal there are plenty of running spots to suit everyone’s taste. From dry, deserted tracks, to bustling coastal routes–there’s something for everyone,” said Fat Burners Only CEO, Paul Wigger.
Australia’s Top 10 Running Hotspots:
1) Warrandyte Yarra River Water Frontage
Manningham City Council’s Warrandyte Yarra River Water Frontage trail is Australia’s number one running hotspot, achieving an impressive ‘running trail’ score of 100. The area is a popular tourist spot for swimming, fishing, paddling, walking, picnics, and barbecues, but it also makes for the perfect running route. The 4.8-kilometre track is ideal for those who love to run socially, boasting the joint highest number of nearby run clubs totalling 1,693. It has one of the highest ‘greenery’ scores of 2.58, however, located around 50 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD, it has ‘heavy’ trail traffic meaning it’s best suited for a leisurely run.
2) Edgars Creek Parkland
Taking the second spot is Edgars Creek Parkland in the Merri-bek City Council LGA with a ‘running trial’ score of 95.87. This loop route is the best running hotspot for those looking for a slightly shorter trail at just 2.7 kilometres. Edgars Creek Parkland is also dog-friendly so for those who love to run with their furry friends, this would make for an ideal spot. The area is also home to the joint highest number of run clubs, making it another great route for runners who love that community feel.
3) The Woodland Walk
In third place is The Woodland Walk trail, which scored 89.53. The 2.6-kilometre loop route achieved an equal highest ‘greenery score’ while having good air quality, making it an ideal running spot for nature lovers. The route runs through the Jerrabomberra Wetland Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of birds such as Black Duck, Eurasian Coot, Dusky Moorhen and Purple Swamphen, meaning you can enjoy some bird-spotting on your way.
4) Nudgee Beach Wetlands Loop via Tuckeroo Park
In fourth place is Brisbane’s Nudgee Beach Wetlands Loop via Tuckeroo Park with a ‘running trail’ score of 84.21. The 4.2-kilometre route along the shoreline is an idyllic trail for runners to embark on, with a good scenery and greenery score, placing it within the top three most scenic routes on this list. The trail passes through Nudgee Beach Conservation Area, home to a diverse natural spot of coastal wetlands, mangroves, and mudflats. However, it has one of the highest annual rainfall averages so ensure you check the weather forecast before embarking on a run.
5) Kurnell Foreshore Walk
In the fifth spot is another beachfront route, is the Sutherland Shire’s Kurnell Foreshore Walk scoring 82.79. This foreshow track has one of the highest runner approvals at 4.6 stars, second only to Western Australia’s Canning River Regional Park trail. The track stretches along the foreshore of Botany Bay by Silver Beaches which tends to be more peaceful than other popular beaches in Sydney. With an abundance of greenery and a refreshing sea breeze, this makes for a great running trail.
6) Cleveland Point Walk
At number six is Cleveland Point Walk with a score of 76.2. The route located in the Redlands Coast region of Brisbane runs 3.7 kilometres with an elevation gain of 30 meters and is considered a moderately challenging route. This running trail offers calming views of the bay, and the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as dolphins, shorebirds, and sometimes even manatees whilst on your run.
7) Woodloes Walk Trail to Canning River Park
With a score of 74.28, Woodloes Walk Trail to Canning River Park takes the seventh place. Despite ranking seventh, the route actually has the highest runner rating at 4.8 out of 5 stars. It also ties with fellow Western Australia track, Tanker Jetty Park to Brandy Creek, with the highest air quality index of the top ten trails. Located in Perth’s southern suburbs, this peaceful 4.2-kilometre-long route takes you along the Canning River from Kent Street Weir to Masons Landing Park and back again, allowing runners to take in the beautiful biodiversity surrounding the area.
8) Tanker Jetty Park to Brandy Creek
In eighth position is the longest-running trail within the top ten, stretching 7.7 kilometres, Tanker Jetty Park to Brandy Creek, accruing a score of 72.58. The route is located in the Port of Bundaberg which boasts scenic coastline views, with a mixture of beach and bushland beauty. The dry running environment makes it especially appealing for runners, with the trail ranking joint first for the lowest annual rainfall, making for a great running spot year-round.
9) Hudson Square to Albatross Crescent Playground
In the ninth spot is Hudson Square to Albatross Crescent Playground with a score of 72.29. The out-and-back trail located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, has tied for the highest greenery score, along with The Woodland Walk, at 3.5, contributing to its overall high ranking.
10) Wolli Creek Regional Park to Nany Goat Hill
In the tenth spot, with a ‘running trail’ score of 71.85 is Wolli Creek Regional Park to Nany Goat Hill in the Bayside Council LGA. Despite ranking towards the latter end of this list, it is not one to be overlooked, with the highest photo count of 245, making it the most photographic route. The track takes you through a green oasis that stretches along Wolli Creek towards the local landmark of Nany Goat Hill which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area, from the Cooks River, Sydney Airport, and distant views of the city skyline and Botany Bay.
