After living two years in Australia, I’ve found Sydney to be a runner’s paradise. Whether you want ocean views, leafy park loops, or a skyline backdrop, the city delivers. With coastal paths, iconic landmarks, and hidden green spaces, every run can feel like a mini-adventure. Here are my favorite routes.
With just days to go before the Sydney Marathon 2025, let’s explore some of Sydney’s most scenic running routes that balance beauty, accessibility, and variety.
1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Path #
If you’ve ever seen photos of Sydney runners with dramatic cliffside views, this is the route. Stretching about 6 km one way, the path winds along the coast with a mix of paved sections, stairs, and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll pass ocean cliffs, rock pools, and some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches.
This path is popular (read: busy on weekends), but the views more than make up for dodging a few tourists.
2. The Bay Run (Iron Cove) #
The Bay Run is a local favorite, offering a flat and scenic loop around Iron Cove that’s perfect for social or solo running. At about 7 km long, it’s fully paved and shared with cyclists, making it ideal for uninterrupted miles. Runners are rewarded with sweeping water views, mangrove-lined paths, and — as a bonus — plenty of dog sightings.
It’s perfect for steady long runs or interval workouts without traffic interruptions.
3. Centennial Parklands #
Think of it as Sydney’s “Central Park” — but with cockatoos. Centennial Park offers a variety of running options, with the main road loop stretching about 3.5 km. The terrain is a mix of pavement, grass, and trail, giving runners plenty of variety depending on their training needs. Between the shaded tree-lined avenues, serene ponds, and wide-open fields, it’s a versatile and refreshing place to log kilometres.
This one’s great for variety: tempo runs on the road loop or easy miles on the trails.
4. Sydney Harbour Foreshore #
This has been my favorite route over the last two years; I’ve run it up to four times a week. Running past the Opera House never gets old. This route can be tailored to your distance, with the stretch from Circular Quay to Barangaroo covering roughly 4 km. The surface is mostly paved, though a few stairs add a touch of challenge. Along the way, runners enjoy some of Sydney’s most iconic sights — from the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House — framed by the glistening city skyline.
Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Nothing beats sunrise along the harbour.
5. The City2Surf Route to Bondi #
Australia’s most famous road race deserves a spot on your running list — even outside race day. Starting in Hyde Park and finishing at Bondi Beach, this 14 km route follows city streets and winding suburban roads, with the infamous Heartbreak Hill testing both legs and spirit. Along the way, runners are treated to glimpses of the harbour, shaded tree-lined sections, and finally, the unforgettable downhill into Bondi with the ocean spread out before you.
I had the chance to run both editions of City2Surf in 2024 and 2025, and whether sunny or rainy, this route felt electric. You won’t feel alone with up to 90,000 runners alongside you. The final stretch down to Bondi with the ocean in view is a moment every Sydney runner should experience.
Tips for Scenic Sydney Runs #
- Go early: Beat both the crowds and the midday sun.
- Hydrate smart: Water fountains are available but not everywhere.
- Mix routes: Combine a harbour loop with a park detour for variety.
👉 Don’t forget to stretch and recover properly regardless of the routes and distances chosen.
Sydney spoils runners with its variety: coastal paths for drama, parks for peace, and harbour views for sheer wow factor. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just logging casual miles, these routes keep running fresh and motivating.
Curious about other cities I’ve explored? Check some of my favorite scenic route in Singapore