Charles Darwin National Park is a small green gem of a park, and a great place to do some short hill training. The park is located 4 km south-east of Darwin, off Tiger Brennan Drive , below the international airport. It’s popular for the 4 km of mountain bike tracks, flora preservation and war history. There are also 3 km of ‘walking tracks’ that are great for running. Be sure to get to the viewpoint! The best bets for running loops include:
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Mangrove Walk (1.6 km) – Explore the mangrove community on this short loop, however it can get muddy so wear suitable shoes.
Service Trail Walk (1.6 km) – Follows the maintenance trail through WWII infrastructure and eucalypt woodland.
You can also run on the road from the park entrance to the viewpoint (~1.5 km), though be aware of cars as there is no sidewalk/shoulder.
Click here for a fact sheet on the park. The park is open daily from 8am to 7pm, entry is free. Note that there can be a lot of insects around sunrise and sunset.
Charles Darwin National Park is a small green gem of a park, and a great place to do some short hill training. The park is located 4 km south-east of Darwin, off Tiger Brennan Drive , below the international airport. It’s popular for the 4 km of mountain bike tracks, flora preservation and war history. There are also 3 km of ‘walking tracks’ that are great for running. Be sure to get to the viewpoint! The best bets for running loops include:
Creative Commons
Mangrove Walk (1.6 km) – Explore the mangrove community on this short loop, however it can get muddy so wear suitable shoes.
Service Trail Walk (1.6 km) – Follows the maintenance trail through WWII infrastructure and eucalypt woodland.
You can also run on the road from the park entrance to the viewpoint (~1.5 km), though be aware of cars as there is no sidewalk/shoulder.
Click here for a fact sheet on the park. The park is open daily from 8am to 7pm, entry is free. Note that there can be a lot of insects around sunrise and sunset.
One of the signature runs in Darwin and a green oasis with great water views. Bicentennial Park/Esplanade runs the length of the Darwin waterfront, between the CBD and Shoal Bay. For a longer run, incorporate a scenic tour of the Waterfront Precinct.
A great route on a multi-use path with views of Darwin and Fannie Bay. It's up to 5.7 km from Vestey's Lagoon to Eastern Point Preserve, where there are additional paths and recreational facilities.
A great way to sight-see Australia's tropical capital city. Includes Bicentennial Park, the Marina, Botanic Gardens, Gardens district. For an attractive add-on, do a loop of the Cullen Bay Marina.
Famous for the Casuarina Beach cliffs and miles of pristine beach, the Casuarina Coastal Reserve offers over 6 km of shared path with amazing coast views and Darwin bushland. Casuarina Beach is also great for running.
Darwin's poshest residential neighborhood, featuring quiet, tree-lined street and a path along the waterfront Casuarina Rd., which features great views. Do a waterfront out and back or a loop incorporating residential streets and a path along Rapid Creek.
One of the best kept secrets in the Northern Territory and only a one hour drive from Darwin. Numerous, well-signposted 'short walks' offer great trail running opportunities. There's something for all abilities.
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