Cronulla, a suburb in southern Sydney known for its numerous surf beaches and swimming spots, is also a treat for runners! There are two scenic running options in Cronulla that can be combined: The Esplanade path along the beach, and paths through a series of sand dunes in Cronulla State Park. Our thanks to Tamika B. for this route suggestion!
The Esplanade. This is a scenic 4 km run on a paved waterfront promenade. There are great beach and water views the whole way, impressive waterfront homes, and lots of people! The north end starts as Smitty’s Walk at Elouera Beach, and runs south to Hungry Point Reserve. Also known as the Cronulla Beach walk, the beachside path runs along North Cronulla Beach, South Cronulla Beach, Shelly Beach, Oak Park Beach, Bass and FIanders Point, and Salmon Hall Preserve.
Sand Dunes Run. This is a unique opportunity to run through the heritage sand dunes at Cronulla State Park. Starting at Wanda Beach, there’s a series of paths along and through the sand dunes, where walking/running is permitted. The dunes paths start at Wanda Beach. The easier path is the firmer surfaced path indicated on the route map. There’s also a path more through the dunes — but the soft sand makes for a challenging run!
To combine the dunes & esplanade routes, head north from North Cronulla Beach to Wanda Beach for 1 km along Mitchell Rd., which has a wide sidewalk with nice water views.
Note: the beaches in the area tend to have soft sand, but can be runnable near the water.
Pro Tip: Take a post-run dip in the sea or the one of the rock pools at Cronulla Beach.
Cronulla, a suburb in southern Sydney known for its numerous surf beaches and swimming spots, is also a treat for runners! There are two scenic running options in Cronulla that can be combined: The Esplanade path along the beach, and paths through a series of sand dunes in Cronulla State Park. Our thanks to Tamika B. for this route suggestion!
The Esplanade. This is a scenic 4 km run on a paved waterfront promenade. There are great beach and water views the whole way, impressive waterfront homes, and lots of people! The north end starts as Smitty’s Walk at Elouera Beach, and runs south to Hungry Point Reserve. Also known as the Cronulla Beach walk, the beachside path runs along North Cronulla Beach, South Cronulla Beach, Shelly Beach, Oak Park Beach, Bass and FIanders Point, and Salmon Hall Preserve.
Sand Dunes Run. This is a unique opportunity to run through the heritage sand dunes at Cronulla State Park. Starting at Wanda Beach, there’s a series of paths along and through the sand dunes, where walking/running is permitted. The dunes paths start at Wanda Beach. The easier path is the firmer surfaced path indicated on the route map. There’s also a path more through the dunes — but the soft sand makes for a challenging run!
To combine the dunes & esplanade routes, head north from North Cronulla Beach to Wanda Beach for 1 km along Mitchell Rd., which has a wide sidewalk with nice water views.
Note: the beaches in the area tend to have soft sand, but can be runnable near the water.
Pro Tip: Take a post-run dip in the sea or the one of the rock pools at Cronulla Beach.
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Essentials
Esplanade & Smitty's Walk: 4 km one-way; Dunes route: 3.5 km one-way. It's 1 km connecting these two routes
Esplanade: 29m (96 feet) one-way; Dunes some small rolling hills
For Esplanade: Smitty's Walk at Elouera Beach; For Dunes: Wanda Beach
A wonderful 10k 'runseeing' tour of Sydney's highlights: The Rocks, King's Wharf, Darling Harbour, Observatory Hill, historic parks, Royal Botanical Gardens, & more. Much of it on off-road paths.
An exhilarating run from downtown Sydney over the Harbour Bridge, which has great views and a decent pedestrian path. Then, enjoy lovely waterfront paths around Lavender Bay. Can do an out and back or return via ferry or subway.
Another opportunity to explore central Sydney's spectacular waterfront, with paths along Darling Harbor, Blackwattle Bay, and the Glebe Foreshore. It's 8 km one-way, and can be done standalone or in conjunction with our Sydney sites tour.
One of the classic walks in Sydney can also be a great run. Follow the 6.5 km coastal path to Coogee, passing sandstone cliffs, aboriginal rock carvings, Waverly Cemetery, beautiful beaches, and great bay views. Gets crowded, go early!
A run in Sydney's eastern suburbs between Vaucluse and Watsons Bay that has it all: scenic coastal paths, beach, gorgeous waterfront homes, and a lighthouse. Up to 7 km one-way. Can also be mixed & combined with Waverly Cliff Walk in South Head.
Another gorgeous coastal run, just north of Bondi. A series of mainly paved, clifftop trails through several parks & reserves can be combined for a run of up to 7.5 km between the Raleigh Reserve and Hornby Lighthouse on South Head. Hilly, & great views!
A quick, hilly 4 km loop of one of Sydney's numerous coves and the attractive Robertsons Point lookout. There's a waterfront path the while way, with water and Sydney skyline views.
The suburb of Manly is a narrow strip of land between Sydney Harbour and the Pacific, and features several great walking trails. We've mapped the 9 km route to North Head, and 10 km to Spit Bridge.
This run passes by aboriginal engravings (marked by kangaroo logos) as it twists and dips its way through pockets of rain forest and along sandstone cliffs, all the while providing smashing across-the-water views of Sydney.
This is a lovely loop with great waterfront views and lots of variety in Sydney's northeast suburb of Balmoral. We've put together a 5-mile route that includes Georges Head, Middle Head, and then a cruise along Balmoral Beach.
Another great run in the Manly area. It's 5 km from Shelly Beach to Curl Curl Beach via Manly Beach, most of it along beachfront paths. The beaches themselves are also runnable.
A popular 8.6 km loop around the Narrabeen Lagoon in the northern beaches area of Sydney. A wide path, with lush foliage and some nice water views in sections. Almost entirely off-road. Eastern part of trail is adjacent to Narrabeen Beach.
A nice area for running just south of the central city. Create your own route featuring the pleasant paths and landscaped grounds of Victoria Park, the sandstone quad of the historic University of Sydney, and other area parks.
Build for the 2000 summer Games, Olympic Park is now a large sporting, cultural and leisure complex in the Inner West area of Sydney. There are 35 km of multi-use paths, with popular 'loop' options of 5.5 km, 7.7km and 11.1 km.
One of the favorites among local runners. This route follows the shoreline of Iron Cove while passing through numerous villages, enjoying beautiful waterfront views and a tree-lined, easy-to-follow path.
An 11 km running track following the shores of Land Cove River, just about a 20 minute drive from the city! Catch the gnarled red gum trees, caves, and Australian native birds.
If you're staying near the Sydney airport, there's a pleasant path along the Cooks River, which forms sort of a linear park. There are nice views of the water, and some wooded sections. A loop is 9.2 km. The trail is more seamless on the south bank.
Some excellent running options in this area of northwest Sydney near the Olympic Park area. Enjoy the trails of Parramatta Park, and then run for up to 8 km east on a path alongside the Parramatta River. Can combine with Olympic Park paths.
A great spot for some scenic trail running on La Perouse and Kurnell peninsulas. Views of Botany Bay and numerous heritage sites. Numerous tracks with varying levels of difficulty.
The area around Chipping Norton Lake, located about 30 km southwest of the Sydney CBD, is a bucolic spot to enjoy for a run. Numerous pathways along the water. We've mapped routes on the north and south sides.
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Essentials
Esplanade & Smitty's Walk: 4 km one-way; Dunes route: 3.5 km one-way. It's 1 km connecting these two routes
Esplanade: 29m (96 feet) one-way; Dunes some small rolling hills
For Esplanade: Smitty's Walk at Elouera Beach; For Dunes: Wanda Beach
Sand Dunes Run. This is a unique opportunity to run through the heritage sand dunes at Cronulla State Park. Starting at Wanda Beach, there’s a series of paths along and through the sand dunes, where walking/running is permitted. The dunes paths start at Wanda Beach. The easier path is the firmer surfaced path indicated on the route map. There’s also a path more through the dunes — but the soft sand makes for a challenging run!
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!