Walking or running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the ‘must-dos’ in Sydney. There are great views of the harbour, and a decent pedestrian path for the 1+ km crossing. Once in North Sydney, there’s another 3 km of lovely running along paths around Lavender Bay, with great views of the bridge, downtown Sydney, and the harbour. A longer run is an out and back, and for a shorter run, take the subway or ferry back from North Sydney.
One can start at any point downtown, but a good spot is the Sydney Observatory, where there’s a path leading to the bridge. Get onto the bridge path, which is on the eastern side of the bridge. Cross the bridge, enjoying the great views from the 87m high Pylon Point. Once in North Sydney, exit the bridge path onto Broughton St., and head back toward the water on the eastern side of the bridge, to enjoy the Broughton St. and Mary’s Booth lookouts. Then, take the waterfront path under the bridge to Milson’s Point, and run along the path through Luna Park, continuing on the Peter Kingston Walkway. The do a quick jaunt through Watt Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. For the return, either run back over the bridge to downtown, or use transport (ferry or subway from North Sydney or Milsons Point).
Add-Ons: Can explore the pleasant (and hilly) in the affluent Kirribilli neighborhood (east of the bridge), or McMahons Point down to Blues Point Reserve.
Walking or running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the ‘must-dos’ in Sydney. There are great views of the harbour, and a decent pedestrian path for the 1+ km crossing. Once in North Sydney, there’s another 3 km of lovely running along paths around Lavender Bay, with great views of the bridge, downtown Sydney, and the harbour. A longer run is an out and back, and for a shorter run, take the subway or ferry back from North Sydney.
One can start at any point downtown, but a good spot is the Sydney Observatory, where there’s a path leading to the bridge. Get onto the bridge path, which is on the eastern side of the bridge. Cross the bridge, enjoying the great views from the 87m high Pylon Point. Once in North Sydney, exit the bridge path onto Broughton St., and head back toward the water on the eastern side of the bridge, to enjoy the Broughton St. and Mary’s Booth lookouts. Then, take the waterfront path under the bridge to Milson’s Point, and run along the path through Luna Park, continuing on the Peter Kingston Walkway. The do a quick jaunt through Watt Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. For the return, either run back over the bridge to downtown, or use transport (ferry or subway from North Sydney or Milsons Point).
Add-Ons: Can explore the pleasant (and hilly) in the affluent Kirribilli neighborhood (east of the bridge), or McMahons Point down to Blues Point Reserve.
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Essentials
5 km (3.1 miles) one-way
36m (120 feet)
Sydney Observatory
Good transport access downtown. For the return, can use ferry or subway from North Sydney or Milsons Point
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.
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.
Suburb in southern Sydney known for its surf beaches and swimming spots. The 4 km Esplanade is a paved waterfront path with great views. Can also run on paths through heritage sand dunes.
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
5 km (3.1 miles) one-way
36m (120 feet)
Sydney Observatory
Good transport access downtown. For the return, can use ferry or subway from North Sydney or Milsons Point
One can start at any point downtown, but a good spot is the Sydney Observatory, where there’s a path leading to the bridge. Get onto the bridge path, which is on the eastern side of the bridge. Cross the bridge, enjoying the great views from the 87m high Pylon Point. Once in North Sydney, exit the bridge path onto Broughton St., and head back toward the water on the eastern side of the bridge, to enjoy the Broughton St. and Mary’s Booth lookouts. Then, take the waterfront path under the bridge to Milson’s Point, and run along the path through Luna Park, continuing on the Peter Kingston Walkway. The do a quick jaunt through Watt Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. For the return, either run back over the bridge to downtown, or use transport (ferry or subway from North Sydney or Milsons Point).
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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!