Top running routes in Brisbane

Explore Brisbane’s top running routes—from riverside paths to nature trails. Lace up and hit the track—there’s something for every runner!

Ready for a change of scenery?  Whether you’re a beginner, a regular runner, or training for your first race, Brisbane has a running route to suit every fitness level. From short riverside jogs and scenic running trails to challenging 10-kilometre-plus tracks, there are plenty of places to run in Brisbane. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the scenery, lace up your trainers and hit one of Brisbane’s best running routes.

River runs

QUT to New Farm

The 5-kilometre route from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to New Farm is one of Brisbane’s favourite routes. It has stunning views of the Brisbane River, City Botanic Gardens and Howard Smith Wharves. An upgraded section of the Brisbane Riverwalk is now open at Eagle Street. It connects Howard Smith Wharves and the Kangaroo Point Bridge.

For the return trip, run 10 kilometres or take a CityCat  to enjoy a different city view.

Distance: 5 kilometres

Add-on: 4 kilometres from New Farm Park to Newstead, or a one-kilometre lap of New Farm Park

Terrain: Paved, flat

Start point: Run from QUT Gardens Point Campus

Transport options: QUT or New Farm ferry terminals

Epic views

Kangaroo Point Cliffs has epic skyline views to keep you motivated. Run down to the iconic Story Bridge and return along the riverfront.

Want an extra challenge? Sprint the cliff steps – all 107 of them! From the stairs, it’s 1.8 kilometres to Captain Burke Park.

Distance: About 4 kilometres of waterfront running on Kangaroo Point (not including stair climb)

Add-on: Kangaroo Point to South Bank Cultural Forecourt is 2.1 kilometres

Terrain: Flat (except for optional stair climb)

Start point: CBD or South Bank, Holman Street ferry terminal

Transport options: Bus options and Holman Street ferry terminal nearby

City Loop

Get amongst the hustle and bustle of the city on this scenic river loop. Starting at South Bank near the iconic Brisbane sign, follow the river towards Kangaroo Point and continue on to the Story Bridge. Cross back to the city via the riverfront pathways and enjoy the views along the City Reach Boardwalk before making your way through the City Botanic Gardens.

From there, join the Bicentennial Bikeway and follow it back towards South Bank, crossing the Victoria Bridge to complete the loop.

Distance: 9 kilometres
Terrain: Flat, paved
Start point: South Bank Brisbane Sign
Transport options: Train, bus, CityCat and nearby parking

Epic views

Kangaroo Point Cliffs has epic skyline views to keep you motivated. Run down to the iconic Story Bridge and return along the riverfront.

Want an extra challenge? Sprint the cliff steps – all 107 of them! From the stairs, it’s 1.8 kilometres to Captain Burke Park.

Distance: About 4 kilometres of waterfront running on Kangaroo Point (not including stair climb)

Add-on: Kangaroo Point to South Bank Cultural Forecourt is 2.1 kilometres

Terrain: Flat (except for optional stair climb)

Start point: CBD or South Bank, Holman Street ferry terminal

Transport options: Bus options and Holman Street ferry terminal nearby

City Loop

Get amongst the hustle and bustle of the city on this scenic river loop. Starting at South Bank near the iconic Brisbane sign, follow the river towards Kangaroo Point and continue on to the Story Bridge. Cross back to the city via the riverfront pathways and enjoy the views along the City Reach Boardwalk before making your way through the City Botanic Gardens.

From there, join the Bicentennial Bikeway and follow it back towards South Bank, crossing the Victoria Bridge to complete the loop.

Distance: 9 kilometres
Terrain: Flat, paved
Start point: South Bank Brisbane Sign
Transport options: Train, bus, CityCat and nearby parking

Epic views

Kangaroo Point Cliffs has epic skyline views to keep you motivated. Run down to the iconic Story Bridge and return along the riverfront.

Want an extra challenge? Sprint the cliff steps – all 107 of them! From the stairs, it’s 1.8 kilometres to Captain Burke Park.

Distance: About 4 kilometres of waterfront running on Kangaroo Point (not including stair climb)

Add-on: Kangaroo Point to South Bank Cultural Forecourt is 2.1 kilometres

Terrain: Flat (except for optional stair climb)

Start point: CBD or South Bank, Holman Street ferry terminal

Transport options: Bus options and Holman Street ferry terminal nearby

City Loop

Get amongst the hustle and bustle of the city on this scenic river loop. Starting at South Bank near the iconic Brisbane sign, follow the river towards Kangaroo Point and continue on to the Story Bridge. Cross back to the city via the riverfront pathways and enjoy the views along the City Reach Boardwalk before making your way through the City Botanic Gardens.

From there, join the Bicentennial Bikeway and follow it back towards South Bank, crossing the Victoria Bridge to complete the loop.

Distance: 9 kilometres
Terrain: Flat, paved
Start point: South Bank Brisbane Sign
Transport options: Train, bus, CityCat and nearby parking