The A to Z of Aussie parkruns

From the Top End to the very south of Tassie and on both east and west coasts, there are parkrun events in every corner of Australia. While all parkrun events are unique in their own right, we thought we’d devise an A to Z list of events around Australia – the ones that if time and money were no object, we’d all strive to get to at some point.

 

With alphabet-obsessed parkrun adventurers always looking for that next letter to tick off, we thought such a list would showcase some hidden parkrun gems which will help them reach coveted “Alphabeteer” status.

 

A is for… Albury, NSW

If you want to check A off your list as well as run in two States during the same 5k, then this is your event. Starting on the Albury side of the Murray River before crossing to Wodonga on the Victorian side of the border, Albury Wodonga is a scenic and popular riverside course for both locals and tourists. The course is relatively flat with amazing views of the mighty Murray River along the way.

 

B is for… Burley Griffin, ACT

Situated in Weston Park on picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, is beautiful Burley Griffin parkrun. Looping around the peninsula and past the Siev X National Memorial, you’re guaranteed to spot a kangaroo on the way to the turnaround point. On your return, you’ll be treated to views of Black Mountain rising over the lake. Ideal for families, there’s a water playground at the start/finish line and the nearby themed cafe, made from refurbished original NSW Transport Department booths and hand-made timber, provides some old world charm along with entertainment including a fully working miniature train, mini golf and mini animal farm.

 

 

C is for… Cronulla, NSW

Cronulla parkrun is located in Sydney’s Southerland Shire, known by the locals as ‘God’s country’. And it’s not hard to tell why. Cronulla boasts beautiful beaches and spectacular national parks. Participants begin at Don Lucas Reserve and run an out and back course following the coastline across grass and sandy trails. This parkrun also starts and finishes at an awesome playground which gets the big tick from the kids. The post-run coffee is at a café on the esplanade which overlooks the famed Cronulla surf beach.

 

 

D is for… Darwin, NT

The Top End’s first parkrun is well worth a visit if you don’t mind heat and humidity. The course is run along the tree-lined esplanade through Bicentennial Park and you pass tourist sites such as Crocasaurus Cove, giving you a real taste of what the Northern Territory has to offer. parkrun tourists should put this one on their to-do list.

 

E is for… Eastern Gardens, VIC

The second event for Geelong was a long time in the making but is proving to be well worth the wait. Whilst Eastern Beach is only a short walk away, you are immersed amongst the trees and birdlife as you head along the out and back course in beautiful Eastern Park for this parkrun. There are views of Port Phill and Stingaree Bay but you might be distracted by the fruit bats you passed under about 1km into the course. You might also recognise Eastern Gardens from its TV appearance when it launched. The Sunrise breakfast show broadcast live from their launch to celebrate the 40th event under Medibank’s Free and Active initiative.

 

 

F is for… Fingal Bay, NSW

Located in the eastern-most suburb of the Port Stephens area, Fingal Bay parkrun is small and friendly. Starting next to the surf club, runners head south for a quick dash to the boat ramp, then head north up a steady incline through the trees. High fives and cheers are easily exchanged as the course loops back past the boat ramp and finishes on a short uphill dash to the finish line. Whilst alongside the water, this parkrun is more of a grass and tree lovers course and is suitable for families seeking a playground directly by the finish line.

 

 

G is for Geographe Bay, WA

Set in the beachside town of Busselton, this out and back course is right next to the calm and pristine waters of the bay. The course is flat and fast. This course can be quite hot in the summer and has very limited shade. The event gets an influx of tourists during holiday seasons and is great for a post-run swim.

 

H is for… Hervey Bay, QLD

If you love an out-and-back course on paved paths with views of the ocean along an esplanade, Hervey Bay parkrun on the stunning Fraser Coast is for you. A mostly shady course, there is also a section of breakwall which allows for occasional strong winds and seaspray to buffet parkrunners on wild and woolly days. These conditions, when experienced, add to the overall feeling of accomplishment once the finish line is crossed. And if you have anything left in the tank, the start and finish area is situated beside the historic Urangan Pier, which stretches 868m out over the ocean – well worth a casual amble post-parkrun.

 

 

I is for… Inverloch, VIC

Inverloch is a seaside holiday destination for Victorians with a very popular parkrun. Known for friendly and welcoming volunteers, the ocean is visible from all aspects of the course. While Inverloch can be quiet in the colder months, numbers always swell in summer and on public holidays. The course is flat but with multiple turnaround points, this might not be your PB course – so just enjoy the great vibe and wonderful views instead!

 

J is for… Jells, VIC

With only three parkruns starting with J in Australia, Jells parkrun in Melbourne’s east is a highly sought-after event. If a two-lap course with plenty of undulations is your style, then this is a course you’ll love. With plenty of parking, a huge kid’s playground and a cafe on site, this is an event that offers something for everyone.

 

 

K is for… Kalgoorlie Boulder, WA

Anyone after a real outback adventure needs to visit Kalgoorlie Boulder parkrun. Located on the edge of town in Karlkurla Bushland Park, runners do a loop that leads uphill to an elevated viewing platform, allowing good views over the surrounding plains. The undulating course is run on a mixture of gravel path and a bush track. Visiting parkrunners can expect a warm welcome from the 120 odd locals who have formed a close-knit parkrun community within the mining town.

 

 

L is for… Lawson, NSW

Lawson parkrun is a favourite amongst trail runners. Nestled at the foot of Sydney’s Blue Mountains, the course is run on a fire trail. It is a one lap course that starts at North Lawson Park then traverses several out and backtracks. Sections of the course involve puddle crossings after rain. While it is not pram friendly, it is still a popular event, particularly during Ultra Trail Australia training season.

 

 

M is for… Mount Gambier, SA

Mount Gambier is well known for its amazing natural features such as such as water filled craters, caves and sinkholes. Mount Gambier parkrun is located around Blue Lake, a volcanic crater renowned for its sapphire coloured water. This setting creates a stunning out and back course for about 80 parkrunners each week. Mount Gambier parkrun is also well known for its famous post-run breakfasts that sometimes turn into lunch.

 

 

N is for Nuriootpa, SA

Nestled amongst the native flora of the Coulthard Reserve, Nuriootpa parkrun is a true hidden gem in the Barossa Valley. Fondly referred to by locals as Nuri parkrun, the out-and-back course is so pretty they do it twice! Making their way through the reserve beneath the dappled shade of magnificent eucalypts, parkrunners can enjoy the social aspect the course affords, while drinking in the beauty of the natural environment. And given the Barossa region’s reputation for viticulture, it’s only fitting that the path wraps around a small block of grapevines along the way. With yet another, friendly and welcoming community of volunteers and parkrunners, Nuri parkrun is a delight not to be missed.

 

O is for… Ocean View, QLD

Oh my! Ocean View is as tough as it is beautiful. The course design is unique in the Australia parkrun landscape, running through fields and between the vines at Ocean View Estate is a treat. You get a real sense of achievement running such a mentally and physically challenging course. Being located at a winery also provides the added bonus of visiting the restaurant for post-run coffee, it has great reviews.

 

 

P is for… Phillip Island, VIC

If doing a parkrun on an island is not enough for you, then perhaps Phillip Island is worth a look. This unique parkrun is set on Churchill Island, which is a small island off Phillip Island and offers some of the prettiest views of all the parkruns in Victoria. If you manage not to get hassled by the nesting geese, then that’s a bonus! The undulating out and back course is run on gravel trails and if you’re lucky enough to visit on market weekend, you can pick up some tasty treats for the return trip back to Phillip Island, or the mainland.

 

 

Q is for… Queens Domain, TAS

Nestled at the top of Hobart’s Domain, this is a parkrun fit for a Queen, taking runners and walkers through a Quaint part of Hobart, home to the century-old Royal Botanical Gardens and Government House.
There is no Question it’s fast and fun, but it’s also dog-friendly and if you like something a bit Quirky… The Queen’s Domain event team delivers its run briefing in a parkrun Poem. You’ll also be treated to some of the best views Tasmania’s capital has to offer, from Mount Wellington to the River Derwent and the amazing architecture that is the Tasman Bridge.

 

R is for… Rockingham, WA

A coastal out and back course along the pristine WA coastline, Rockingham parkrun might not be a shaded event, but it’s certainly one to target if you’re chasing a PB. Flat and fast with stunning ocean views, and a little bit of grass, there is a low to medium chance of spotting a snake along paths, featuring dunes and grass, and on a still day is simply perfect. With an abundance of amenities close at hand, including a playground, toilets, drink fountain, and ocean view cafés for that post-parkrun coffee or brunch, Rockingham parkrun is one for the whole family. Rockingham parkrun’s volunteers are friendly, encouraging, and make sure everyone feels included in the event, and although the grass may pose a slight challenge for pram runners, it won’t hinder pace by much – just watch for the occasional pothole from native wildlife.

 

 

S is for… St Peters, NSW

A great spot for touristing as it’s halfway between Sydney CBD and the airport. Starting and finishing next to the iconic brickworks in beautiful Sydney Park, the course consists of two loops: a large loop incorporating a big hill, which has a great view of the city skyline from the top, and a smaller loop to make up the 5K.  It has the honour of being the first parkrun in NSW!

 

 

T is for… The Beaches, NSW

As iconically Australian as you can possibly get, The Beaches parkrun is on many a tourists’ bucket lists. The course is run entirely on sand, providing a unique challenge. The start line is at Bar Beach and is a two lap course which sees parkrunners head out to Merewether Beach and back again. Participants are advised to leave their shoes at the Surf Club where everyone meets for a post-run coffee.

 

 

U is for… Urunga, NSW

Imagine running alongside water that sparkles like diamonds, with an abundance of wildlife, a great playground for the kids right at the start/finish and a wonderful team of friendly people. A beautiful 3 lap course with a gentle “mound of opportunity”, cement path with a little grass at the beginning and end. Three laps provide a great opportunity for all the volunteers to cheer you on. After your run/walk you can continue your experience by taking a stroll along the boardwalk, an amazing experience which gives an insight into the history of the area. You have to put this one on your list

 

V is for… Victor Harbor, SA

No it’s not a typo, the only time you can spell harbour without a U in Australia is in Victor Harbor. A scenic coastal out and back course taking in the spectacular views of Encounter Bay and the bluff. If you’re lucky you might even see a southern right whale offshore. And if not a friendly parkrun community will be ready to greet you. If there’s a southerly brewing you’ll be battling a headwind on the way back, so make sure you take advantage of the tailwind on the way out.

 

 

W  is for… Westerfolds, VIC

A friendlier, one lap, hilly course full of wildlife you will struggle to find anywhere else in Australia. While you won’t get the high fives like you do on an out and back course, the vibe at the start and finish line of the locals and volunteers will make up for it. And if kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and snakes in the warmer months are your thing, then you are pretty much guaranteed to see at least one of those things on your lap around the ‘folds. Be prepared though, much of this course is uphill with the trade-off being that most of the last kilometre is downhill.

 

 

X is for…

Nothing to see here… move along.

 

Y is for… Yamba, NSW

A flat, two lap course along the beautiful Clarence River with a mixture of grass & path. This event is full of high fives, friendly faces, and parkrun fanatic dogs. Being a holiday destination the course takes you alongside the local caravan park which is the perfect spot to stay if you are tourist-ing to this event.

 

Z is for… Zilmere, QLD

If you’re an Alphabetourist, Zillmere parkrun is undoubtedly high on your ‘to do’ list, however there’s more to this fab event than just its name! With a map that resembles a geometric, headless angel, the various twists and turns around this flat, grassy course keep parkrunners on their toes. Home to a relatively small yet devoted group of regulars, Adventurers are warmly welcomed by the friendly event team. And keep an eye out for the native wildlife statues carved out of tree stumps and natural timber around the course!