The Five Best Scenic Running Routes in Brisbane
Whether you are running for need or desire, one thing that will keep you motivated is a killer view.
Running is a sport that serves a variety of purposes depending on the individual. For some it is a therapeutic journey for clearing the head; for others, a necessary part of a daily ritual; and for many, it is a struggle to keep on moving and lose those extra kilos.
Whether you are running for need or desire, one thing that all runners, novice or expert, can agree on, is that a run is always made better by a scenic view keeping you motivated, captivated, and entertained on your journey.
MT COOT-THA
Mt Coot Tha provides a beautiful view overlooking the city stretching from Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island, and the southern ranges. Journeys to reach the top begin at the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area. You can park your car there and head up the Summit Track, investigating local wildlife on your way. There are many other trails in the Mt Coot Tha reserve that can be found here. Once you reach the top, feel free to reward yourself with a delicious ice cream and take in the view.
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
The University of Queensland in St Lucia boasts a beautiful campus with classic sandstone buildings, flourishing gardens, and a large pond that houses many ducks and (slightly evil) geese. Built along the river, there is a lengthy footpath that lines the river and makes for a scenic and flat running track. For a longer run, you can head over the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, more commonly known as the Green Bridge, and make your way along the Corso in Yeronga.
SOUTH BANK
South Bank is the home to Brisbane's cultural centre, including the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum and a bevy of restaurants, bars and shops. Beginning at the River Quay end of South Bank, you can take a loop route, running down past the cultural centre, across the Kurilpa Bridge, along North Quay and back over the Goodwill Bridge.
NEW FARM / TENERIFFE
New Farm Park is the city's most prized park with its exquisite rose gardens, extensive river frontage, and countless shady fig trees. While a run around the park is beautiful, for more distance you can follow the river path beginning at the Powerhouse heading towards Teneriffe, Newstead, and the Breakfast Creek Bridge.
THE RIVER LOOP
This is the most popular loop for CBD workers. Clocking off at 5, you can head down to the Eagle St Pier, where you begin your run along the boardwalk heading towards the Story Bridge. Race to beat the peak hour traffic crossing the bridge then head down to Kangaroo Point past rock climbers at the cliffs and back around via the Goodwill Bridge and the City Botanical Gardens.
If you can't head out for a run now (like the rest of us at a desk), check out The Athlete's Foot range — online and in stores now. Don't let the "my shoes hurt me" excuse stop you from stepping out on these awesome runs around Brisbane.
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