Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2017Credit: Destination NSW
Runners heading to the finish line at the 2017 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.
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Running is one of the best ways to experience Sydney. Feet pounding the pavement or sinking into the sand; listening to the unique soundtrack of ferries on the harbour and the hum of a seaplane passing overhead; becoming enveloped in the sights and sounds of everyday life. The city boasts running trails that pass by iconic landmarks, world-famous beaches and through hidden pockets of untouched bushland. Feel connected to the city on one of these eight routes that cover Sydney’s most spectacular spots.
Join thousands of other runners for the 20th anniversary of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on 18 September, 2022. Distances range from a 3.5km Family Run to a 10km Bridge Run, and a half and full marathon. All routes include a crossing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a bucket-list experience that everyone should tick off their list.
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay
If you’re looking for the kind of views of Sydney Harbour you see on postcards, this is the place to find them. Looping through lush national park around the northern edge of the harbour, the path looks directly out onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The trail is short – just 4km – but you will be surrounded by trees and the sounds of native wildlife, making it feel as though you’ve travelled much further. A number of small paths lead off to deserted sandy coves fringed by crystal clear water; think of them as your own private beach in the middle of Sydney.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
At the northernmost tip of Sydney stands the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a heritage-listed sandstone tower standing 91m tall and dating back to 1881. There are two tracks running to the lighthouse along the Palm Beach peninsula – the easy Barrenjoey Track and the more challenging Smugglers Track. Both offer incredible views back towards Sydney and north to the Central Coast. If you’re running in winter, bring your binoculars to spot the whales that regularly frolic offshore.
The Bay Run
One of Sydney’s most popular routes, The Bay Run is a 7km waterfront loop around Iron Cove in the Inner West. It may not have the famous views of some of the coast trails, but it’s beloved by locals and you’ll get a peek into their everyday lives, running past busy soccer fields, sailboats bobbing in the water and mums pushing prams. This run is also dog-friendly; pups will need to be on-leash on the track but there are parks and beaches along the way for some off-leash romping. Download a map of the run here.
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Sydney Harbour along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, Mosman.
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Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Sydney Harbour along the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, Mosman.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic coastal hike on the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk in Palm Beach, Sydney.
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Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic coastal hike on the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk in Palm Beach, Sydney.
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Arguably Sydney’s most famous trail, the Bondi to Coogee Walk winds along the clifftops for 6km, passing above six of the Eastern Suburbs’ most stunning bays and beaches. Expect plenty of beautiful people in activewear and selfie-snapping tourists alongside a magnificent backdrop of coastal scenery. There are plenty of opportunities to run down to the water for a swim or stop at a cafe for a caffeine hit. Pause on the headland at North Bondi to catch your breath and admire Aboriginal rock carvings of sea creatures dating back more than 2,000 years.
Bondi to Manly Walk
In theory you could complete the epic 80km Bondi to Manly track in a single day, though it would require about 15 hours of non-stop running. Instead, take your time and tackle it in smaller sections, soaking up Sydney’s most famous beaches, harbourside landmarks and lush national parks. The terrain is varied, with sections of easy flat ground interspersed with stairs and steep climbs, but your hard work will be rewarded with a breathtaking new vista at every turn. At night, rest your weary legs in luxury digs like the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, InterContinental Double Bay, Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo or Q Station.
Moonrise Loop
Western Sydney Parklands covers more than 5,000 hectares across the suburbs of Blacktown, Fairfield and Liverpool, making for a vast expanse of green right in the heart of Sydney. There are more than 60km of tracks and trails to choose from. The challenging 6.2km Moonrise Loop takes in some of the park’s most impressive sites, like the striking Moonrise Lookout with views all the way to the CBD skyline. There are multiple starting points all along the route and the varied terrain of sealed and unsealed paths gives you the chance to mix up your run. Head out early in the morning or at dusk to feel wonder as you spot kangaroos and wallabies grazing, or marvel at the fields of bluebells that pop up after rain.
Lake Parramatta Circuit
Built in 1856, Lake Parramatta was the first major dam constructed in Australia. Decommissioned in the early 1900s, it is now the centrepiece of an area of quiet natural beauty just on the edge of the second CBD. This 4.3km trail loops around the outside of the lake on mostly easy flat ground with some tougher sections that include a river crossing and steep steps. Shy echidnas and tiny sugar gliders can be found hidden among the blackbutt trees, while in spring the area is carpeted in wildflowers. The water is also clean enough to swim in, making for a rejuvenating end to your exertions.
Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Beachgoers enjoying a Summer's day at Bond Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Beachgoers enjoying a Summer's day at Bond Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Aerial, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Manly on Sydney's northern beaches.
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Aerial, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Manly on Sydney's northern beaches.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.