Top Aussie swimming, running and cycling spots revealed
A new study by SportsShoes.com has revealed that the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne is the best place to run in Australia, whilst Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach topped the rankings for swimming spots, and for those looking to explore on two wheels, Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra was also revealed as the best spot for cycling.
The study analysed Tripadvisor reviews for over 760 cycle routes, running paths and popular swimming locations across different countries to find out which attractions have left visitors so content they took to Tripadvisor to leave glowing reviews.
The results were then ranked in order to name the best places to run, swim and cycle in each country, and which countries take the crown for each activity.
The Best Places to Run, Swim and Cycle in Australia
The Best Places to Run in Australia
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne
- Noosa National Park, Noosa
- Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
- The Brisbane River, Brisbane
- Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
- Centennial Park, Sydney
- River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Henley Beach
- Albert Park, Melbourne
- Tan Track, Melbourne
- Lake Monger, Leederville
Attracting over 1,900,000 visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria takes the top spot as Australia’s best destination for a run, offering locals and visitors alike some stunning flora to accompany their jog, and even the Tan Track which is a dedicated hiking/running route on the outskirts of the gardens.
Noosa National Park takes the second spot in the rankings and rounding out the top three is Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
The Best Places to Swim in Australia
- Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns
- Mossman Gorge, Daintree Region
- Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach
- Berry Springs Nature Park, Darwin
- Emily Bay, Norfolk Island
- Cable Beach, Broome
- Edith Falls, Katherine
- Greens Pool, Denmark
- Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park
There is a wealth of swimming spots all over Australia, in both urban and country destinations alike, and Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach ranks as Australia’s most popular swimming spot. Though this beach is known for crocs and stingers, there’s a safe swimming zone in between the flags where travellers are able to go for a dip.
In second place is Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Region takes the third spot.
The Best Places to Cycle in Australia
- Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
- Centennial Park, Sydney
- River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Henley Beach
- Riesling Trail, Clare
- Capital City Trail, Melbourne
- Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, Yarra Valley
- Fernleigh Track, Newcastle
- Lake Jindabyne, Victoria
- Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria
- Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track, Wollongong
From river trails to mountainous tracks, Australia has some great options for exploring by bike. Lake Burley Griffin features again, this time in first place, with the 40km shoreline offering plenty for cyclists as well as runners.
In second place is Centennial Park in Sydney and The River Torrens Linear Park Trail in Henley Beach completes the top three best places to cycle.
“Your surroundings can have a huge impact on your performance when running, swimming or cycling,” Dan Cartner, head of marketing at SportsShoes.com said.
“Getting into the great outdoors can be beneficial for moth mental and physical health, whether it’s jogging in urban parks full of lush greenery or swimming at golden sand beaches with clear water, we wanted to find the best-reviewed hotspots for avid cyclists, runners and swimmers.”
Featured Image: Four Mile Beach – Port Douglas (iStock/AntMcLean)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Four Mile Beach Lake Burley Griffin Port Douglas Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria SportsShoes.com tripadvisorLatest News
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