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
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!