Melbourne

The Tan adds a hill to a run beside the Botanic Gardens. Albert Park opens out around its lake, while Princes Park offers a shorter circuit north of the centre. Choose by where you are staying rather than crossing town for every run.

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The numbers mark each start. Distances exclude the journey from your accommodation.

Map of Melbourne with three numbered running-route starts. — Melbourne · north is upOpen full-size map

The Tan · Botanic Gardens

Southbank & South Yarra

4.0 km Loop

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park & South Melbourne

4.7 km Loop

Princes Park

Carlton North & Parkville

3.0 km Loop

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · OpenMapTiles

Where to run in Melbourne

The Tan · Botanic Gardens

A compact circuit around the outside of the Botanic Gardens, with river views on the northern side and a noticeable climb on Anderson Street.

Approx. distance4.0 km

Underfoot

Gravel track and paved footpaths

Start here

On the Tan beside Alexandra Avenue, near the Swan Street Bridge approach.

Follow Alexandra Avenue east, climb Anderson Street to the Domain Road junction, then return along Birdwood and Linlithgow avenues to the starting stretch.

Getting there

Walk from Flinders Street station along the south bank towards Swan Street Bridge and cross Alexandra Avenue at a marked crossing.

Before you go

Stay on the exterior running track; the gardens themselves have separate gate hours. Take the Anderson Street hill at an easy pace.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

Albert Park Lake

An open lakeside circuit past rowing and sailing facilities, with the city skyline across the water from the southern end.

Approx. distance4.7 km

Underfoot

Lakeside gravel and paved paths

Start here

At the lakeside path east of Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Keep to the lake path, pass around the southern end and complete the circuit on the opposite shore.

Getting there

Walk into the park from the Albert Park light-rail stop towards the aquatic centre, then continue to the water.

Before you go

Grand Prix preparations and other events can divert paths. Check Parks Victoria notices and keep clear of swans on the shore.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

Princes Park

An inner-north park circuit beside sports grounds and mature trees, convenient for stays around the university rather than the river.

Approx. distance3.0 km

Underfoot

Park running track and paved shared sections

Start here

At the public path junction southwest of IKON Park, inside Princes Park.

Loop through the northern park paths around the playing fields, then return past the western side of IKON Park.

Getting there

Take a Royal Parade tram to Princes Park and enter from the western side.

Before you go

Expect shared sections beside Royal Parade and pedestrian activity near sports fixtures. This is a park circuit, not a stadium lap.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

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Choose a distance and start at your hotel. RunFromHere plans a loop back to your door and guides you along it. Download the area’s map before you leave to use it offline.

The app generates its own routes from your chosen start; it doesn’t open the routes in this guide.

More places to run

Carlton Gardens

Short garden paths around the Royal Exhibition Building suit an easy run near Carlton; give museum visitors room.

Park / route information

Flagstaff Gardens

A compact, sloping green space by the western CBD and Queen Victoria Market, better for a short outing than a long continuous run.

Park / route information

Sources & route notes

Researched using the official visitor and park sources below; not checked on foot. Maps and GPX files use the same saved OpenStreetMap pedestrian paths. Distances are approximate. Check local notices for access, gate hours and diversions.

Researched October 17, 2026