The Best Running Routes Near Brisbane CBD

Credit: Bridge2Brisbane

If you’re visiting Brisbane for work and packed your running shoes “just in case”, you’re in luck. Surrounded by green parks, riverside trails, and lookout points, it’s easy to squeeze in a jog before the first meeting or unwind after a long day.

This is your guide to the top running tracks in Brisbane CBD. Whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned marathoner, you’ll find routes that celebrate Brisbane’s natural variety, from shady fig-lined paths to cliff-top climbs with city views.

Why Run in Brisbane’s CBD on a Work Trip?

When you’re travelling for business, staying active can be tricky. Between flights, tight schedules, and dinner commitments, your usual fitness routine can easily slip. But running in Brisbane changes that.

The city is compact, well-connected, and beautifully designed for outdoor exercise. Most running tracks in Brisbane are accessible right from the heart of the CBD, with safe, scenic paths that loop around the river or wind through parklands.

Running here isn’t just about fitness; it’s also about balance. It clears your head before a big presentation, lets you explore a new city without a tour guide, and replaces the gym treadmill with real views and fresh air. 

Photo by Chander R

And yes, it’s warm. This is Queensland, after all. The best time to run in Brisbane is early morning or just before sunset. You’ll enjoy softer light, and share the paths with friendly locals doing the same.

So, what are the best running tracks Brisbane offers near the CBD? Let’s take a tour.

Roma Street Parklands

Credit: Martin Jacobsen at Brisbane Marketing

Just a few steps from the Brisbane CBD is where you’ll find Roma Street Parklands. It’s a stunning mix of botanic gardens, winding tracks, and lakeside paths that feel a world away from the city’s hustle.

This is where locals come for peace, and visiting runners come for a convenient, scenic workout. You can easily build a 3–5 km loop here, making it perfect for a quick pre-breakfast run.

What to expect

The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, making it ideal whether you’re easing into your day or pushing your pace. You’ll pass through rainforest sections, open lawns, and garden beds bursting with colour. 

The air also feels fresher here, no surprise, given it’s one of the most lush inner-city parks in Australia. There are also water refill stations dotted around, shaded benches for stretching, and plenty of paths to mix up your routine.

City Botanic Gardens

Credit: @jenniferat58

Next stop: the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane’s most iconic running playground. Just a few minutes from the CBD, it’s a flat, shady loop framed by historic fig trees and the glimmering Brisbane River.

If you’re wondering, “Where can I do an easy river loop close to central hotels?”, this is it. The gardens connect seamlessly to the Goodwill Bridge, so you can extend your jog into South Bank without crossing a single intersection.

What to expect

The main loop through the gardens is around 2 km, but it’s easy to build up distance by weaving through side paths or heading over the bridge. The vibe here is calm and leafy, ideal for those days when you just want to stretch your legs and soak up the scenery.

Early mornings are the sweet spot. You’ll see locals walking dogs, office workers squeezing in a quick 30-minute jog, and the occasional yoga class on the grass.

Goodwill Bridge & South Bank Circuit

Credit: Reuben Nutt at Tourism & Events Queensland

Ask any local runner about Brisbane’s top running tracks, and this route always makes the list. Start at the City Botanic Gardens, cross the Goodwill Bridge, and follow the Clem Jones Promenade along South Bank.

It’s a 5–6 km loop that perfectly combines city views, river breeze, and people-watching. You’ll pass landmarks like the Wheel of Brisbane, leafy walkways, and open riverside plazas.

Southbank is good for a morning run, and the promenade is cool and quiet, dotted with runners and cyclists. After 8 am, it fills with café-goers and families, so aim early for the smoothest stride.

As you loop back across the Victoria or Kurilpa Bridge, you’ll catch those postcard-perfect views of the skyline reflected in the water.

There are drinking fountains along the route, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee if you fancy turning your cooldown into a mini adventure.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

If your running style leans more toward the “sweat first, reward later” type, make your way to Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Across the river from South Bank, this route delivers both a workout and a wow factor.

Start by crossing the Goodwill Bridge and heading along the river path beneath the cliffs. Here, you’ll find stair sets, steep inclines, and ramps that offer Brisbane’s best hill or stair options near the CBD.

What to expect

The challenge pays off fast: reach the top, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline, and the Story Bridge glowing in the distance. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping mid-stride just to soak it all in.

Finish strong, then grab a coffee or smoothie at one of the cliff-top cafés. There’s a reason locals and visitors alike keep coming back here: it’s as scenic as it is satisfying.

Wickham Park & Victoria Park / Barrambin

If you’re craving a bit more distance and fewer crowds, this one’s for you. Wickham Park and Victoria Park / Barrambin combine to create one of the CBD’s most refreshing long-run routes.

Wickham Park’s leafy pathways lead naturally into the sprawling open trails of Barrambin, Brisbane’s revitalised inner-city parkland. It’s full of rolling hills, open lawns, and gum trees, offering up to 10 km of running potential.

City Running Tips to Make Every Jog Count

Even if you’re only in Brisbane for a few days, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few quick tips to make your runs more enjoyable and efficient:

1. Run early. Brisbane mornings are cooler, which are ideal for comfortable pacing. Aim to be out before 7 am if you can.

2. Stay hydrated. There are plenty of water refill stations along the river and in the parks, so no need to carry much gear.

3. Mix up your routes. Try a short loop for quick runs, or combine parks and bridges for longer efforts.

4. Embrace the sunrise. Brisbane’s light at dawn is something special. It’s worth waking up early for.

5. Safety first. If you’re running in the evening, stick to well-lit routes like South Bank or the City Botanic Gardens.

Rest, Refuel and Recharge at Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane

Staying active on a work trip doesn’t have to mean sacrificing meetings or squeezing in a midnight gym session. When you stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane, the city’s top running tracks are quite literally on your doorstep, ready to explore before the workday begins.

Morning runners will love knowing that Frescos Restaurant, located right inside the hotel, opens from 6:30am each day. Think fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, eggs made to order, and barista coffee that hits the spot after a sunrise jog.

Book your stay

With comfortable beds, sweeping city views, and premium amenities, Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane is the perfect place to rest, recover, and recharge between runs. 

Ready to experience Brisbane’s best running routes while keeping your fitness goals on track? Book your stay and make your next business trip both refreshing and rewarding.