Ready, set, go – test your endurance on the Gold Coast’s best running tracks
The Gold Coast Marathon may be a little over three months away, but that time is going fly by (just look at how quickly the first three months of the year disappeared). If you’re partaking in the marathon this year, it’s time to start training. We’ve rounded up some of the Gold Coast’s best trails to challenge your personal best on – all 5 km or longer, with paved pathways and a broad scope of sceneries to choose from.
Gold Coast Oceanway, 36 km
At a massive 36 km long, the Gold Coast Oceanway makes it easy to find the perfect running route. The Oceanway refers to a range of paved promenades along the waterfront, most of which can be strung together – but we’ve done the hard work and highlighted the top three continuous sections of the Oceanway for your convenience.
The Spit to Main Beach (5.6 km) is the northernmost part of the Oceanway and best run south to north, beginning at Hollingdale Park and ending at The Spit, a scenic jetty popping out into the bay.
The Nobbys Beach to Burleigh Head (4 km) section of the Oceanway runs through several parks until it meets the entrance of the Burleigh Head National Park. You can also add an additional 3.2 km through the national park – we’d recommend taking the Ocean View Track for optimal views.
Currumbin to Point Danger (9.5 km) begins at the point in Currumbin Beach and continues along Rainbow Bay to Point Danger.
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Coombabah Lakelands, 5.6 km
If you like your running expedition with a side of wildlife viewing, we’d strongly suggest trying Coombabah Lakelands on for size. With several trails to choose from, a popular choice for runners is the combination of the Koala Trail and the Melaleuca Track. The marshy boardwalks and sandy double tracks are perfect for spotting koalas through the dense forest or kangaroos in the open grasslands.
Border Trail, Currumbin, 8 km
The Currumbin Border Trail offers a natural escape without wandering too far from civilisation. With wide dirt multi-use trails, the route begins at the end of Border Drive in Hidden Valley Reserve before heading southwest around the Currumbin Waters neighbourhood and ending at Currumbin Creek road for a neat 4 km track, or you can head back to the start to double your accomplishment.
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Fingal Head and Kingscliff, 16.4 km
For a real challenge, how about toeing the line between the Queensland and New South Wales border? Fingal Head is the peninsula between the Tweed River and Wommin Bay which leads to Kingscliff and consequentially Cabarita Beach, connected by Wommin Bay Road. If you can muster the energy to go all the way to Cabarita beach, you can expect some great beach running alongside riverside paved pathways.
Quota Park to Broadwater Parklands, 7 km
On the north side, runners can test their endurance on this beachside route spreading from Quota Park near the mouth of Biggera Creek to Broadwater Parklands. Running perpendicular to the Gold Coast Highway, the route passes through Harley Park, Len Fox Park and Mitchell Park, ensuring optimal scenery and space for your expedition.
Surfers Paradise Esplanade Walk, 5 km
Maybe an obvious choice, but Surfers Paradise is a popular running spot for a reason. The combination of sun, surf and skylines make for welcome distractions when you’re trying for a new personal best, and with drinking fountains, paved pathways and outdoor fitness stations peppered along the way, it’s a space designed for movement. And what better way to end a gruelling run with a quick dip in the ocean or at least a refresh under the beach showers?
Honourable Mentions
The Gold Coast is home to countless walking, running and cycling trails, and while these didn’t make it on our final list, they’re still worth checking out. Nerang State Forest, The Commonwealth Walkway, Bally Mountain, Burleigh Esplanade, Casuarina Grove Circuit, Emerald Lakes Circuit, Hedges Avenue, Burleigh Headland and Main Beach Federation Walk.
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