1. The Tan
3.8km loop
Earn serious Melbourne cred as you join local runners on this loop around the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Named for the Gardens, the 'Tan is one of Melbourne's most popular walking and running tracks, with plenty of shade, greenery, views of the Yarra River, and a challenging incline.
Refuel at Jardin Tan for coffee made with ethically-grown, hand-picked fresh green beans from around the world, waffles, granola, fruit toast or chilli scrambled eggs.
2. Albert Park Lake
4.9km loop
Not just for high-octane sports, Albert Park Lake is home to a popular, flat asphalt walking and running track that circles the lake. Run past green lawns and sports fields, taking in views of boats on the water and the city skyline.
Finish up at Lenny for Green Breaky Bowls, cold-pressed juices and smoothies or undo your good work with the decadent Banoffee Pie French Toast.
3. St Kilda Foreshore Trail
11km one way
Stretching eleven kilometres from Port Melbourne to Elwood along the Hobsons Bay coastline, this shared running and cycling track is great for a sea-breezy run. Run the length of the trail, or take it easy along the St Kilda foreshore, enjoying views of the pier, sea baths, marina and Catani Gardens.
Duck into Sister of Soul after your run for Scrambled Tofu on Toast or Blueberry and Acai Bowl’s washed down with everything from dandelion lattes to beetroot juices, or stick with a satisfyingly traditional brew of St Ali coffee.
4. Princes Park
3.2km loop
Join the university crowd, sports teams and personal trainers galore as you circle Princes Park in Carlton North on a flat, soft gravel track. Run past Ikon Park, formerly the Princes Park Football Ground (home of the Carlton Football Club), the boundary of Melbourne General Cemetery, Melbourne University colleges, and along Royal Parade. Break up your run at exercise stations dotted around the track.
Swing past Brunswick espresso bar Capulus & Co afterwards for Allpress coffee, homemade nut granola or freshly baked goods out of the front window of this tiny family-run home business.
5. Yarra Trails
The hills are alive with runners and cyclists on the Yarra Trails. Set out in the CBD and follow the shared, asphalt Main Yarra Trail along the Yarra River and head for the hills, taking in the Abbotsford Convent, Dights Falls, Studley Park Boatshed and Yarra Bend Park. Connect up with the Capital City Trail for a waterfront run through the city and Docklands.
Enjoy the celiac-friendly and gluten free options at Three Bags Full where you can share a Brekkie Tasting Board with your running mates or try the Loaded Avocado Toast and keep it all to yourself.
6. Abbotsford Convent Loop
11km loop
Take in cute animals, heritage architecture and the Yarra River on a looping trail that begins and ends at the much-loved Abbotsford Convent. Starting from the convent's gates, head towards the Farm Cafe and then follow the river until you reach a set of stairs and a bridge. After crossing the river, follow the trail towards Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and up Victoria Street, skirting Fitzroy Gardens and Parliament Gardens before making your way back through Collingwood's streets to where you started.
Stop at The Convent Bakery for croissants and bread baked from a magnificent masonry wood fired oven built in 1901, moulded by hand and baked straight on the oven brick floor.
