A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Brisbane Parkruns
The sun-drenched city of Brisbane is blossoming with vibrant arts, culture and Brisbane parkruns – given life by its enthusiastic residents and friendly volunteers. Charm and energy are frequently used to describe the aura of Brisbane’s city life, and Brisbane parkruns follow suit with the Queensland capital’s unique and must-visit character.
Many of Brisbane’s top parkruns are set among its pristine coastlines, riverside promenades and enchanting hidden wetlands – combining scenic locations with, in many cases, flat, fast and family-friendly parkrun courses.
Join us on a journey to discover 5 of the best parkruns in Brisbane – the South Bank parkrun, Wynnum parkrun, Bunyaville parkrun, Minnippi parkrun and Sandgate parkrun.
Whether you want to be a part of the pack in one of the most popular Brisbane parkruns that celebrates the city’s iconic landmarks, or to take your fitness off the beaten path in Australia’s challenging and first all-terrain parkrun – Brisbane has the parkrun for you.
Parkrun is empowering. No matter your age or ability, you can personalise your parkrun experience to suit your goals – whether that’s to turn walking, jogging or running into your healthy habit, to socialise and connect with your local community or to lock in 'me time' to run and rejuvenate in a motivational atmosphere.
At the heart of parkrun is a focus on making fitness accessible and inclusive. It's not only a celebration of running, but of diversity. Diversity is a phenomenal part of what makes parkrun globally popular, with this weekly 5km of fun attracting a broad range of participants from all backgrounds and stages of life.
Staying true to the parkrun philosophy, Brisbane’s parkruns are free for all to enjoy. Whether participating or volunteering, parkrun can have extraordinary benefits in supporting your physical and mental health.
From embracing the outdoors to being uplifted by the positivity of fellow parkrunners in a supportive and social environment – this weekly community event is not only motivational, but life-changing.
South Bank parkrun: The most iconic Brisbane parkrun
About the South Bank parkrun & why you'll love it
South Bank parkrun has earned a reputation as ‘Brisbane’s showcase parkrun’ – providing a running tour of Brisbane’s iconic landmarks. It runs alongside the Brisbane River itself, passes the Wheel of Brisbane - the city's famous Ferris Wheel with extraordinary views - and heads towards the tranquil Botanic Gardens.
Ask Brisbane parkrunners and you’ll find many if not most are firm believers that the South Bank parkrun is one of the best parkruns in all of Australia. Potentially reaching 500+ participants each week and with an attendance record of 1010 – it certainly wins the popularity vote.
South Bank parkrun volunteers are celebrated for their outstanding organisation, feel-good positivity (even when accommodating this many runners can be a little hectic!) and for nurturing the welcoming, friendly atmosphere that has made parkrun a global success.
The South Bank parkrun attracts Brisbane locals with its easy accessibility as well as both domestic and international parkrun tourists seeking to absorb the charm and energy this stunning city has to offer on foot. From the Brisbane skyscrapers towering above, to the picturesque parklands below the South Bank parkrun is an inspiring journey to inject the fun and community spirit into your Saturday morning.
South Bank parkrun course
The South Bank parkrun is currently an out-and-back course, starting and ending just outside the South Bank Piazza. Alongside the parkrun signage, you’ll spot early bird parkrunners congregating at the briefing area.
The South Bank parkrun runs along the riverfront Clem Jones Promenade. Smooth, concrete paths make the promenade run-ready, or jog and walk-ready for all participants including being dog and pram-friendly.
Although the riverfront promenade offers a wide path, points of congestion are simply part of the experience with this quantity of runners – almost giving the South Bank parkrun the vibe of Australia’s top marathons on a smaller scale. However, don’t be deterred because it’s all smiles in this vibrant mob.
Brisbane is known for its remarkable bridges – a point that won’t be missed on the South Bank parkrun. Of course, Brisbane is also known for its warm climate, but the South Bank parkrun flows over tree-lined paths and under multiple bridges for solid shade to break up stretches that are exposed to the elements.
You’ll churn one foot in front of the other over the eye-catching steel structure of the Goodwill Bridge providing pedestrians and cyclists with passage between the South Bank Parklands and Gardens Point. A few hills provide variation without being daunting, including the slight incline of the Goodwill Bridge itself.
After the Goodwill Bridge, you'll run up a hill and pass the QUT (Queensland University of Technology). Give yourself or your fellow parkrunners a high-five for conquering the hill before following the roundabout just before the Botanic Gardens to be directed back the way you came. Of course, this means you can enjoy the hill in reverse and power down the decent.
Run back over the Goodwill Bridge and follow the promenade once again, but continue on passed the start line to head beneath Victoria bridge. The concrete path will change over to a boardwalk before continuing on to the iconic GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) museum, then you'll loop back to the finish line. As always, kind-hearted volunteers will be located at key points in the course to cheer you on and direct with a smile.
For more information and a course map, check out the official South Bank parkrun course page.
South Bank parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
The South Bank parkrun course has had an overhaul in the past – so please check the South Bank parkrun official course page for the most current information.
It’s on a concrete path shared by cyclists, walkers and runners, so be respectful and considerate of other pedestrians – particularly considering the crowded nature of this parkrun. We recommend leaving your running headphones at home or investing in open ear headphones to stay auditorily aware of your surroundings and prevent any accidental collisions.
With the potential for congestion, it may mean it’s not the ideal spot to chase your parkrun PB as you may get caught behind the pack. In saying that, you will also catch your fellow parkrunners’ enthusiasm and support to put a spring in your step for an experience that’s truly… parkrun.
You’re invited to take the parkrun party beyond the pavement and meet up with your fellow South Bank parkrunners at a local café for coffee and conversation.
We'd also like to give a shout out to the New Farm parkrun and Rocks Riverside parkrun– which are also at the top of the chart for the most popular parkruns in Brisbane.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official South Bank parkrun page.
Wynnum parkrun: Flat coastal Brisbane parkrun for every age & ability
About the Wynnum parkrun & why you'll love it
The Wynnum parkrun at Wynnum Manly Foreshore is blossoming with stories of runners connecting with their community and their fitness or kick-starting their running journey for the first time at any age.
Praised for their ‘Octogenarian’ events, the well-organised Wynnum parkrun has been responsible for both encouraging and inspiring participants 80 years and up to join the parkrun phenomenon, and has provided them with a platform to be an inspiration for both their peers and younger generations.
These special Octogenarian events, alongside the weekly Wynnum parkrun, have helped nurture connection in Wynnum and the broader community. One of parkruns’ volunteer Outreach Ambassadors, Allana Bianchi organised the Octogenarian event – proving that “too old” isn’t in the parkrun vocabulary.
Her primary goal was to facilitate connection for individuals at all stages of life through parkrun. Now the Octogenarian parkrun at Wynnum is an annual celebration and is praised for its friendly, feel-good vibes no matter your age or pace. Being easily pram accessible, the youngest parkrunners of the pack can also enjoy a stimulating or relaxing ride across the picturesque esplanade.
The calm, coastal scenery itself, complete with photo-worthy palm trees, is enough to make Wynnum parkrun a must-do if you’re seeking a rejuvenating start to your Saturday. The Moreton Bay and the Bay Islands provide an enchanting backdrop to your walk, jog or run. However, what will have you coming back week after week is the heart-warming community spirit.
Wynnum parkrun course
The Wynnum esplanade offers flat and smooth concrete paths along the shoreline, making the Wynnum parkrun beautifully scenic and easily runnable, as well as being wheelchair-friendly and pram-friendly. Of course, being a flat course not only means that the Wynnum parkrun caters to people of a range of different abilities, but it’s also a fast course for runners seeking a PB-friendly run.
The wide, even paths mean that even when accommodating 250+ runners, everyone can flow into their own stride without feeling overly congested.
Since it's an out-and-back course, the start/finish line is the same location. The Wynnum Wading Pool is a useful landmark to find your way - the starting point is on the grass just a touch further than the two pergolas south east from here.
Upon starting, you'll head south east in the direction of Bayside Park at Manly. There's a turnaround point before reaching Bayside Park - with signs or friendly volunteers providing direction. You'll run back the way you came, past the starting point and follow the path onwards towards Breakwater Park where you'll find the second turnaround point - again with signage to guide you for a return back to the finish line.
With two turnaround points, no matter your pace you'll be running side by side (but in opposite directions) with runners at different stages of the pack – soaking in their smiles and enthusiasm for inspiration.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Wynnum parkrun course page.
Wynnum parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
Within metres of the start/finish line, the family-friendly Wynnum Wading Pool is the perfect spot to cool off after Wynnum parkrun and is even complete with a nautical-themed playground. Just opposite the Wading Pool, you’re invited for a post-run coffee catch-up at Pelicans Nest café.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Wynnum parkrun page.
Bunyaville parkrun: The first all-trail parkrun in Australia
About the Bunyaville parkrun & why you'll love it
The Bunyaville parkrun has been praised for its friendly community, extraordinary organisation, breath-taking scenery and first and foremost, its challenge. But of course, with challenge comes reward.
Set in the Bunyaville Regional Park north west of central Brisbane, the Bunyaville parkrun has been described as a genuine trail run. It stays honest to its history as the first all-trail parkrun in Australia and you certainly won’t feel any pavement underfoot here.
The Bunyaville Regional Park is home to native wildlife and is a beautiful retreat for hikers and trail runners. The bustling cosmopolitan and concrete jungle of Brisbane feels even further than the 30-minute car ride, as you’re immersed in the dry sclerophyll forest and pockets of dry rainforest.
The canopy of eucalyptus shading the path may keep away the heat in the warmer months, but this incredibly hilly and winding course welcomes parkrunners that take pride in feeling the burn. But of course, there’s no pressure to set a fast-finishing time. Stop to smell the native flora and progress at your own pace.
And the atmosphere? Besides the mood-boosting bushland, the friendly volunteers and parkrunners make Bunyaville parkrun a must-run. Of course, it doesn’t reach the attendance of the easy-to-access and PB-friendly parkruns closer to the centre of Brisbane - potentially clocking in less than 60 runners week-to-week.
However, in terms of the support and enthusiasm you wouldn’t know anything was missing. In fact, the small-town community spirit and camaraderie of parkrun runs strong here. The Bunyaville parkrun is undoubtedly worth the trip.
Bunyaville parkrun course
You better lace up in your best trail running shoes for the Bunyaville parkrun, because you’re going to need adventure-ready protection and traction to conquer the rough, uneven ground underfoot.
If you prefer pancake-flat parkruns, the Bunyaville parkrun won’t meet your criteria... not even slightly. However, if you want to trade consistent roads for a trail off the beaten track and be rewarded with not only the beauty of what Australian forests have to offer, but a sense of accomplishment in your mental and physical resilience, it’s a parkrun worthy of your bucket list.
The Bunyaville parkrun kicks off at the James Drysdale Recreational Park by the Pine Hills Netball Club with a lap around a grass field before transitioning onto a trail path of loose rocks. The path leads you to the Bunyaville State Forest, narrowing onto a leaf-speckled single dirt track shaded with eucalyptus - so trail etiquette is critical here. Be mindful of other trail runners and walkers as well as mountain bikes.
Signs signify the multiple turnaround points and guide you to keep you on track – which you’ll be thankful for, as otherwise there are many opportunities to find yourself on the wrong path in this picturesque yet maze-like bushland with numerous numbered tracks.
If this untouched bushland wasn’t enough, a creek crossing adds another layer of challenge – plus it’s fun! This is a time to wear dirt and mud with pride because keeping your trail running shoes pristine in this environment is a challenge in itself. Be aware, you won’t be crossing the creek once, but twice.
In wet conditions it’s very likely you’re trail shoes may take a dip in the shallow creek – so be sure to protect them with a water-repelling spray like Crep Protect or wear Gore-Tex trail running shoes to block out the mud and wet from entering and soaking your favourite running socks.
In terms of gradient there’s a bit of everything – intense upward climbs, invigorating downhill descents and even a fast and flat section thrown in – but don’t let this trick you into becoming complacent. From the halfway turn around point, you’ll essentially be doing the hills in reverse – up is down and down is up.
True to the hilly nature of the Bunyaville parkrun course, there’s a last hill before the finish line as you do the final stretch towards the netball courts. Part of the challenge of the course is learning how to pace yourself – to not burn out by running at full-pelt at the flatter sections (which are few) and holding that energy in reserve to show those hills what your legs are made of.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Bunyaville parkrun course page.
Bunyaville parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
At the Bunyaville parkrun, running is more forgiving on your joints thanks to the softer trail surfaces underfoot, being a 100% non-paved course. However, unlike a smooth, paved parkrun where you can flow into your stride on autopilot, you always have to be conscious of where you’re putting your feet at the Bunyaville parkrun.
With slip hazards like the creek crossing and rough trails underfoot with deep crevices in sections – it can be ankle-rolling territory. It’s important to trade your need for speed for a focus on safety and stability where the terrain calls for it. The Bunyaville parkrun probably won’t be the destination of your 5km PB, but it will be an invigorating experience that heightens your proprioception.
Alongside its furry inhabitants like wallabies and koalas, or cold-blooded residents like snakes, the Bunyaville Regional Park is also home to little hitch-hikers – being ticks. We recommend checking yourself and your dog for ticks post-run as a precaution.
Yes, currently dogs are allowed at the Bunyaville parkrun on a leash and on the shared paths of the Bunyaville Conservation Park – keeping in mind this is a habitat for native fauna first and foremost. Dogs are not allowed on designated walking tracks, mountain bike trails or picnic areas.
The Bunyaville Conservation Park is praised as having some of the best mountain bike tracks in north Brisbane, so give way to riders where necessary on the shared trails.
Like any trail run, it's important to know how to hydrate and bring water from home as there is no drinking fountains or places to purchase water in the vicinity. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean the post-run coffee catch-up parkruns are known for is out of the question. Instead, pack a picnic and bring the cosy café vibes to the event and share some goodies with your fellow parkrunners.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Bunyaville parkrun page.
Minnippi parkrun: Peaceful & flat Brisbane parkrun
The Minnippi Parklands in Brisbane’s south east has an aura of a secret garden – complete with picturesque meadows and an ancient lagoon veiled in lush lily pads as if out of a dream. This rare lagoon is more than the idyllic, painting-worthy beauty it represents – it’s a historic site. Hundreds of other scenic wetlands have not survived after being filled in by humans to accommodate city life.
As if frozen in time, the lagoon at the Minnippi Parklands remains virtually untouched - a snapshot of what the surrounding land was like pre-settlement. Today, this thankfully preserved wetland not only offers a tranquil retreat for locals seeking the perfect picnic spot, but is a sanctuary for birdlife and other native fauna.
The Minnippi parkrun itself runs on a circular loop around the lake/lagoon – making it a must-run for nature enthusiasts or as a peaceful getaway to walk, jog or run in a truly rejuvenating setting. At only 10km from Brisbane’s CBD, it’s easily accessible while offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
The Minnippi parkrun itself offers a peaceful, near-flat course – making it a popular parkrun for families including parents running with a pram, and furry four-legged running buddies. Whether you’re taking your time to soak in the scenery or are shifting the pace up a gear to glide over this PB-friendly course, the lush, leafy setting is sure to sooth everyday stresses and encourage you to embrace the moment.
True to parkrun, the support and enthusiasm from the volunteers is next to none. Beginner parkrunners and parkrun tourists will quickly be put at ease as they join the Minnippi parkrun family in a celebration of each other’s participation and personal successes.
Minnippi parkrun course
Parkrun milestones are achieved at the Minnippi parkrun. Alongside the enchanting setting of the Minnippi parkrun, it’s known for being a flat, fast course – inspiring around 250 runners a week to lace up and crush their running goals, to commit to a healthier lifestyle in a friendly, social setting or to get a weekly dose of nature.
With smooth concrete underfoot, it’s easy to flow into a natural rhythm. The even path is generously wide, but even where it narrows your fellow parkrunners are polite and considerate – giving way to faster runners and other visitors to the parklands.
The start/finish line for the Minnippi parkrun is on the grassy area just outside the car park connecting to Meadowlands Road. Parkrunners follow a concrete path that meanders gently through the parklands and over a charming bridge.
You’ll run clockwise alongside Bulimba Creek while completing two loops around the lake/lagoon before returning back to the start/finish line. No matter where you are in the pack, from the ‘100m to go’ mark you’re likely to be cheered on by the friendly volunteers to give you a motivational boost while the fresh air and dreamy scenery nurtures a fresh perspective beyond busy urban or city life.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Minnippi parkrun course page.
Minnippi parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
There is so much to do in the Minnippi Parklands to inspire the love of the outdoors and imagination of little athletes as well as adults. To make a day of it for the kids, check out the two playgrounds – one with an aviation-inspired theme to unlock little athlete’s imaginations. Alternatively, bring along bikes, kids’ scooters or even a canoe to fully take advantage of what Minnippi Parklands has to offer.
The Minnippi Parklands outdoor gym is a fantastic way of combining the mood-boosting outdoors with your cross-training program – and it’s complete with a basketball/futsal court to entertain people of all ages. These facilities were a part of an initiative by Brisbane City Council to encourage locals to enjoy fitness, sunshine and live happier, more active lives. You can also explore the winding paths of the Minnippi Parklands on foot and see where they take you.
In terms of tips on the Minnippi parkrun itself, as it’s near wetlands it’s worth bringing along mosquito repellent to prevent any distractions to this breath-taking setting and PB-friendly course.
At the Minnippi parkrun, coffee comes to you. Before heading off on your own adventure of Minnippi Parklands, join your fellow runners for a post-parkrun coffee at the mobile coffee van.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Minnippi parkrun page.
Sandgate parkrun: Fast seaside Brisbane parkrun
In the beautiful chaos that is early parenthood, parkrun has been a source of motivation for new parents to escape the confines of four walls and soak in the mood-boosting benefits of physical activity and fresh air, the enthusiasm of other parkrunners and the supportive and social atmosphere.
In fact, this ties into the motivation behind the creation of Sandgate parkrun by founder, Vanessa Gibson. Following the birth of her second child, Vanessa was craving a positive outlet to break free of the ‘baby fog’ and reconnect with her mind and body through movement.
After being inspired by what she had heard of the parkrun phenomenon and its growth in Australia, she sought out a parkrun close to home to lace up, but her local area had none to offer – yet.
Ambitious to give this opportunity to herself and her community, Vanessa organised the first Sandgate parkrun in November 2012 and over a decade on, it’s still running strong.
For Vanessa, parkrun had multi-faceted benefits - offering both an inspirational community connection and scheduled ‘me time’ where she could prioritise her self-care. Parkrun helps break down the barriers to girls and women embracing sport – creating a welcoming, inclusive community where above all participation is celebrated and no one is left behind.
Being involved in parkrun enables parents to strengthen bonds with their children and run as a family. It's a free, fun way to get your kids into running to create the foundations of a happy, active adulthood or to encourage friendships that nurture their self-esteem and confidence. Sometimes three generations of a family– children, parents and grandparents – all lace up to enjoy the positive benefits of running, jogging or walking at parkrun.
Alongside families, runners that are craving to combine parkrun with speedwork will love the Sandgate parkrun course - and naturally it attracts some of the fastest runners in Brisbane – especially during the annual ‘Speed Week’ in June when attendance climbs.
In terms of the scenery and course, the Sandgate parkrun has similarities to the Wynnum parkrun – an out-and-back course with picturesque coastal views. Sandgate parkrun tops it off with a run on the Shorncliffe Pier stretching into Moreton Bay – allowing you to truly soak in the crystal-clear seaside and to perhaps even come back to catch an absolutely stunning sunset. Depending on the time of year, you’ll potentially be able to spot dolphins from its end.
The Shorncliffe Pier (formally Sandgate Pier) itself is a must-see at any pace and provides a glimpse into Sandgate’s history. It's been standing since 1884 – originally built to increase accessibility to Sandgate and Shorncliffe as holiday and recreational destinations for Brisbane residents.
Refurbished in 2016 while preserving its character, the 350-metre Shorncliffe Pier – among Brisbane’s longest piers - is complete with colonial street lamps, white timber rails and of course, mesmerising sapphire-blue stretches of ocean all round. Much of the historic wood that was replaced in the refurbishment was given a new life as hand-crafted benches (with the funds from sales being returned back into the Sandgate community) or as materials for sculpture as part of this artistic community.
The combination of its empowering origins, peaceful and historic scenery teamed with the friendly and laid-back coastal community make Sandgate parkrun among the best parkruns in Brisbane – not to mention, one of the fastest.
Sandgate parkrun course
With a wide, flat and mostly straight concrete path that follows the seaside, the Sandgate parkrun offers smooth sailing in every stride for parkrun beginners and speedsters alike. The Sandgate parkrun course is simplistic and easily runnable in nature - free of complicated twists, turns or challenging hills - yet beautifully stunning all the same.
Runners meet at the Arthur Davis Park, Flinders Parade, close to the Sandgate Aquatic Centre for a briefing before the weekly event kicks off. Even when runners are in the hundreds, congestion is rarely an issue on this out-and-back course – offering a scenic walk, jog or run to the Shorncliffe Pier and back.
From the starting line, you follow the path south along Lovers’ Walk – a peaceful route between Sandgate and Shorncliffe. If you have a moment to slow down, soak in the public art installations along the way – showcasing the creativity and giving you a piece of insight into Sandgate’s culture-rich community. You’ll continue Lovers’ walk, then turn to follow along Shorncliffe Pier to the turnaround point at its end.
This leg of the run is an invigorating experience – with spectacular views of Moreton Bay. If you love injecting your weekends with a touch of seaside magic and fascinating history, it’s a Brisbane parkrun to add to your bucket list.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Sandgate parkrun course page.
Sandgate parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
Being coastal, the Sandgate parkrun can be exposed to the cold and wind – but that doesn’t stop parkrunners of all ages and abilities braving the chill and the ever-reliable volunteers remaining in high spirits. To stay run-ready even in the chilly months, check out Sportitude Running's cold weather layering guide.
The Bay Café is the go-to for Sandgate parkrunners to fuel up with coffee and enjoy friendly company post-run.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Sandgate parkrun page.
Sportitude Running would like to give a special mention to Zillmere parkrun – one of the rare parkruns in the world starting with the letter ‘Z’. If you’re a parkrun alphabeteer, be sure to cross it off your list when visiting Brisbane.
Is your favourite Brisbane parkrun missing from the list? We’d love to hear about it! Contact Sportitude Running and let us know why it’s the best Brisbane parkrun for you.
Happy running, and we’ll see you at parkrun!
If you like this, you'll love:
What Is Parkrun? The Running Phenomenon You'll Love To Be A Part Of
A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Sydney Parkruns
A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Adelaide Parkruns
6 Must-Run Marathons In Australia
6 Major Marathons For Your Bucket List