A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Perth Parkruns
Perth is abundant in pristine beaches, adventurous trails, amazing coffee and of course, parkruns. Parkrun is a revitalising way of committing to walking, jogging or running as part of your self-care ritual, and enjoying a healthy dose of sunshine and socialisation.
In fact, Perth is the sunniest capital city in Australia – so what better way to boost your vitamin D and connect with your local community than a Perth parkrun?
The parkrun phenomenon has inspired walkers, joggers and runners across the globe to lace up on Saturday mornings for a pressure-free, obligation-free and cost-free 5km of fun. It’s a rejuvenating way to wake up to the weekend – allowing you to enjoy the positive benefits of movement on your mental health, wellbeing and physical fitness.
Paired with the feel-good community of Perth and its stunning sites from city to trail, Perth parkruns can nurture your motivation to workout both your leg and smile muscles.
Join us on a journey to discover 5 of the best parkruns in Perth – the Cottesloe parkrun, Bibra Lake parkrun, Tamworth Wetlands parkrun, Applecross parkrun and Mundy Regional parkrun.
From Perth's popular city parkruns that have a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Australia’s best marathons, to Perth trail parkruns that cocoon you in beautiful bushland, you’ll find your footing here.
With its welcoming and inclusive nature that embraces diversity, parkrun feels like home. Whether you’re a beginner parkrunner, parkrun tourist or volunteer – parkrun is where uplifting memories are made, and personal milestones are achieved.
Participation over pace is celebrated. No matter whether you’re enjoying the scenery and socialising at a relaxed walk, jogging with a running pram or have your heart set on a 5km personal best – parkrun supports your fitness goals. Whether you do one or one hundred parkruns, it's an empowering experience to be a part of.
Cottesloe parkrun: Perth parkrun on the beach
If you’re craving a dose of rejuvenating coastal air and aren’t afraid of getting your running shoes a little sandy, the Cottesloe parkrun is for you.
Unlike other coastal parkruns that are run only on pavement above or alongside the beach, the Cottlesloe parkrun embraces the picturesque white sand from heel-to-toe with an 800m stretch that runs on the beach itself. The uniqueness and beauty of Cottlesloe parkrun attracts both locals and parkrun tourists from across the globe. Its enthusiastic and supportive volunteers make it a Perth parkrun you won’t soon forget.
Even in the goosebump season, Cottesloe parkrunners are happy to rug up and lace up to inject the joy of this beach parkrun into their Saturday morning, clocking in about 100 runners week-to-week. In the summer months, this number climbs as runners head out to the iconic, sun-kissed beaches of Perth to enjoy their clear blue waters.
Cottesloe parkrunners describe the beach section on soft sand as challenging. If you love a challenge, stunning ocean views and adding variety to the surfaces beneath your feet, it's the Perth parkrun for you.
Cottesloe parkrun course
A combination of paved footpaths and sand provide a variety of surfaces underfoot for an interesting walk or run along the coast at Cottesloe parkrun. This is a straightforward out-and-back course, with the path divided where needed to accommodate two directions of participants. This also allows you to wave, smile and soak in the inspiration of other runners on the path at different stages of the course.
Cottesloe parkrunners gather on the grass beside Marine Parade, between Princes Street and Beach Street, the starting and finishing location.
The first turnaround point around a tap sends you back to the starting line and beyond, until hitting the turn onto the beach where a friendly volunteer marshal will direct you. A parkrun flag on the beach signifies the second turnaround point. After retracing your footprints on the beach, you’ll turn to reconnect with the pavement, heading north to be directed down the finishing chute.
The Cottesloe parkrun is easy to navigate for parkrun first-timers. Although there is a descent to reach the beach and a corresponding ascent on the way back to the pavement, there are no major hills on the course. However, those unfamiliar with beach running will find the 800m stretch of sand offers a strength-building workout for your lower body – so remember to enjoy it at your own pace and take in the view.
Of course, running on sand is softer than pavement, lifting strain off your hips, knees and ankles. However, it requires more energy than running on pavement, building your leg strength with the increased resistance and engaging underused muscles in your lower leg to maintain stability.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Cottesloe parkrun course page.
Cottesloe parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
From smooth sailing on the pavement to challenges on the sand, the Cottesloe parkrun course adds a new running story to your fitness journey.
The beach is never the same month to month, with seasonal changes in the tide and the seaweed making every Cottesloe parkrun fresh and invigorating.
As the majority of the course is run on a beachfront pedestrian path shared by cyclists, walkers and runners, please give way to other path users. The combination of beach running and navigating this potentially busy path means despite being a relatively straight course, it’s probably not a particularly PB-friendly parkrun course.
Although there are small pockets of shade provided by lovely trees on the pedestrian path, the majority of this beach parkrun is unshaded and exposed to the elements, so be sure to wear a running cap and sunscreen.
In the cooler months, layer up in the right gear for protection from the chill and wind. Also, be mindful for the potential of rocks underfoot as you transition from pavement to beach, raising your feet where necessary.
This is a dog-friendly beach and parkrun, so bring your furry running buddy along for the adventure. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself to a coffee with the Cottesloe parkrun family at The Orange Box post-run.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Cottesloe parkrun page.
Bibra Lake parkrun: Popular lakeside Perth parkrun
The Bibra Lake parkrun ticks the boxes of parkrunners seeking sweet simplicity on a Saturday morning. With picturesque scenery of the glistening lake, this flat, 1-lap, 1-directional course attracts participants of all ages and abilities.
It surpasses many of the parkruns in Perth's southern suburbs in popularity, with about 140 participants per week. In the summer, this can be as many as 200 attendees as the warm weather draws out more walkers/runners to enjoy this beautiful lakeside course.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re pushing for a PB or seeking a stroll in nature, parkrunners committed to this course are beckoned back by the emotionally nourishing community. It’s welcoming for every generation of the family – from the runner-in-training being pushed in a running pram, to their grandparents seeking a positive and mood-boosting start to their Saturday morning.
It’s a location of many personal success stories – with the flat, smooth course offering the ideal start for new parkrunners to begin their journey of health and fitness.
The friendly nature of both participants and volunteers alongside the feel-good atmosphere are among the highlights. Diversity is celebrated, and parkrun tourists from Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Singapore have joined in on this fun, flat course – their smiles adding to that of parkrunners who call this course their home parkrun.
Bibra Lake parkrun course
Part of the charm of the Bibra Lake parkrun is that it’s near impossible to get lost on. One lap in one direction means you can focus purely on flowing into your stride and soaking in the scenery. There are no turnaround points, so you never have to retrace your steps. It’s just smooth, flat tarmac paths in a beginner-friendly loop that runs just short of the full perimeter of the lake.
The course starts on the Bibra Lake’s west side, in between the Bibra Lake Playground to the north and Adventure World to the south on Progress Drive. You’ll follow the shared, paved path in a counter-clockwise direction, keeping the lake on your left-hand side for the entire route.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Bibra Lake parkrun course page.
Bibra Lake parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
When you walk, jog or run the Bibra Lake parkrun course, be mindful that it’s on shared footpaths, so it’s particularly important to practise footpath etiquette for the safety and enjoyment of your fellow parkrunners and visitors to Bibra Lake. Be kind and give way.
For the little parkrunners of the family, the Bibra Lake Regional Playground offers an adventurous place for active play. Many of its features are inspired by Aboriginal culture and local wildlife, or put recycled materials into play.
At the Bibra Lake parkrun, coffee comes to you with a coffee van at the finish line. Stick around post-run to reward yourself with coffee and friendly conversation with your fellow parkrunners.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Bibra Lake parkrun page.
Tamworth Wetlands parkrun: Family-friendly Perth trail parkrun
Looking for a change of pace? The Tamworth Wetlands parkrun puts soft, leaf-speckled trails underneath your feet and trades traffic noise for the song of native birdlife - a natural soundtrack to flow into your stride. Leave your running headphones at home to treat your senses to this rejuvenating environment.
It’s certainly worth keeping your eyes open as the Tamworth Wetlands is a reserve and sanctuary for native wildlife including kangaroos grazing in the early morning light. About a 40-minute drive from the centre of Perth, this parkrun is well-worth the trek.
You’ll be walking, jogging or running alongside participants of all abilities and ages. Whether jogging with a running pram, dashing after older kids, having a leisurely stroll with walking poles or chasing your PB – everyone is welcome and celebrated for their personal successes.
This friendly and supportive community also celebrates special events – from encouraging participants to wear a tutu on the 222nd Tamworth Wetlands parkrun, to raising awareness of International Women’s Day.
In the past, girls aged between 5 and 11 from the Baldivis Brumby Girl Guides group took the reins of the Tamworth Wetlands parkrun by volunteering to celebrate International Women’s Day. This special event represented the role of parkrun in breaking down barriers to female participation. Parkrun empowers girls and women to embrace an active lifestyle, nurture their self-esteem and take on leadership roles.
Compared to the neighbouring parkrun of Rockingham, the Tamworth Wetlands parkrun is a smaller event with under 100 attendees per week. Even with the cosier, community vibe, the support from all volunteers and attendants runs strong here – attracting families, speedsters and every age of parkrunner to this event.
Tamworth Wetlands parkrun course
The Tamworth Wetlands parkrun is a trail parkrun, putting a variety of surfaces beneath your feet from gravel to soft trail paths.
The start and finish are located at a gentle hill close to the entrance of the Tamworth Wetlands reserve. This simple, out-and-back course features a turnaround point at each side of the wetlands, so you will be retracing your steps to fully appreciate this natural bushland escape.
It’s tucked right next to Baldivis shopping centre, yet you’ll soon forget you’re near civilization with majestic trees shading your path and the raw nature of the bushland trail beneath your feet.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Tamworth Wetlands parkrun course page.
Tamworth Wetlands parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
Even though Tamworth Wetlands parkrun is a trail parkrun, don’t let this term dishearten you if you’re new to trail running. Enjoy peace of mind knowing this is a beginner-friendly trail parkrun.
The ground is soft, making it kinder to your hips, knees and ankles compared to pavement and there’s absolutely zero pressure to run at a snappier pace. Some participants take 30 minutes to complete the course and others take over an hour – it’s truly up to the experience you’re seeking from parkrun. Run at pace or leisurely coast over this beautiful 5km track – it’s up to you.
Dogs are welcome to join in on the fun (on lead) and many parents with running prams enjoy this course without any concerns. Just be wary that like with any run off the beaten track, that wet weather can change trail conditions with the potential for mud.
If you’re happy to embrace a little dirt on your trail running shoes, Tamworth Wetlands parkrun is a parkrun for you. Be sure to join your fellow parkwalkers, parkjoggers and parkrunners for coffee and conversation at the Dome Cafe post-run.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Tamworth Wetlands parkrun page.
Applecross parkrun: Flat Perth parkrun with water views
There’s not many parkruns where there’s the potential to spot playful dolphins from the course, but the Applecross parkrun is one of them. Of course, this means instead of crushing your PB you may want to slow down to cherish the moment, but that’s all a part of parkrun philosophy – to enjoy at your own pace and without pressure.
Walking, jogging or running along the boardwalk is an inspiring way to start your Saturday among fellow participants and friends. Even before the clock hits 9am, you’ll complete a rejuvenating activity for your body and mind, and connect to your local community.
This flat, scenic course flows along the edge of Swan River. When approaching the end of the 5K, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the city to motivate you in the last stride.
No matter why you run – to nourish your mental health, improve your fitness or to socialise among a diverse and friendly community - the Applecross parkrun supports your goals. It’s a joyful and fun experience, with over 100 participants each week of all ages and abilities.
And by fun, we mean it! Whether it’s celebrating May the 4th by wearing Star Wars-themed costumes or other fancy-dress events, the Applecross parkrun is fantastic for building positive memories with the family, as well as giving your smile and leg muscles a workout. This makes it the perfect destination to get your kids into running.
Applecross parkrun course
With picturesque and pristine views of Swan River, the Applecross parkrun offers a beautiful backdrop for your eyes and easy-to-run pavement and boardwalk for your legs.
It kicks off at the Jeff Joseph Reserve, then follows the path west in the direction of Fremantle with the boardwalk beneath your feet. 2km in, you’ll encounter a turnaround point where Ness Road and Melville Beach Road meet.
You’ll retrace your steps, walking/running 500m past the start line until the second turnaround point where The Strand and Nisbet Road intersect. This will take you back to the start/finish location to complete the Applecross parkrun.
This course is easily accessible for running prams and many participants also take their dog along for the run.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Applecross parkrun course page.
Applecross parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
At first, the path may not look like it can accommodate the number of runners attending Applecross parkrun, but everyone naturally flows into their stride, preventing overcrowding on the pavement.
There’s plenty of shaded picnic spots, open lush grass or BBQs to enjoy and make a day of it, or you can keep your little athletes moving on the playground. With cosy cafes just a 5-minute walk away, it’s a convenient location.
However, it’s even more convenient when coffee comes to you thanks to the Coffee Bean Brewing Company coffee van – a great way to spark a chat with your fellow parkrunners and celebrate your success.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Applecross parkrun page.
Mundy Regional parkrun: Scenic, challenging & hilly Perth trail parkrun
On your parkrun journey, it’s worth exploring the road-less-travelled. The Mundy Regional parkrun is nestled in Mundy Regional Park, a natural paradise for birdlife to call home and wild flowers to grow. It’s not only a walk, jog or run – but a true adventure.
Leave any pressure to run a PB at home because this Perth parkrun combines the beauty of native bushland with the challenge of hills… serious hills.
With potentially less than 25 participants each week, an average finish time of over 40 minutes and elevation of about 215m, the Mundy Regional parkrun is unique in its challenge. It’s arguably one of the most difficult parkruns in Australia.
But with challenge comes reward. Alongside the stunning city views you’ll gain by conquering this hilly parkrun, hill running has multiple benefits to your body and is ideal for integrating into your (half) marathon training.
Hill running strengthens both upper and lower body while helping your heart and lungs adapt to an increased training load. With stronger muscles, your speed and stamina will naturally improve – plus you’ll feel more confident mentally having embraced the challenge.
You’ll also love connecting with your fellow Mundy Regional parkrunners in a tight-knit and welcoming community – where the volunteer tail walker (whose role is to provide encouragement and ensure nobody is left behind) often falls in the top 20 of participants - because that's all there is! Whether you’re a regular parkrunner or a new face, you’ll feel supported by this friendly and brave troop of trail hikers/runners.
Mundy Regional parkrun course
This all-trail, all-adventure parkrun is known for its hills first and foremost, injecting the thrill into your weekly training as it follows along the Xanthorrhoea Trail.
The official parkrun course page refers to the hills as “rollercoaster” sections – an accurate description considering the suspenseful uphill climbs and exhilarating descents to enjoy at any pace. And of course, they’re fun to run on – even if it means being exhausted!
Alongside challenging your legs, it’s a test of your proprioception with natural debris to navigate and areas of tricky footing. The Mundy Regional parkrun requires more focus than your run-of-the-mill road run, trading consistent, smooth surfaces for potentially rugged or loose terrain.
In sections, the trail is lined with eucalyptus to provide welcome shade and is bountiful with wildflowers in the spring. During winter, water erosion may change the conditions of the trail, however it is generally well-maintained.
If you find the idea of a parkrun with 215m elevation enticing, be sure to gear up with your trail running shoes and give Mundy Regional parkrun a go.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Mundy Regional parkrun course page.
Mundy Regional parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
As on any trail run, please bring a running hydration pack, hydration belt or water bottle as there is no water available in the area, and be sure to check out how to hydrate for short and long runs. If possible, wear trail running shoes to improve your stability, traction and protection in this wildly beautiful environment.
Due to the steep and rugged nature of the Mundy Regional parkrun, it may not be suitable for running prams. Check out the Tamworth Wetlands trail parkrun above for a pram-friendly alternative.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Mundy Regional parkrun page.
Is your favourite Perth parkrun missing from the list? We’d love to hear about it! Contact Sportitude Running and let us know why it’s the best Perth 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 Melbourne Parkruns
A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Adelaide Parkruns
6 Must-Run Marathons In Australia
6 Major Marathons For Your Bucket List