The best running trails around Hobart

Hobart offers a wide variety of running experiences, with over 70 routes available for you to explore. These range from easy, flat paths to challenging mountain trails, catering to all fitness levels.

Yes, Hobart has several excellent options for easy and beginner-friendly runs. The Intercity Cycleway offers a mostly flat, scenic 15.6 km track along the Derwent River. Another great choice is the Hobart Rivulet Track (Riv 5), a beautiful 5 km path through a leafy retreat near the city center. For a wider, flat gravel track, consider Risdon Brook Dam, located about 15 minutes from Hobart.

For those seeking a challenge, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the prime destination. It offers numerous trails with significant elevation changes, traversing through forests, past waterfalls, and over rocky landscapes. Routes like the challenging 14.2 km trek from Battery Point to the summit (part of the Point to Pinnacle half-marathon route) or the 25.7 km Wellington Falls Lookout loop provide substantial workouts. You can also find difficult routes such as South Tiger Running Loop, which features significant elevation gain through varied forest terrain.

Absolutely! The Hobart Waterfront, Battery Point, and Sandy Bay route is highly recommended. Starting from areas like Mures, you can head towards the Intercity Cycleway or through Battery Point, passing by Salamanca Market and Elizabeth Street Pier. This route offers beautiful views of the Derwent River and plenty of cafes for post-run refreshments.

Yes, many routes in Hobart are designed as loops. For instance, Queens Domain features Max's Infinity Loop, a multi-use 2.7 km track. On Mount Wellington, you can explore loops like the Wellington Falls Lookout loop (25.7 km) or the Kunanyi / Mount Wellington – Rocking Stone loop (12.5 km). The Taylor Mountain loop is another popular circular option for a substantial workout.

For families, the Intercity Cycleway is an excellent choice due to its mostly flat terrain and scenic river views. The Hobart Rivulet Track is also suitable, offering a pleasant 5 km path. Additionally, the 4 km "Nox Softy Track" connecting Knocklofty Reserve to Mount Wellington is a gentle shared path perfect for runners, walkers, and mountain bikers of all ages.

Hobart's running routes offer a wealth of natural beauty. On Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, you'll encounter temperate rainforest, sub-alpine flora, glacial rock formations, and even waterfalls like Silver Falls. Along the Hobart Rivulet Track, you might spot platypus. The waterfront routes provide stunning views of the Derwent River and the Tasman Bridge. You can also explore highlights like Lake Wilderness or the Talus Rocks.

Many urban and waterfront routes in Hobart offer convenient access to cafes and other amenities. The Hobart Waterfront, Battery Point, and Sandy Bay route is particularly good for this, with numerous cafes along the way. The Sandy Bay Road also runs through areas with shops and cafes, and the Hobart Rivulet Track starts near the Hamlet Cafe on Molle Street.

The running routes in Hobart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.38 stars from over 15 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain trails with panoramic views to serene waterfront paths, and the unique blend of wilderness and urban proximity that makes each run an adventure.

Yes, many routes provide stunning views of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The Hobart Rivulet Track offers glimpses of the mountain as it leads towards the Cascade Brewery at its foot. Routes on Queens Domain and in Knocklofty Reserve also provide tremendous views of the mountain and the city. Of course, any route on Mount Wellington itself will immerse you in its grandeur and offer panoramic vistas from higher elevations.

Hobart offers great running conditions year-round, but each season has its charm. Spring and autumn generally provide mild temperatures, ideal for longer runs. Summer can be warm, making early morning or late afternoon runs along the waterfront or shaded trails preferable. Winter runs, while cooler, offer crisp air and often stunning clear views, especially on mountain trails, though appropriate layering is essential.

Yes, the Risdon Brook Dam, located about 15 minutes from Hobart, offers a picturesque reservoir with a wide and flat gravel track perfect for jogging. Additionally, you can explore routes near Lake Wilderness, which is a notable highlight in the region.

Many popular running routes in Hobart are easily accessible. For city and waterfront runs, public transport is widely available, and parking can be found in various city car parks. For routes on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, there are designated parking areas at trailheads. The Intercity Cycleway and Hobart Rivulet Track are also well-connected and often have nearby parking options.