Brisbane’s 6 Best Parkruns: Flattest, Hardest & Most Scenic

Author: Wildfire Sports & Trek  Date Posted: 11 February 2026

We’ve mapped out the 6 best locations in the city to help you smash your goals. Whether you want the "pancake-flat" speed of Kedron or the scenic, lung-busting hills of Bunyaville, we’ve found your perfect starting line. Ready, get set, run!

Whether your goal is to run your fastest 5K or take in the stunning sights of Queensland’s capital at a relaxed pace, the best parkruns in Brisbane invite you to lace up in your running shoes no matter your age, ability or ambitions.     

Parkrun is a global, weekly running event that has been inspiring runners for over 20 years to come together for fun and fitness on a Saturday morning. Entirely volunteer-run, there’s no cost associated with this 5K run; it’s free to join, and you’re free to move at any pace. It’s okay to walk, jog or sprint at parkrun, helping make improved mental and physical health more accessible to everyone. 

Get motivated with our top 6 Brisbane parkrun locations - the Kedron parkrun, Wynnum parkrun, Sandgate parkrun, Minnippi parkrun, Bunyaville parkrun and South Bank parkrun. Whether you need inspiration to register for your first parkrun, to take on a new challenge on a flat, fast parkrun course, or to explore breathtaking parkrun trails - we’ve got your next adventure covered with our best Brisbane parkruns beginner’s guide below. 

The Flattest and Fastest Parkruns In Brisbane
Kedron parkrun

Busy, fast and fun. The Kedron parkrun has you flowing into a rhythm among 300 like-minded walkers, joggers and runners, and is conveniently located close to Brisbane city. Heading towards the Kedron Football Club and running alongside the Kedron Brook, the majority of the course is flat. It features a small bridge crossing and some gentle rises, including one near the end to inspire you to give your all for the final stretch.

In 2021, competitive runner Jude Thomas set not only a parkrun personal best but the fastest parkrun result in Australia on the course at the time, at just 00:14:13. For many runners, it’s not just about running your fastest personal best but also the social element of being among a friendly, encouraging community of fellow parkrunners and volunteers. 

Set among lush grass on well-maintained paved paths, this out-and-back course is also a fantastic option for running with a pram.

Kedron parkrun tip: Wear a running hat and be sun-safe. Besides a few strides under bridges, the Kedron parkrun isn’t shaded and can be particularly hot in the summer months. The congestion at the start tends to disperse as the run progresses, allowing you to find your own pace. 

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Mostly pedestrian-only, shared concrete paths with narrow sections

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 8.2km

Average Finish Time: 30m 49s

Official Kedron parkrun page

Kedron parkrun course map

Wynnum parkrun

The Wynnum parkrun is a picturesque, out-and-back course catering to both walkers seeking a gentle stroll and runners looking to run their fastest 5K. Located at Wynnum Manly Foreshore, with coastal views of Moreton Bay and whimsical palm trees along the route, it’s a flat Brisbane parkrun to rejuvenate your mind and body, no matter your ability or running goals.

Due to the pram and wheelchair-friendly course, the Wynnum parkrun is a favourite among families and all generations, even hosting an annual Octogenarian event to celebrate participants aged 80 and over. Participating in a parkrun can be life-changing, an opportunity to connect with a supportive community and build self-confidence at any age, and Wynnum parkrun is an outstanding example of that.

Wynnum parkrun tip: Wynnum parkrun is only shaded in limited sections. Post-parkrun, cool down at the Wynnum Wading Pool, a short walk from the finish line.

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Mostly smooth, wide and flat concrete paths

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 22.9km 

Average Finish Time: 31m 7s

Official Wynnum parkrun page 

Wynnum parkrun course map

Sandgate parkrun

Pancake-flat with an annual Speed Week, Sandgate parkrun is a clear contender as one of the fastest parkruns in Brisbane, with many serious runners achieving a sub-20-minute 5K personal best. 

It’s pram and beginner-friendly, sharing similarities with the Wynnum parkrun, with stunning coastal scenery that’ll tempt you to slow down and snap a photo. This seaside, out-and-back course is complete with a run on the historic Shorncliffe Pier, a 350m stretch and back to breathe in the expansive views of Moreton Bay.

Sandgate parkrun tip: On chilly mornings, gear up with lightweight layers, including a running jacket for protection from the seaside breeze. Early risers can catch a stunning coastal sunrise off Shorncliffe Pier pre-run.

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Mostly straight, wide and flat concrete paths

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 28.1km

Average Finish Time: 32m 28s

Official Sandgate parkrun page

Sandgate parkrun course map

Minnippi parkrun

The Minnippi parkrun not only entices faster runners with a near flat course, but also nature enthusiasts. Nestled south-east of Brisbane in the Minnippi Parklands, this family-friendly route runs alongside Bulimba Creek, which features two loops around Minnippi Lake, an untouched window into the landscape pre-settlement. These enchanting wetlands are dotted with lily pads, home to aquatic and birdlife, and nestled among lush greenery, a relaxing picnic destination for post-run.  

Minnippi parkrun tip: Keep the kids entertained post-parkrun with the aviation-themed playground, and pack mosquito repellent as the wetlands attract mozzies.

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Mostly wide, smooth concrete paths

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 12.1km

Average Finish Time: 31m 24s

Official Minnippi parkrun page

Minnippi parkrun course map

 

The Most Scenic and Hardest Parkrun in Brisbane

Bunyaville parkrun

The Bunyaville parkrun is the hilliest in Brisbane, putting your trail running shoes, your legs and lung capacity to the test with its challenging undulations. As the inaugural all-trail parkrun in Australia, it’s the only parkrun just over 30 minutes to the heart of Brisbane that provides this level of intensity.

Cocooned in eucalypt forest and complete with a creek crossing, the Bunyaville parkrun invites you to come up for fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city, often clocking up less than 80 runners per week. 

It’s located north-west of central Brisbane in the Bunyaville Regional Park, a bushland retreat that’s not only a favourite for hikers, runners and mountain bikers, but the home of a diverse range of Australian flora and wildlife. It’s a scenic running destination to soak in the soundtrack of nature, and with the beautiful big gums, the Bunyaville parkrun offers welcoming shade for your sweat session. 

Bunyaville parkrun tip: The trails are full of little ‘hitchhikers’, pack a tick remover as a precaution.

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Hilly with a combination of grass, gravel and dirt trails

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 16.8km

Average Finish Time: 36m 5s

Official Bunyaville parkrun page

Bunyaville parkrun course map

The Most Scenic and Popular Parkrun In Brisbane 

Source: Rambla

South Bank parkrun

The most iconic parkrun in Brisbane, South Bank parkrun provides a running or walking tour of the city’s must-visit landmarks, making it the best parkrun for visitors to Queensland’s capital city. It ties with the Bunyaville parkrun as the most scenic parkrun in Brisbane, with the deciding factor being whether you prefer a captivating trail adventure or running alongside the glistening Brisbane River that flows through the city. 

Next to the Brisbane CBD, this out-and-back course combines Brisbane’s vibrant culture with a stunning city skyline, from the Wheel of Brisbane, the Botanic Gardens and GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art). Running along the Riverfront Clem Jones Promenade and crossing the Goodwill Bridge, you’ll be welcomed by wide paths to flow into a steady rhythm. 

Due to the popularity of this Brisbane city parkrun, which often clocks more than 500 runners each week, congestion can be an issue. However, if you reserve running your fastest 5K personal best to the Kedron parkrun, Wynnum parkrun, Sandgate parkrun or Minnippi parkrun, and soak in the marathon-like enthusiasm of your fellow runners, it’s an uplifting experience.

South Bank parkrun tip: If you enjoy running to your music, we recommend bone conduction running headphones to stay auditorily aware of your surroundings and other pedestrians at this popular Brisbane parkrun.

Start Time: Saturday, 7 am

Terrain: Concrete paths, boardwalk

Distance To Brisbane CBD: 3.4km

Average Finish Time: 31m 43s

Official South Bank parkrun page

South Bank parkrun course map

 

We hope this list has helped you find a parkrun near you in Brisbane, or sparked your motivation to add an event to your bucket list as a parkrun tourist. If you’re a parkrun alphabeteer chasing a parkrun starting with every letter, know that Brisbane is also home to the Zillmere parkrun, one of the only two ‘Z’ parkruns in Australia. 

 

Need help deciding what you should wear for parkrun? Explore our extensive collection of top-rated running shoes and apparel for parkrun at Wildfire Sports, or consult our knowledgeable running experts for personalised guidance on finding the perfect fit for you. 

Teresa Attard - Trail Explorer and Nature Enthusiast

Teresa is passionate about lacing up and rejuvenating in nature. Located on the sunny Central Coast of Australia, on the weekends you’ll find her walking the golden beaches, hiking challenging terrain or baking trail treats for her next adventure.

Teresa has been in the running shoe industry for over 12 years, with a belief in the power of running and walking to nurture positivity, creativity and self-confidence that can be applied to everyday life.