Staying fit and healthy while (mostly) staying at home is not as hard as you think. As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, there are loads of ways to follow your fitness goals while respecting the essential social distancing measures.
Missed those posts? Check them out here: Keeping Fit While Isolating and Workout Using Your Own Body As Weight.
Now we’re going to lift the veil on a Perth fitness secret, by introducing our 12 favourite running trails. In this guide we’ll take you back to basics and share our favourite running routes for all fitness levels, to help you chase that coveted runner’s high and shake up your routine.
The easiest way to work out in Perth
Whether you love it or you’re a new runner, it’s time to lace up your shoes and get outside. Any of our PTs will tell you running – or vigorous walking if you’re not up to running – is an essential part of working out in Perth. There are so many benefits:
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Shred fat
- Build strength, mobility and endurance
- Explore a new piece of Perth
- Great for mental health
- Caters to all ability levels
Check out these trails and tracks around Perth, and in no time you’ll be eagerly awaiting your next run.
1. Bells Rapid Walk Trail
Let’s start slow with a 2.5km walk around one of Perth’s favourite weekend adventure spots. The Bells Rapids walk trail starts at Cathedral Avenue, off Great Northern Highway in Brigadoon. On the walk or run you can take in sweeping Swan River views and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
2. Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail
Beach and bush in the same trail? Yes please! Get the best of both worlds by following the 7km trail starting at south Scarborough and meandering north to Trigg where you finish among natural bushland.
3. Carine Regional Open Space
Stay north of the river and work up to a 5km run in spectacular suburban swampland. Carine Regional Open Space features a partly shaded 5km running track, best accessed from the public parking off Oakley Road in Carine.
4. Law Walk
Work out among the Perth treetops and get lost in the city’s sprawling inner-city parkland. Kings Park has plenty of trails to explore, starting with the invigorating 2.5km Law Walk trail including the famous treetop bridge with stunning views over the Swan River and CBD.
5. Matilda Bay Reserve
Head towards UWA and discover the 2.1km Matilda Bay Reserve loop trail. A hidden gem in Perth fitness, the trail (perfect for all fitness levels) starts near the public car park on Hackett Drive, Crawley and extends out around the grassy parkland fringing Matilda Bay.
6. Allen Park Bushland
Located in Swanbourne, just 1km from the coast and close to Campbell Barracks, Allen Park is made up of around 8 hectares of native bushland. Test your fitness (and earn your 360° view) with a run up Melon Hill, or simply jog around the park’s abundant bushland trails.
7. Zamia Trail, Reabold Hill
Hidden away in the leafy surrounds of City Beach, Reabold Hill is one of the most iconic Perth fitness areas. The 5km Zamia Trail winds through natural bushland and takes in an incredible coastal view at its peak 85m above sea level. Perfect for walkers and aspiring trail runners alike, this one will really get your heart racing.
8. Burswood/Windan/Causeway Loop
Get a taste of Perth’s famous bridges with the more manageable 6km loop from the Causeway to Windan Bridge in East Perth. Start from the Riverside Drive car park on the west side of the Causeway, head along the river to cross at Windan bridge, work your way back past Optus Stadium and past Crown the cross the causeway and return to the car park.
You can shorten this run by crossing at Matagarup Bridge.
9. The Bridges
Every Perth fitness fanatic knows the 10km bridge-to-bridge loop. Along this 10km running (or walking) loop you can take in CBD scenery from South Perth, and enjoy the view looking back the other way from Langley Park. You can start from the same carpark as the Burswood loop, or follow the trend of other athletes and set off from Wesley College boat shed in South Perth.
10. Coogee Beach Trail
Head south for stunning ocean views along the South Beach to Coogee trail. Start your adventure from South Beach Café and follow the coastal train almost 5km to Coogee Marina, where you can choose to jump on the bus 548 or turn around and double the distance.
11. Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Cottesloe beach is a stunner all year round, but it’s especially pleasant on mild autumn mornings before the wind comes in. Choose your own starting point anywhere along Marine Parade. The flat running track stretches 7km between Scarborough Beach and Port Beach, and even has outdoor gyms for a workout over Perth’s iconic seascape.
12. Lake Monger Reserve
The 3.5km Lake Monger loop is a favourite for working out in Perth, especially if you’re looking to build up distance over time. Watch out for cyclists, families and wildlife (like swans and ducks) who also use the trail as you discover an everchanging wetland landscape just a few kilometres from the city centre.
Perth fitness for free
One of the best things about running is it’s completely free if you already have the gear. You can do it virtually anywhere, and now the hot summer days are behind us it’s much more comfortable to get outside. Plus, the solitude of a solo run is something money can’t buy. It’s just you and your fitness goals, alone on the path to a happier mind and healthier body.
Running or working out at home? Why you should do both
Maintaining physical and mental health during these uncertain times of isolation is essential. Exercise helps to manage stress and anxiety, gives us a much-needed break, and promotes a sense of accomplishment in a time when the days are blending together.
Start at your own pace and you’ll be amazed and how fast your fitness improves. If you’re not ready to run, you can still enjoy a brisk walk on these favourite trails.
For more Perth fitness tips, including working out from home and staying fit during isolation, check out Surge On Demand or follow our blog for regular updates.