If you’re looking for Coastrek training walks close to Melbourne’s CBD, you’ve come to the right place. Even in Australia’s favourite urban playground, there’s lots of lovely natural spaces to explore… if you know where to look!
Below are some of our favourite walks around inner-city Melbourne and beyond. Don’t forget to use your Coastrek training program to guide you on distances to cover and workouts to complete each week to ensure you’re perfectly prepared for Coastrek success!
We’ve also included some tips for finding Coastrek training trails in your own backyard, wherever you call home.
Yarra Bend Park, Kew
Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park, Yarra Bend Park is a great spot to head for a bit of Coastrek training only 4km from the Melbourne CBD. With loads of easy trails, as well as expansive green spaces, native wildlife and the gorgeous Yarra winding through it, it’s a gorgeous spot to spend a morning getting those steps in.
Yarra City Loop, CBD
Right in the hustle and bustle is the Yarra City Loop, where you can get a good 10km of training in without venturing out of central Melbourne. This loop walk follows the Yarra from Flinders St Station to Burnley, but you could start, end and turn around at any point that suits your day.
Albert Park Lake, Albert Park
Looping Albert Lake is a breezy 5km walk with flat paths and lovely views of the CBD. It’s a perfect walk for early in your training journey – take your dog, take the pram, take your teammates and have a good natter as you enjoy this lovely area. There’s not a lot of shade on this walk, so don’t forget to cover up!
The Tan Track, CBD
No list of Melbourne walks could be complete without the iconic Tan Track. Whether you loop it in your lunch break or head there after brunch at Gilson or Park Pantry on a Sunday morning, it remains vibey, central and oh so convenient.
The Foreshore Trail, St Kilda
If you’re looking to get a little taste of the sea, why not head down to St Kilda and walk along the foreshore? We recommend every Melbourne-based Coastrekker spends a bit of time training on those sandy beaches to prep for Event Day! There’s not loads of sand on the Mornington Peninsula route, but there’s enough that you’ll want to test out your shoes and give your calves a taste of what they’re in for.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
If you’ve got a full day on your hands, we absolutely recommend you head to the Dandenong Ranges National Park as part of your Coastrek training. Not only is it an absolutely stunning bushland area, there are lots and lots of trails and walks to help prepare your body (and mind!) for Coastrek. It is on these longer walks where you can really test your gear, shoes, rain protection, food and more, which is essential for a great Coastrek experience.
Mornington Peninsula National Park
We recommend all Coastrekkers take at least one trip to Mornington Peninsula in preparation for your Event, especially if you’re doing the 50km Coastrek. Walk sections of the Coastrek route over two or three days to get a sense of the terrain, explore the local towns, eat at some of the amazing restaurants and visit the local wineries.
How to Find Trails Near You
Check out Capra for your Coastrek route
Make sure you download the Capra app for access to the Coastrek maps and more trails in your local area. You can browse event specific info and get additional information about the route, including elevation, toilets, water stops and more!
Use AllTrails
AllTrails is an amazing app and website to help you find trails in your local area. Simply search the area and you’ll see lots of walks available, with details about their distance, difficulty, amenities, reviews and more!
Use Google Maps
Simply open up Google Maps wherever you are and zoom in on any green and blue spaces you can see. Wherever there are large patches of green or blue, you’ll find natural environments to explore. Whether they are in parks, alongside rivers or beaches, National Parks or wilderness areas, you’re bound to find some options wherever you are.
Registration for Coastrek Mornington Peninsula closes Sunday 14 April 2024! Register NOW!
