While Melbourne is famously known for the arts, the city’s beautiful open spaces and welcoming communities make it a great place to try a new sport and improve your fitness.
Since physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain your health, minimise stress and meet new friends, finding an activity you enjoy will benefit you in more ways than one.
Want to get away from your laptop and into the great outdoors? Read on for our favourite workout activities in Melbourne – they’re cheap and fun, we promise!
Running
With endless flat tracks exploring native bushland, Melbourne is one of Australia’s best running cities.
The Tan Track
This 3.8km jogging loop circles the Botanic Gardens (locally referred to as The Tan). Bustling with strollers, walkers and runners most Saturday mornings, this popular route offers epic views of the city beside gorgeous, lush greenery.
Capital City Loop
Passing through the Tan and then venturing further north is the Capital City Loop. A total of 30km long, take a section along the Yarra Bend to explore some of the Merri Creek bushland.
Join a run club or sign up for a race
One of the best ways to commit to your running goals is by joining a local run club. There are heaps of welcoming clubs throughout Melbourne, catering to all levels of fitness. Tanaka Running Club offers morning runs at a social pace (chats are encouraged and they take plenty of breaks). Join them on Wednesdays and Sundays in Carlton, and enjoy a coffee together afterwards.
Training for an event, such as the famous Melbourne Marathon, helps to build your motivation (plus the atmosphere is unforgettable!) One of Australia’s best-known running events, the Melbourne Marathon has distances including 5km, 10km, 21.1km or the full 42km.
Cycling
Bikes are the perfect way to explore the city and its surroundings. Melbourne has a thriving cycling community, both for on-road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain biking. These communities are full of welcoming, helpful people who support new riders of any ability.
The Bicycle Network
The Bicycle Network is a not-for-profit organisation that hosts programs, events and education programs on how to navigate your city safety.
Ceres Bike Shed
Located in the beautiful Ceres Community Garden, the Bike Shed in Brunswick collects donated bikes to fix and resell. Run by volunteers, they host a ‘fix your own bike day’ on Thursdays, happily assisting you with any gear-related questions whilst supporting the circular economy.
Hiking
With accessible public transport that takes you to some of the most beautiful locations in the state, it’s super easy to escape into nature for a hike. Take Melbourne’s V-Line to a range of spots for either a day trip or a weekend adventure.
The Dandenong Ranges
Let someone else do the driving, and take the train out to Dandenong Ranges National Park. Tackle the 1,000 steps of the Kokoda Walk or take a more relaxed pace through the native forest.
Lerderderg State Park
If you have a car, you can drive one hour north-west of Melbourne to Lerderderg State Park’s rocky trails. Choose to hike part of the Great Dividing Trail or explore the river’s edge along Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area.
Other ways to get fit
If you’re interested in something different, there are classes around Melbourne offering affordable discounts for students.
Karate Classes
Karate offers a whole-body workout, and Inner Melbourne now has a full-time Japanese karate dojo. Sensei Sandra teaches dedicated adult classes and affordable tuition Monday to Friday, plus offers discounts for students. Want to try it out? Book a trial and get your first five classes for $50.
The dojo is easy to access via Melbourne’s famous trams, particularly if you’re commuting from any of the major university campuses.
Yoga
While the focus of Yoga is mindfulness, the gentle movements slowly build strength and flexibility throughout the body. There are a wide variety of practices to try, depending on what type of experience you prefer, ranging from calming stretches to fast-paced vinyasa flow.
I Am That studio in Collingwood offers Community Pricing, meaning students can attend a $9 yoga class during off-peak hours.
It’s easier than ever to explore Melbourne’s fitness locations without the hassle of driving. Transport Victoria connects you to running tracks, gyms, hiking trails and so much more, making your journey to fitness smooth and sustainable.
Staying active can mean more than just exercise in Melbourne! With so many diverse options and communities to choose from, you are guaranteed to find something that allows you to meet new friends or develop a new skill, all while feeling fit and healthy.
