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We’re calling it: trail running is officially taking over the fitness world! Sure, marathons are selling out in seconds, HYROX is sweeping the nation and the midlife crisis triathlon is a very real thing – but search interest for trail running has surged by 82.5 per cent over the past five years. That’s a major incline, and it’s only getting steeper from here.
Just as the trend hits full stride, global hiking app AllTrails has teamed up with sports-tech brand Coros to make trail running even easier. Their new integration lets you beam routes straight to your watch for hands-free navigation and real-time stats – meaning less fumbling with your phone and more time pretending you’re in an ultramarathon documentary.
To help you put the tech – and your quads – to the test, AllTrails has spotlighted some of the best trail runs across Australia, including every state and territory. So, lace up and go explore our beautiful backyard.
1. Donnelly’s Weir and Maroondah Dam, VIC
Set within the lush surrounds of the Yarra Ranges, this 7.2-kilometre loop is perfect if you’re easing into trail running (or just like your runs with a side of serenity). The wide gravel paths make for a relatively forgiving surface underfoot, and the scenery does a whole lot of heavy lifting to keep you distracted: towering forests, gentle river bends and postcard-worthy views across Maroondah Reservoir. You’ll pass the dam wall itself – a dramatic centrepiece – and there’s a good chance of spotting wallabies along the way.
2. Kings Canyon Rim and Creek Walks via Cotterills Lookout, NT
Crowned Australia’s most wishlisted hike in 2025, this challenging outback loop traces the crimson rim of Kings Canyon. The 7.6-kilometre track leads runners past 400-million-year-old rock domes, ancient plant species and sacred desert waterholes. While the initial 500-step ascent is notoriously steep, the rest of the track is far more cruisy – and totally worth it for the 360-degree canyon views at the top.
3. Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound Lookout, SA
You’ll want to reserve some stamina for this tough 13.8-kilometre hike, which delivers a gradual climb up the sandstone foothills of the Wilpena Pound Escarpment to Rawnsley Bluff. While the steep 588-metre elevation will push your lungs to the limit, the panoramic canyon views at the summit are seriously worth it.
4. Cape to Cape Track: Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach, WA
If you like your trail runs with a side of sea breeze, the Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach leg of Western Australia’s famous multi-day Cape to Cape Track is a winner. The run is just under 17 kilometres, but there’s plenty of coastal beauty to distract you from the leg-burn, including the striking granite silhouette of Sugarloaf Rock.
5. Devil’s Kitchen via Great Ocean Walk, VIC
Carved into the wild coastline along the Great Ocean Walk, the trail out to Devil’s Kitchen serves up rugged terrain, salty air and uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean crashing below. Expect undulating paths and the occasional technical section to keep you on your toes, but the real payoff is at the lookout: that famous series of jagged rock formations and cliff-top vistas that feel straight out of a nature doco.
6. Wineglass Bay, TAS
This breathtaking coastal hike is popular, so be prepared for some serious people-dodging if you hit the trail during peak hours. The 9.5-kilometre return route is a mix of rewarding ascents and descents – including lots of brutal stairs – but an icy plunge in the crystal-clear waters of the bay provides the ultimate mid-run reset before you climb back to the lookout.
7. Thorsborne Trail, QLD
Recommended for experienced trail runners only, this wild and remote coastal trail is a true bucket-list challenge. Located on Hinchinbrook Island off the Queensland Coast, the 30.6-kilometre point-to-point track takes you through rainforest, eucalypt woodland and secluded beaches. Strict park permit bookings are required before you set foot on the island, as a maximum of 60 people are allowed on the island at any one time.
8. Mount Lofty Loop, Warrandyte State Park
Just under an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, the Mount Lofty Loop is a favourite among local trail runners thanks to its mix of flowing tracks and punchy climbs. You’ll weave through dry bushland, dip down towards the Yarra River and climb back up to panoramic lookouts over the Yarra Valley. It’s a proper leg-burner in sections, but the varied terrain keeps things interesting, and wildlife sightings – kangaroos, birdlife, the occasional echidna if you’re lucky – are part of the deal.