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The world is a wild place right now, and in the face of everything, a whole lot of Sydneysiders are turning to nature for a bit of rest-bite. Hiking is on the up and up, and trail running is having a moment too – with Google Trends clocking an 82.5 per cent spike in search interest since 2021 and more than 750,000 TikTok videos tagged #trailrunning. Right on cue, AllTrails has dropped a new feature that makes hitting the trails a little easier. Thanks to a fresh integration with sports tech company COROS, runners can now send routes directly from the app to their watch for hands-free navigation and real-time tracking. Translation: less time fumbling with your phone, more time actually enjoying the run. To celebrate, the AllTrails team rounded up the top ten hikes in Australia that double as elite trail running routes – and one entry is right here in NSW.
The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk takes you to the highest point in Australia, and while that might sound intimidating, this route is surprisingly accessible for runners willing to trade speed for spectacle. As you'd imagine, right now isn't the time to tackle this particular route – the area is stepping firmly into snow season. You can typically tackle the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk from late spring through early autumn (roughly November to April), when the snow has melted and the alpine trails are clear enough for a safe, runnable ascent.
Starting in Thredbo, the trail eases you in with a gradual ascent via a well-maintained path and metal walkway sections that protect the fragile alpine environment. The early stretch is deceptively cruisy, making it a great opportunity to settle into a rhythm while taking in the views over the Snowy Mountains. But don’t get too comfortable – the altitude (peaking at 2,228 metres) makes itself known, and even seasoned runners will feel the thinner air as the climb progresses.
What sets this route apart isn’t just the bragging rights; it’s the constantly shifting landscape. Expect vast alpine plains dotted with wildflowers in warmer months, snow gums twisted into sculptural shapes, and rocky outcrops that break up the terrain. The path itself is mostly firm and runnable, but there are enough undulations and gradual climbs to keep things interesting without tipping into hyper-technical territory. As you approach the summit, the trail narrows and the crowds tend to thicken – this is, after all, one of the country’s most iconic walks. But push through, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch across the Snowy Mountains and beyond. According to AllTrails, the descent is where runners can really find their flow. Long, open stretches allow for a steady pace, though it’s worth staying mindful of other walkers and the occasionally uneven surface.
In terms of difficulty, this is a solid intermediate run. The distance and elevation gain demand a decent level of fitness, but the well-defined trail means you won’t need technical trail skills to take it on. Just time your visit carefully (read: don't attempt it during the winter months) and come prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions – this is alpine country, after all.
Beyond the physical challenge, there’s a mental payoff, too. Trail running on uneven terrain has been linked to improved joint resilience, and time spent in nature is proven to reduce stress and boost overall wellbeing – though you didn’t need us to tell you that.
These are the top 10 trail runs in Australia, according to AllTrails
- Donnelly's Weir and Maroondah Dam, (Victoria)
- Kings Canyon Rim and Creek Walks via Cotterills Lookout (Northern Territory)
- Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound Lookout (South Australia)
- Cape to Cape Track: Cape Naturaliste to Smiths Beach (Western Australia)
- Devil’s Kitchen via Great Ocean Walk (Victoria)
- Wineglass Bay (Tasmania)
- Lake Burley Griffin Loop (Australian Capital Territory)
- Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (NSW)
- Thorsborne Trail (Queensland)
- Mount Lofty Loop (Victoria)
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