Looking for a fun and social activity to do on your weekend? Look no
further than your very own city!
Despite common misconceptions, Australian cities
can be one of the best places to take an extended stroll – either as a fun date
activity, a reason to hang out with your friends, or as a way of clearing your
head after a stressful week.
Both Melbourne and Sydney have some amazing walking routes, and we’ve
listed a few of the best ones here.
FOR THE MELBOURNITES
Melbourne CBD to the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is a little bit out of the city along St Kilda
Road, and it’s a beautiful walk to get there. From the CBD, you can choose to
either walk through Alexandra Gardens and take in some lovely greenery, or soak
up some culture by sauntering along St Kilda Road past the Melbourne Arts
Centre and National Gallery of Victoria. Once you’re at the Shrine, look back
towards the CBD for a pretty special view of Australia’s most liveable city.
Albert Park Lake
Albert Park is only a few kilometres south of the CBD, and provides a
beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll. Every year the Melbourne Grand Prix
takes place here around March, and the Medibank Melbourne Running Festival held
in October includes a loop of Albert Park Lake. If you’re game, follow in the
footsteps of some epic marathon runners by stepping your walk up a notch and
making it a light jog or run.
South Wharf to Docklands
South Wharf is an easy stroll east of Southbank, Crown and the
Melbourne Convention Centre. From here,
it takes about 20 minutes to walk your way over to Docklands via the
architecturally impressive Webb Bridge. Take in beautiful Yarra River views as
you pass over on the pedestrian bridge and slowly make your way away from the busy
city centre to the cool, calm streets of Docklands. Here, you can watch the
fancy yachts bob in their mooring, or get a bite to eat at a harbourside
restaurant.
AAMI Park to Birrarung Marr
Some of the state’s biggest sporting events are held at AAMI Park
Stadium. And while many fans opt to pack themselves onto public transport to
get back into the CBD, you can choose the alternative and take a beautiful walk
along the Yarra River to Birrarung Marr. Watch rowers and small boats traverse
the river to your left, and wander the Birrarung Marr gardens for a bit to
enjoy some art installations inspired by indigenous culture.
Virgin Active Collins St to Virgin Active
Bourke St
If you regularly exercise at our
Collins Street club near Southern Cross Station, take in the sights of the
CBD as you walk nearly the full length of Collins Street, turn left at Russell
Street and then right onto Bourke Street. Congratulations! You’ve made it to our
Bourke Street club. And great news: your membership allows you to exercise at
both clubs! If you’re a Bourke Street regular, reverse the walk to check out
our other state-of-the-art health club on Collins Street.
FOR THE SYDNEYSIDERS
Explore The Rocks
The Rocks is a beautiful and historically significant area of Sydney
that’s well worth a slow meander around. Start in Circular Quay and make your
way towards Pylon Lookout for a great view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera
House. Then, head inland to explore cobbled alleyways, shops and restaurants.
You can even download an
app with walking tours to provide extra details and facts as you go!
The Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens
There’s a reason the Sydney Opera House draws hordes of tourists every
day. It’s a stunning part of the city and is an ideal location for a stroll. After
circling the Opera House in full – to note the interesting architecture from
all angles, head up the hill into the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take your time to
meander through the winding paths of the gardens and notice all the exotic
plants on display.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you’ve never crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge on foot, now is the
time! You can cross the bridge on foot for free, and get spectacular views of the
harbour while you’re at it. Access the pedestrian walkway from the stairs on
Cumberland Street in The Rocks, or from Milsons Point jetty on the other side.
It will take 15-30 minutes to cross the bridge, depending on your speed and how
many times you stop to take selfies against the stunning backdrop of Sydney
Harbour.
Centennial Park
Though a bustling urban metropolis, Sydney has plenty of green expanses
within its folds – and Centennial Park is definitely one to check out. There’s
a 3.8km track around the park which is great for walking or jogging, but you
should also head into the middle of the park to see the gorgeous ponds. Plus,
with more than 154 hectares of designated leash-free dog park, Centennial Park
is a great place to take your furry friend for a play.
Cockatoo Island
For something a bit different, take a quick ferry ride from Circular
Quay to Cockatoo Island, and explore the history and art exhibits on Sydney
Harbour’s largest island. It will take you a few hours to see everything there
is to see, and you’ll probably learn a bit about Sydney’s history too!
If walking’s not your thing, we’ve got a range of fun classes and activities
to get you moving. Check out your local Virgin Active health club, and book a free tour!