Where to find the best parkrun near you

More than 400 runners and walkers lined up at New Farm Park last Saturday for the weekly parkrun that starts at 7am near the rotunda on Brunswick Street.

Brisbane's consistent mild winter temperatures keep outdoor participation steady through July, when many residents shift routines toward early-morning park use along the river corridors instead of indoor gyms.

Central Brisbane routes

South Bank Parklands runs its event along the boardwalk and past the cultural precinct, with the start line positioned near the Goodwill Bridge entrance on Stanley Street. New Farm Park draws a steady mix of families and regulars who complete the two-lap course that circles the open fields and follows the river path toward Merthyr Road. Both locations offer flat terrain and public toilets at the start points, and volunteers mark the course each week with cones and signs.

Records from the national parkrun network show average Saturday attendances at the New Farm event reached 312 participants across the first six months of 2026, while South Bank averaged 287. Events remain free to enter, though participants must register once online before their first run. The next sessions at both parks are scheduled for 11 July at the standard 7am start time.

How to choose and prepare

Residents in the inner north can reach New Farm Park by foot or bike via the Bicentennial Bikeway in under 15 minutes from the CBD. Those closer to the south side often head to South Bank because of direct train access at South Brisbane station and ample nearby parking along Ernest Street. New runners are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to collect a barcode and hear the safety briefing delivered by the volunteer team. Those seeking a quieter start can check the parkrun website for less crowded suburban options such as the Kelvin Grove course that begins at the Normanby sports fields on Saturday mornings.