Sydney · Route card
Sydney Harbour Loop
The classic city and harbour loop
running2explore.com
Distance
10.19 km
Elevation
74 m
Time
60–75 min
Type
Loop · Moderate
Course overview
Every Sydney postcard in one loop — Circular Quay, Dawes Point under the bridge, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Mrs Macquaries Point and the Opera House. Flat, all footpath, and easy to extend along the harbour.
- 0 kmCircular Quay — Start at the ferry wharves and run west past The Rocks.
- 0.7 kmDawes Point — Under the southern end of the Harbour Bridge.
- 2.5 kmBarangaroo Reserve — Around the sandstone headland and south along the water.
- 4.5 kmDarling Harbour — Pyrmont Bridge, Tumbalong Park and the promenade.
- 5.5 kmHyde Park — Cut back east through the city and the fig avenue.
- 7.6 kmMrs Macquaries Point — Out along the Domain to the harbour's best view.
- 9.1 kmRoyal Botanic Garden & Opera House — Back through the gardens to the forecourt.
- 10.2 kmCircular Quay — Finish where you started.
Photo stops on the map
- ADawes Point, under the bridge — Sunrise, before the tourists
- BMrs Macquaries Point — Sunrise and blue hour
Local knowledge
- Best time
- Sunrise — the harbour paths are empty and the light on the Opera House is unbeatable.
- Transport
- Train or ferry to Circular Quay; Town Hall station sits beside the Darling Harbour section.
- Water
- Bubblers at Circular Quay, Barangaroo Reserve, Tumbalong Park and the Royal Botanic Garden.
- Toilets
- Circular Quay, Barangaroo Reserve, Tumbalong Park and the Royal Botanic Garden.
- Parking
- Don't drive. If you must, The Rocks car park is the closest.
- Safety
- Busy footpaths — expect crowds through Circular Quay and Darling Harbour from 8am.
Local tip: Run it anti-clockwise at first light and finish with coffee at Circular Quay as the ferries start up.