Sam Wood's guide to the best free workout spots in Australia

Sam Wood’s guide to the best free workout spots in Australia

Heading interstate and don't want to fork out for a one-off gym class? Frequent flyer Sam Wood rates the best free spaces in each state to break a sweat

THERE IS NO better feeling than when you have just landed at your holiday destination. I do, however, get asked so many times about juggling holiday relaxation with fitness and how to balance the two.

Working out doesn’t have to be complicated and you can use this as a chance to try new things you may not have done previously. And remember, you’re on holiday! Don’t stress yourself out.

Move in the morning and the rest will follow. Here are my top spots for your next trip to any of these states.

VIC

Mt Martha Balcombe Estuary Reserve
instagram – @ourpeninsula

Mt Martha

My happy place. I could be biased, but a morning run along the Mt Martha Balcombe Estuary Reserve is honestly one of the most beautiful loops you can run. You have the equal mix of bushland and beach and what better way to finish off a run than having a dip in the ocean.

The Tan
Instagram – @run_the_tan

The Tan

For those visiting Melbourne CBD, the best way to soak up the city skyline, Yarra River and beautiful gardens, is to do a walk, run, or if you’re game enough, hill sprints up Anderson hill and around the ‘The Tan’ track.

1000 Steps Trail

1000 Steps Walk (Trail)

Outside of Melbourne, located in the Dandenong Ranges you can explore the incredible bushland surroundings and get a high intensity workout all in one. Have a good night’s sleep the night before – it’s a great workout for the legs!

SA

Glenelg beach
South Australia Media | Liam Pearson

Glenelg beach

Take a stroll along Glenelg beach for sunrise and do some beach sand sprints to get your heart rate up with an ocean dip to cool down.

Adelaide botanical gardens
image – south australia media

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Bring a mat, nestle into the beautiful surroundings and try one of my 28 by Sam Wood HIIT, Yoga, Boxing or Pilates classes on your phone/screen.

NSW

Bondi Beach Outdoor Gym
image – freeoutdoorfitness.net

Bondi Beach Outdoor Gym

Cliche, I know, but don’t come for me! It’s hard not to mention the Bondi to Bronte loop for a morning sunrise run as well as the outdoor gym on Bondi Beach. I love seeing the mix of ages prioritising their health. It can be intimidating at first but it is very motivating.

Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Pool)
image – oceanpools.nsw.net

Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf Pool)

Swap your sneakers for swimmers and take the opportunity to swim some laps with the incredible backdrop of Sydney’s surroundings.

WA

City Beach, Perth
image – destination perth

City Beach

Take a bike ride along Trigg or City Beach at sunset.

McCallum Park
image – destination perth

McCallum Park

For a scenic full-body workout, head to McCallum park overlooking the Swan River and Perth city. Featuring a cross trainer, cycle seat, rowing machines, shoulder press and more.

Kings Park
image – Western Australian Travel

Kings Park

I will prepare you for the hills if you’re running the loop around Kings Park but let me tell you it’s so worth it. You have the most amazing views and it’s close to the CBD.

TAS

image – discover tasmania

Mount Wellington

Wake up and see the sunrise over Hobart views. It’s about a 30 min drive outside of Hobart’s CBD and so worth the drive.

image – city of hobart

Waterworks Reserve

A perfect spot to take a picnic and explore your surrounds after a 2km loop around the beautiful bush and parkland.

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