10 great places around Melbourne to exercise outdoors for free

YOU don’t have to be cashed up to be fit this winter — swap those ugg boots for a pair of runners and head outdoors instead of the gym.

Foggy Melbourne morning - Albert Park Lake. (no names)

WINTER is the time for comfort food and snuggling inside.

It’s also when we add a few extra kilos.

But it’s easy to head outdoors and get some exercise — and it doesn’t have to cost you a cent.

Here are 10 of Melbourne’s best free fitness spaces.

1000 Steps / Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

The key to getting fit is taking the first step. Try the next 999...

Not for the faint-hearted. Among the peaks of the Dandenong Ranges sits One Tree Hill — a 2.8km and 1000-step climb, which forms the Kokoda Track Memorial Trail. Remember to bring a water bottle and decent pair of hiking or running shoes. Maybe even bring a stopwatch and beat your personal best each weekend. A favourite among Victorians with a stunning view from the top.

Capital City Trail

Take a tour of Melbourne without needing public transport.

Visit Melbourne’s landmarks in four hours by cycling the Capital City Trail. The 29km track follows the Yarra River and old Inner Circle Railway. You can cycle from Southbank to Docklands, passing through gardens, parks and the Polly Woodside Maritime Museum along the way. It’s an easy circuit combining exercise and tourism.

The ‘Tan’

You don’t have to be a footy star to enjoy the Tan.

A favourite with everyone from office workers to footy stars. Located in the heart of Melbourne, the 3.8km track allows you to explore King’s Domain and the Botanic Gardens. Want to get serious? Join the Victorian Road Runners on the first Saturday of every month at 7.30am for a 4km or 8km time-trial.

Albert Park Lake

Formula 1 drivers aren’t the only people who enjoy circling Albert Park lake.

Have a kick of the soccer or footy ball, let your kids explore the playground or organise a family barbecue for lunch. Run, cycle, walk or jog the 5km track and enjoy the lake’s wildlife with a little sailing or rowing. It’s your choice and it’s all freely available at Albert Park — also home to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Beauty Park, Frankston

Beauty Park and the nearby Frankston Farmers’ Market is great for core strength.

On a fresh winter’s day it might be too cold to dip your toes into the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay away from the waterfront. Visit Frankston’s Beauty Park, which connects the Frankston Waterfront with the George Pentland Botanic Gardens. There’s a playground for the kids, art sculptures to gaze at, as well as a fitness track with three exercise stations. Afterwards pick up some fresh fruit and veg from the nearby Frankston Farmers’ Market.

The Bay Trail

Working out by the bay can be plain sailing.

Take in the scenery of the Mornington Peninsula while you cycle, walk or jog part of this 17km stretch. Begin the circuit at Anthony’s Nose, nestled between Dromana and Rosebud, and discover the coastline’s townships until you make your way to Sorrento. Stop at Rye’s White Cliffs or discover Rosebud’s Coleman Park. Complete sections of the trail at your leisure.

Princes and Royal Parks

Regal names, but open for the common man (and woman).

About 4km north of Melbourne’s centre, the iconic Princes and Royal Parks sit side by side and allow sporting clubs, the casual jogger and tennis player to train for fun or peak performance. Escape the city during lunch without straying too far from the office and try your best at spotting sporting greats.

Coburg Lake Reserve

Exercising for free at Coburg Lake Reserve is child’s play.

Try completing a full workout session, but not in your usual gym. Coburg Lake Reserve has an array of outdoor fitness equipment, complete with walking and running tracks. Sweat it out on the cross-trainer or rowing machine while the kids roam free in the playgrounds. After you’re done, cook up a healthy treat on the barbecue and take a leisurely walk around the parklands.

Brimbank Park

Get your skates on and head to Brimbank Park.

Situated in the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands and alongside the Horseshoe Farm Bend is Brimbank Park where you can immerse yourself in nature. Be one with the birds and enjoy a scenic bike ride, casual walk or run. Try your luck at fishing or test your endurance and balance by canoeing in the Maribyrnong River. Explore the 4.3km circuit around the park’s perimeter or join the Maribyrnong River trail, which can take you to the city.

Dandenong Creek Trail

Have a wheelie good time along Dandenong Creek Trail.

The Dandenong Creek Trail passes through Melbourne suburbs and railway stations, as well as Jells Park and the Dandenong Valley Wetlands. You might find yourself navigating an obstacle course at times as you come across intersections between major highways and connecting bike trails. Who doesn’t love a challenge and some beautiful scenery, though? You can access and depart the trail at any time, with signs mapping the way to other bike circuits.

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