4 fun outdoor workout ideas – get fit in Victoria's parks
Nature is the one of the best gyms available, offering endless opportunities to move, breathe, and recharge outdoors. Across the state, Victoria's national parks and reserves provide a wealth of spaces for exercise, from scenic running trails to outdoor gyms. Whether you prefer a heart-pounding workout or running down a scenic path, there’s an outdoor workout for everyone in our natural landscapes.
Here are four fun ideas to get outdoors and stay fit and healthy in Victoria’s parks.
1. Go trail running at Lysterfield Park
Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 45 minutes
Tucked away in Melbourne’s southeast, Lysterfield Park is a haven for fitness enthusiasts and the perfect spot for an outdoor workout. While mountain biking is a popular activity here, the park’s network of trails is also perfect for trail running.
The Lake Circuit Trail is a relatively flat, scenic 5.5-kilometre loop around the reservoir, ideal for beginners.
Running in Lysterfield Park means more than just fitness, it’s a sensory experience. The scent of eucalyptus fills the air, native birds call from the treetops and you’ll more than likely spot a kangaroo bounding across your path. With well-maintained trails and stunning lake views, it’s a perfect spot to elevate your running routine while immersed in nature.
Read more: Top parks for trail running
The Lake Circuit Trail is ideal for beginners.
You’ll likely spot a kangaroo bounding across your path In Lysterfield Park!
2. Workout at Albert Park’s outdoor gym
Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 15 minutes
For those who love strength training but prefer fresh air over a traditional gym, Albert Park’s outdoor fitness stations are a fantastic alternative. Albert Park boasts several outdoor gym areas, complete with pull-up bars, parallel bars, and resistance training equipment.
The Albert Park Lake Trail, a 5-kilometre loop, provides an excellent warm-up before hitting the equipment. After a run, you can engage in a full-body workout, using bodyweight exercises to build strength and endurance.
With the city skyline as a backdrop, it’s an invigorating way to get fit while enjoying one of Melbourne’s most iconic outdoor spaces.
At the Ross Gregory Drive end of the lake, there are a few scattered picnic tables and the Albert Park fitness station.
Ready to do some chin-ups? Image credit: Robinhood Outdoor Air Gym
3. Go mountain bike riding at Arthurs Seat State Park
Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 70 minutes
The bushland and steep rocky terrain make Arthurs Seat State Park an exciting mountain bike destination and a fun outdoor workout. The combination of single-track and management vehicle tracks provides opportunities for mountain bike riders of all abilities.
The park has over 20 kilometres of mountain biking trail that connects in with the broader management vehicle network. The trails can be enjoyed individually, with friends or you can join a local riding club. Remember to choose trails suited to your riding ability.
Read more: Mountain Bike Riding in Arthurs Seat
You will experience a new kind of thrill as you hurtle down a rocky path!
Riding your bike is a great way to experience nature.
4. Try stair training at You Yangs Regional Park
Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 50 minutes
For those looking to mix cardio with strength training, the You Yangs Regional Park offers a challenging yet rewarding fitness experience. Located between Melbourne and Geelong, this park is famous for its granite peaks and breathtaking views.
The Flinders Peak Walk, a 3.2-kilometre return hike, provides an excellent leg workout with its steep incline and over 450 steps leading to the summit. The reward? Panoramic views stretching across the volcanic plains to Melbourne’s skyline.
In addition to hiking, the park’s large rock formations serve as natural obstacles for bodyweight exercises like step-ups, box jumps, and incline push-ups.
The You Yangs provide a dynamic and rugged outdoor workout environment.
Getting fit in Victoria’s parks
Victoria’s parks are more than just scenic destinations. They’re important areas for conservation, but they’re also vibrant spaces that support our well-being. Whether you’re running through the trails of Lysterfield Park, strength training at Albert Park, or stair climbing in the You Yangs, these workout ideas are a fun way for everyone to connect with nature while staying active.