Reviews reveal Australia's best places to cycle, run and swim

A newly released study has revealed that the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne is the best place to run in Australia, while Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach tops the rankings for swimming spots, and for those looking to explore on two wheels, Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra has been assessed as the best spot for cycling.

Based on Tripadvisor reviews, the research by SportsShoes.com ranked Australia as the second best country for swimming, eighth for running, and ninth for cycling.

The study analysed Tripadvisor reviews for over 760 cycle routes, running paths and popular swimming locations across different countries to find out which attractions have left visitors so content they took to Tripadvisor to leave glowing reviews. The results were then ranked in order to name the best places to cycle, run and swim in each country, and which countries take the crown for each activity.

The Best Places to Cycle in Australia (each top 10 includes notes from SportsShoes.com).

1. Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
2. Centennial Park, Sydney
3. River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Henley Beach
4. Riesling Trail, Clare
5. Capital City Trail, Melbourne
6. Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, Yarra Valley
7. Fernleigh Track, Newcastle
8. Lake Jindabyne, Victoria
9. Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria
10. Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track, Wollongong

From river trails to mountainous tracks, Australia has some great options for exploring by bike. Lake Burley Griffin features in first place, with the 40 kilometre shoreline offering plenty for cyclists as well as runners.

In second place is Sydney’s Centennial Park with a dedicated 3.7 kilometre cycle track looping around the city park, making for a unique and breath-taking route that city dwellers can take to on two wheels.

The River Torrens Linear Park Trail in Henley Beach completes the top three best places to cycle. If you're looking for a gorgeous way to get from the city to the coast, look no further as this cycling route is a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts and amateurs alike to do so. One Tripadvisor review says to "follow the trail for about 14 km and it will bring you out at the bottom of Henley Beach, a lovely little find for breakfast and coffee."

The Best Places to Run in Australia

1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne
2. Noosa National Park, Noosa
3. Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
4. The Brisbane River, Brisbane
5. Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
6. Centennial Park, Sydney
7. River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Henley Beach
8. Albert Park, Melbourne
9. Tan Track, Melbourne
10. Lake Monger, Leederville

Whether you prefer an urban jog or rural long-distance route, Australia boasts ample options to satisfy every type of runner. Attracting over 1,900,000 visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria takes the top spot as Australia's best destination for a run, offering locals and visitors alike some gorgeous flora to accompany their jog, and even the Tan Track which is a dedicated hiking/running route on the outskirts of the gardens.

Noosa National Park takes the second spot in the rankings. Playing host to many kilometres of tracks for visitors to run on, this must-visit spot for both tourists and locals is a firm favourite, with one Tripadvisor reviewer even recommending running to Hell's Gate point to "catch a glimpse of sea turtles, stingrays, whales and other wildlife".

Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra is again ranked, rounding out the top three.

Described as an "aquatic playground", it truly is an oasis in the centre of Canberra, where cyclists, walkers, stand up paddle boarders, and many more can enjoy a day out.

The Best Places to Swim in Australia

1. Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
2. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns
3. Mossman Gorge, Daintree Region
4. Airlie Beach Lagoon, Airlie Beach
5. Berry Springs Nature Park, Darwin
6. Emily Bay, Norfolk Island
7. Cable Beach, Broome
8. Edith Falls, Katherine
9. Greens Pool, Denmark
10. Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park

There is a wealth of swimming spots all over Australia, in both urban and country destinations alike, and Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach ranks as Australia's most popular swimming spot. Though this unbelievably picturesque beach is known for crocs and stingers, there's a safe swimming zone in between the flags where you're able to go for a dip.

(Four Mile Beach may not be the safest place to swim from November to May, ed)

In second place is Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a fantastic option for anyone not willing to risk swimming in the Cairns beaches - this free to access open air swimming centre has gorgeous sea views and is great for kids too. Both locals and tourists frequent this spot, where restaurants and shaded spots are aplenty down the stunning boardwalk.

Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Region takes the third spot. Perhaps unsurprising given the area's incredible natural beauty, but be warned, swimming is not actually advised in the area due to strong currents and the slippy nature of the rocks surrounding the water.

Commenting on the findings, Dan Cartner, Head of Marketing at SportsShoes.com, advised “your surroundings can have a huge impact on your performance when running, swimming or cycling.

“Getting into the great outdoors can be beneficial for moth mental and physical health, whether it’s jogging in urban parks full of lush greenery or swimming at golden sand beaches with clear water, we wanted to find the best-reviewed hotspots for avid cyclists, runners and swimmers.”

Click here to view a full breakdown of all the best places to cycle, run and swim, as well as the best countries.

Image: Australia's best places to cycle, run and swim, from left - Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra; Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne and Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas.