Guide to Public Athletics Tracks in Melbourne


Melbourne has a wide range of athletics tracks suitable for running, walking, sprint training and general fitness. Many are available for free community use, although athletics clubs, school sports carnivals, competitions and other bookings generally take priority.
This guide covers synthetic and grass athletics tracks across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas. Most are standard 400m tracks, although there are also some alternative running facilities.
Synthetic tracks provide a consistent running surface throughout the year, while grass athletics tracks can be a good option for recreational running. Grass tracks may only have their lanes marked during the athletics season.
Important: Free public access does not necessarily mean unrestricted access. Some venues have locked gates, designated public-access hours or regular club training sessions. Check the individual Melbourne Playgrounds listings before visiting, particularly if travelling a significant distance.
Free Synthetic Athletics Tracks
Moonee Valley Athletics Centre (Aberfeldie)
20 Corio Street, Aberfeldie
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free when the facility is not booked for club activities, school events or competitions. The venue is frequently used by organised groups.
Edwin Flack Reserve Athletics Track (Berwick)
79 Manuka Road, Berwick
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free when not in use for organised athletics or events.
George Knott Reserve Athletics Track (Clifton Hill)
70 Heidelberg Road, Clifton Hill
Track: 400m synthetic track with six circular lanes and an eight-lane straight.
Public access: Casual public use when the track is not booked.
Sprint Athletics Centre (Craigieburn)
Corner Central Park Avenue and Aitken Boulevard, Craigieburn
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free casual use during designated public-access hours, subject to bookings and organised activities.
Croydon Athletics Track (Croydon)
Corner Norton Road and Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free when not required for athletics training, competitions or other bookings.
Ballam Park Athletics Track (Frankston)
28 Benanee Drive, Frankston
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free outside competitions and designated club training periods. Club training commonly takes place on weekday afternoons and evenings.
Knox Park Athletics Centre (Knoxfield)
Bunjil Way, Knoxfield
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free when there are no scheduled athletics events or maintenance activities. The public turnstile gate operates from 5am to 9pm daily.
The track underwent a major upgrade completed in 2025, including resurfacing, improved lighting and other facilities.
Bridge Road Athletics Track (Melton South)
337B Bridge Road, Melton South
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free when not booked for athletics clubs, school events or competitions.
G.R. Bricker Reserve Athletics Track (Moorabbin)
128 Rowans Road, Moorabbin
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free when the venue is not being used for organised athletics activities.
Civic Reserve Athletics Track (Mornington)
350 Dunns Road, Mornington
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free outside club training and competition times. Local athletics clubs have priority during designated afternoon, evening and weekend periods.
Duncan Mackinnon Reserve Athletics Track (Murrumbeena)
819-821 North Road, Murrumbeena
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free casual access through the turnstile near the car park when the facility is not booked.
Ross Reserve Athletics Track (Noble Park)
9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park
Track: 400m synthetic athletics track.
Public access: Free when not being used by clubs or for organised events. Little Athletics activities can restrict access on Friday evenings during the summer athletics season.
Edwardes Lake Park Athletics Track (Reservoir)
Griffiths Street, Reservoir
Track: 400m synthetic track with six circular lanes and an eight-lane straight.
Public access: Free when the facility is not booked by clubs, schools or other groups.
A.C. Robertson Athletics Track (Ringwood)
Sylvia Grove, Proclamation Park, Ringwood
Track: 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: The track is generally accessible for free casual use when not required for organised athletics, events or maintenance.
Free Grass Athletics Tracks
Grass athletics tracks are generally located within recreation reserves and sporting ovals. They provide a softer natural running surface, although their condition and lane markings depend on weather, maintenance and seasonal sporting use.
George Nevitt Athletics Track (Altona)
Sugargum Drive, Altona
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free casual use when the reserve is not being used by Altona Little Athletics or other organised groups.
Masons Lane Reserve Athletics Track (Bacchus Marsh)
115 Masons Lane, Bacchus Marsh
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free when not required for organised club activities or events.
Bacchus Marsh is outside metropolitan Melbourne but is included as a useful option for visitors travelling west of the city.
Dendy Park Athletics Track (Brighton East)
Breen Drive, Brighton East
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes.
Public access: The reserve is used by Brighton Little Athletics Centre, so check for scheduled club activities before visiting.
Truemans Road Reserve Athletics Track (Capel Sound)
113 Truemans Road, Capel Sound
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free when the reserve is not being used for athletics training, competitions or other bookings.
Dandenong Athletics Complex (Dandenong)
18 Bess Court, Dandenong
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes.
Public access: Free when not required for Little Athletics activities or organised events.
Sassella Park Athletics Track (Deer Park)
2 Irvine Street, Deer Park
Track: 400m grass athletics track with eight lanes.
Public access: The reserve is home to Brimbank Little Athletics Centre. Lane markings are associated with athletics activities, and organised use takes priority.
Edithvale Reserve Athletics Track (Edithvale)
103 Edithvale Road, Edithvale
Track: 400m grass track with eight lanes, located within the reserve's velodrome.
Public access: The area is also used for other sports and by Chelsea Little Athletics Centre. Availability depends on sporting bookings and ground conditions.
Stradbroke Park Athletics Track (Kew East)
Corner Elgar Avenue and Bennett Parade, Kew East
Track: 400m grass athletics track with a ten-lane straight.
Public access: The reserve is used by Kew Little Athletics Centre. Community use is subject to club activities and ground availability.
Davies Reserve Athletics Track (Oakleigh South)
8 Talbot Avenue, Oakleigh South
Track: Eight-lane grass athletics track with two 100m straights.
Public access: Free community use when the sporting facilities are not booked.
The athletics facilities were redeveloped in 2022. The former asphalt running track was replaced with natural grass, and improvements included new synthetic surfaces for jumping events, throwing facilities and lighting.
Toomuc Recreation Reserve Athletics Track (Pakenham)
920 Princes Highway, Pakenham
Track: 400m grass athletics track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Free when not being used for organised athletics or other sporting events.
Riviera Reserve Athletics Track (Seaford)
52R Eel Race Road, Seaford
Track: 400m grass athletics track.
Public access: Free community reserve, subject to organised sporting activities.
The track is marked out by Seaford Little Athletics for its activities, so clearly visible lanes should not be expected throughout the year.
Broadmeadows Valley Park Athletics Track (Westmeadows)
Barry Road, John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, Westmeadows
Track: 400m grass athletics track with eight lanes.
Public access: The track is used by Hume Little Athletics Centre. Casual community use is subject to scheduled athletics activities and reserve availability.
Other Public Running Tracks
Olympic Park Oval Athletics Track (Melbourne)
Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
Track: Approximately 507m synthetic running track with three lanes around the oval used by Collingwood Football Club.
Public access: Available for public running when the oval and surrounding facilities are not required for football training, matches or other activities.
Note: This is not a standard 400m competition athletics track, but it provides a distinctive running opportunity close to Melbourne CBD.
Athletics Tracks with Paid Casual Access
Lakeside Stadium Athletics Track (Albert Park)
33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park
Track: International-standard 400m synthetic track with eight circular lanes and a ten-lane straight.
Public access: Casual athletics sessions are available for a fee when the stadium is not hosting competitions, events or other bookings.
Lakeside Stadium is one of Victoria's premier athletics venues and includes extensive facilities for track and field events.
Visitors should check session availability and booking requirements through the linked Melbourne Playgrounds listing.
Tips for Using Public Athletics Tracks
- Check availability: Athletics clubs, schools and competitions generally have priority over casual public users.
- Look for access restrictions: Some tracks have gates, turnstiles or designated public-access hours.
- Use the appropriate lanes: Faster runners and interval-training groups may use the inside lanes. Be considerate of other track users and follow any displayed rules.
- Check footwear requirements: Some synthetic tracks restrict certain types or lengths of spikes.
- Be aware of seasonal differences: Grass tracks may not be permanently marked, and wet weather or ground maintenance can affect access.
- Respect field-event areas: Long jump pits, throwing circles and other specialist athletics equipment may not be available for unsupervised public use.
- Bring water: Drinking fountains, toilets, lighting and shade vary between facilities.
For anyone interested in competitive athletics, coaching or children's athletics programs, Melbourne also has numerous athletics clubs and Little Athletics centres that use these facilities. Club participation and organised training are separate from casual public track access.




