Princes Park parkrun
Princes Park parkrun circles the perimeter of Princes Park in Carlton North, a local favourite for runners training near the university precinct. The flat, paved outer circuit is smooth and well-maintained, making it a fast and reliable course for all abilities. The tree-lined paths and proximity to Melbourne's inner north make this a highly social event.
Terrain
Flat
Surface
Paved path
Difficulty
Easy
Avg Turnout
350 runners
The Course
The course uses three laps of the flat paved outer circuit of Princes Park, passing the AFL training oval and the avenue of mature elms along the park's eastern edge. Each lap is just over 1.6 kilometres and the flat surface means times are very consistent lap to lap. The path is broad and well-signed throughout.
Course Records
Male Record
14:48
Female Record
16:55
Getting There
Parking
Street parking is available along Royal Parade and Princes Park Drive. The inner carpark off Brens Drive also has free spaces on weekends.
Public Transport
Tram route 19 runs along Royal Parade with stops near the park. The 96 tram on Nicholson Street is also within walking distance.
Post-Run Coffee
Seven Seeds on Berkeley Street in Carlton is a Melbourne coffee institution and well worth the short walk after your run.
Tips for First Timers
Three laps can feel repetitive, so use each lap to set a mini goal or check in with your pace.
The park is used by Carlton Football Club for training during the week, so the paths are well worn and familiar.
Tram access is excellent from the CBD and inner suburbs.
The course is very even underfoot, so road shoes are ideal.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn is beautiful with the elm trees changing colour. Spring is also excellent with the park in full bloom.
Make Your Melbourne Runs Count
Love parkrun? Take the competitive spirit beyond Saturday mornings. Motera turns every run into a territory capture game. Claim streets, compete on leaderboards, and explore your city through Fog of War. It is the perfect companion for runners who want more from every kilometre.
Download Motera Free
MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What time does Princes Park parkrun start?
Princes Park parkrun starts at 8:00am every Saturday morning.
How many laps is Princes Park parkrun?
Princes Park parkrun is three laps of the park's outer paved circuit, each lap approximately 1.6 kilometres.
How do I get to Princes Park parkrun by tram?
Tram route 19 on Royal Parade stops near the park. The 96 tram on Nicholson Street is also within walking distance.
Is Princes Park parkrun suitable for beginners?
Yes, the flat paved course is ideal for beginners. The three-lap format means the course is easy to navigate and very forgiving.
Where should I get coffee after Princes Park parkrun?
Seven Seeds on Berkeley Street in Carlton is a Melbourne coffee institution and very popular with the post-parkrun crowd.
