The best marathon in Australia is Sydney: since 2025 it has been one of the World Marathon Majors. But Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Canberra offer faster courses and easier entry. Watch the calendar: seasons are reversed in Australia, and most marathons take place in the southern autumn or winter, from April to October.
The short answer
- For prestige: Sydney (29 August 2027), the seventh World Marathon Major. The 2027 ballot is closed, with results on 3 November 2026.
- For a PB: the Gold Coast (early July), a flat seaside course where the Australian record fell in 2026.
- For atmosphere: Melbourne (October), finishing inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
- For adventure: the Great Ocean Road (44 km, 16 May 2027) or the Australian Outback Marathon near Uluru (31 July 2027).
Contents
The 9 best marathons in Australia
1. Sydney Marathon: the newest Major
The TCS Sydney Marathon became the seventh World Marathon Major in 2025. It starts in North Sydney, crosses the Harbour Bridge in the first kilometres and finishes in front of the Opera House. In 2026, Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena set the course record of 2:04:42. It’s not the fastest Major: expect about 313 m of total climbing, with a long climb up Oxford Street late in the race.
- Date: Sunday 29 August 2027.
- Entry: the 2027 ballot closed on 19 October 2026, with results on 3 November 2026. You’re only charged if you’re drawn. Charity places and official tour operators remain after that.
- 2027 qualifying times (HPP and Good For Age programmes, applications closed since 18 September 2026): 2:45:00 for men aged 18-34, 3:18:00 for women in the same age group.
- Best for: Majors collectors. Late August is the end of the southern winter: expect 7 to 8°C at the start.
Going for all seven stars? Read our guide to the World Marathon Majors.
2. Melbourne Marathon: finish in a legendary stadium
The Nike Melbourne Marathon finishes inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the biggest stadiums in the world. It starts on Batman Avenue, and the course was redesigned in 2026 to cut climbing by up to 20%, according to the organisers. In October 2026, Eliud Kipchoge won in 2:09:10, a new course record.
- Date: October 2027, date not yet announced (the 2026 edition was on 11 October). A 2027 waiting list is open on the official website.
- Entry: in 2026, the bib cost AU$235 for Australian residents and AU$295 for international runners.
- Cut-off: 7:45:00 gun time.
- Best for: runners who want a big city, a fast course and an unforgettable finish.
3. Gold Coast Marathon: Australia’s fastest
Flat, beachside and run in the middle of the southern winter: the Gold Coast is Australia’s benchmark for a PB. The organisers say more than 60% of participants set a PB there every year. In 2026, Haftu Strintzos won in 2:06:20, a course record and an Australian record.
- Date: early July 2027, date not yet officially announced (the 2026 edition was on 4-5 July).
- Entry: the 2026 edition sold out. 2027 entries are due to open in December 2026: be ready on day one.
- Turnout: more than 42,000 entrants across all races in 2026, from 60 countries.
- Best for: runners chasing a time, in a mild, dry climate.
4. Canberra Marathon: the southern autumn marathon
The Canberra Times Marathon Festival runs on closed roads in the national capital, with a race village in Parkes. All distances (except the kids’ race) are measured to AIMS standards. In mid-April temperatures are cool, which helps you run fast.
- Date: Sunday 11 April 2027 (festival on 10 and 11 April, 5K and 10K on the Saturday).
- Entry: through the Race Roster platform.
- Best for: a marathon outside the usual northern-hemisphere calendar.
5. Great Ocean Road Marathon: 44 km facing the ocean
This isn’t a classic marathon: the race is 44 km, from Lorne to Apollo Bay, on one of the world’s most famous coastal roads. Forget the clock and enjoy the view. The festival also offers shorter races the day before in Apollo Bay.
- Date: Sunday 16 May 2027, 8am start in Lorne.
- Entry: open on the official website.
- Distance: 44 km, so plan your paces and fuelling accordingly.
- Best for: runners who want a memory more than a PB.
6. Brisbane Marathon: a new single-loop course
The Brisbane Marathon Festival has switched to a new single-loop course, replacing the old multi-lap layout. In early June, Queensland’s climate is mild and dry.
- Date: Sunday 6 June 2027.
- Entry: open, with price tiers.
- Best for: a friendly-sized city marathon that pairs well with a stay on the coast.
7. Perth Marathon: a stadium finish
The Perth Running Festival marathon follows the Swan River, crosses the Matagarup Bridge and finishes on the big screen inside Optus Stadium. It also serves as the Western Australian marathon championship.
- Date: October 2027, date not yet announced (the 2026 edition was on 11 October).
- Entry: the 2026 edition sold out. The marathon cost AU$195, or AU$165.75 for interstate and overseas runners.
- Best for: runners who want to discover the less touristy west coast.
8. Adelaide Marathon: flat along the Torrens
The start and finish are at Pinky Flat, opposite the Adelaide Oval. The marathon is two loops along the River Torrens and through the city parks, with about 160 m of climbing. The field is small: 764 marathon finishers in 2025.
- Date: 2027 not yet announced (the 2026 edition was on 3 May). Pre-registration is open.
- Entry: 2027 price not yet published.
- Best for: a first marathon abroad, in a calm setting.
9. Australian Outback Marathon: running near Uluru
A race like no other on red earth, soft sand and tracks, at the foot of Uluru. The climbing is low, but the small dunes and sand slow you down. Mornings are cold: about 5°C at the start, then around 21°C by mid-morning, with very low humidity.
- Date: Saturday 31 July 2027.
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners looking for adventure and happy to forget the clock.
Which Australian marathon should you choose?
| Race | 2027 date | Season/Distance | Main highlight | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | 11 April | Southern autumn, 42.195 km | Closed roads, cool weather | Race Roster |
| Adelaide | TBA (3 May in 2026) | Southern autumn, 42.195 km | Flat, small field | Pre-registration open |
| Great Ocean Road | 16 May | Southern autumn, 44 km | Legendary coastal road | Official website |
| Brisbane | 6 June | Southern winter, 42.195 km | New single-loop course | Open |
| Gold Coast | Early July (TBA) | Southern winter, 42.195 km | Australia’s fastest | Opening planned for December 2026 |
| Outback (Uluru) | 31 July | Southern winter, 42.195 km | Red desert | Official website |
| Sydney | 29 August | Late southern winter, 42.195 km | World Marathon Major | Ballot closed, results 3 November 2026 |
| Melbourne | October (TBA) | Southern spring, 42.195 km | MCG finish | 2027 waiting list |
| Perth | October (TBA) | Southern spring, 42.195 km | Optus Stadium finish | Sold out in 2026 (AU$195) |
If you didn’t get a Sydney bib, the Gold Coast in early July is the most logical alternative: a flatter course, the same season, and entries opening in December.
How to prepare for a marathon in Australia
- Remember the reversed seasons. For Sydney in late August or the Gold Coast in July, your build-up falls in the northern summer: run early to avoid the heat. For Canberra in April, you train through the northern winter instead.
- Plan for jet lag. Australia is 8 to 10 hours ahead of Europe depending on the season and city. Arrive at least 5 to 7 days before the race to recover from the trip.
- Work on your marathon pace. On flat courses like the Gold Coast, even pacing makes your time. Calculate your split times and practise holding them.
- Train for the course. For Sydney, add hills at the end of your long runs to prepare for Oxford Street. For the Great Ocean Road, plan your paces for 44 km, not 42.195 km.
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FAQ
What is the fastest marathon in Australia?
The Gold Coast. In 2026, Haftu Strintzos ran 2:06:20 there, a course record and an Australian record. The course is flat and follows the sea.
How do I get a bib for the 2027 Sydney Marathon?
The public ballot closed on 19 October 2026 and results come out on 3 November 2026. If you’re not drawn, charity places and official tour operator packages remain.
When is the best time to run a marathon in Australia?
From April to October, during the southern autumn and winter: Canberra in April, Brisbane in June, the Gold Coast in July, Sydney in late August, Melbourne and Perth in October. Temperatures are cooler than in the southern summer.
Is the Sydney Marathon a World Marathon Major?
Yes. Sydney became the seventh World Marathon Major in 2025, alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
Still deciding? Compare with our top 10 flattest marathons or discover the best marathons in Germany.
Ready to race on the other side of the world? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
