Australian Marathons 2026: Routes, Dates & Elevation Guide

Australia is home to 9 marathons in our database, spread across cities including Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, and Gold Coast, and more.

The country hosts an Abbott World Marathon Major — Sydney Marathon — putting it among the most sought-after destinations on the global racing calendar. Sydney Marathon is the largest race in the lineup, typically drawing around 35,000 finishers, while the full spread offers everything from fast urban courses to scenic regional events.

Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.

World Marathon Major

SydneyNew South WalesAustralia

Sydney Marathon

The Sydney Marathon offers one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with views of the Opera House and harbour. As the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, Sydney combines iconic landmarks with a challenging but rewarding course through Australia's largest city.

Next race: Sunday, 29 August 2027

MooloolabaQueenslandAustralia

Sunshine Coast Marathon

The Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba draws about 8,000 finishers each August on a fast, flat coastal course along Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The route follows the Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba Beach esplanade with Pacific Ocean views. August dry winter weather and a flat beachfront profile make it one of Australia's fastest marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia

Gold Coast Marathon

The Gold Coast Marathon draws approximately 6,500 finishers on a scenic coastal road in Gold Coast, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Southport Broadwater Parklands. Very flat and fast, with no significant hills.

Next race: Sunday, 4 July 2027

MelbourneVictoriaAustralia

Melbourne Marathon

The Melbourne Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers on an urban road in Melbourne, Australia. The course starts on Batman Avenue (near Rod Laver Arena) and finishes at the MCG. The 2026 redesigned loop passes Federation Square, the Yarra River, St Kilda foreshore, and Albert Park on a faster, flatter profile (Beach Road reversed; Birdwood Ave–Domain Rd climb removed). Mostly flat with gentle undulations on Yarra bridge crossings.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

PerthWestern AustraliaAustralia

Perth Marathon

The Perth Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers on an urban road in Perth, Australia. The course starts and finishes at Optus Stadium, with the marathon finish on stadium turf. The route follows Burswood Park and the Swan River foreshore. Mostly flat with minor rises along the river.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia

Brisbane Marathon

The Brisbane Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Brisbane, Australia. The course starts and finishes at South Bank Parklands. The route crosses the Story Bridge, passes the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and follows the Brisbane River. Mostly flat with a climb on the Story Bridge.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

NoosaQueenslandAustralia

Noosa Marathon

The Noosa Marathon attracts about 3,000 finishers each June along Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastal roads. The course passes Noosa National Park approaches, the Noosa River, and the Hastings Street resort area. June mild winter weather and a mix of coastal and hinterland scenery make it a popular Queensland destination marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

BallaratVictoriaAustralia

Ballarat Marathon

The Ballarat Marathon draws about 2,300 finishers each May through Victoria's historic gold-rush city. The course passes Lake Wendouree, the Eureka Stockade memorial, and the Victorian-era boulevards of central Ballarat. May autumn weather in the western Victorian highlands and a rolling goldfields profile make it regional Victoria's premier marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 17 April 2027

CanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia

Canberra Marathon

The Canberra Marathon is Australia's capital city marathon, drawing about 2,000 finishers each April around Lake Burley Griffin. The course passes Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the lake's scenic shores. April autumn weather in the bush capital and a flat lake loop make it the ACT's premier marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027