About Activity
Experience Melbourne before the city wakes up on this relaxed small-group sunrise running tour along the Yarra River. Combining sightseeing, local stories, riverside trails, parklands, and Melbourne’s café culture, it’s the perfect way to start your day while seeing more of the city.
Beginning at Federation Square, this 8km (5-mile) run follows the Yarra River through peaceful parklands and landmarks. Run past Birrarung Marr and the Melbourne Cricket Ground as your local guide shares stories from Melbourne’s sporting history. Cross the river and tackle the famous Anderson Street hill along the Tan Track before stopping at the Shrine of Remembrance for skyline views.
The experience finishes along the Yarra River with coffee at a riverside café.
Designed at a relaxed pace with regular stops, this tour suits most fitness levels and focuses on experiencing Melbourne as much as the run itself. Ideal for travellers wanting to beat the crowds or experience the city before breakfast.
Includes
- All photography will be taken for you, so all you have to do is look around and take it all in
- Each tour finishes with a coffee or an alternative drink at a favourite Melbourne cafe
- A wonderful tour guide will lead the way and share with you the history, the stories and myths
Excludes
- Any food, or additional drinks are not included
- Gratuities are not required.
Departure Point
- This tour starts at Federation Square outside Time Out Cafe. The nearest intersection is Swanston & Flinders Street. Time Out Cafe has orange umbrellas/ shade sails in front of it. Your tour guide will meet you in front of this cafe.
Return
- Your tour guide will be able to assist you with onward travel.
Stop At: Fed Square We begin at Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub, where your guide sets the scene for the city’s history, landmarks, and early morning energy.
Stop At: Birrarung Marr At Birrarung Marr, we share the story of Melbourne’s beginnings and its connection to the Yarra River, from Indigenous heritage to modern transformation.
Stop At: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Mcg) At the MCG, we dive into Melbourne’s legendary sporting history and its role as the city's beating heart for cricket, AFL, and major global events.
Stop At: Shrine Of Remembrance At the Shrine of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on Australia’s military history while taking in sweeping views of the city skyline.
Stop At: Yarra River Running along the Yarra River and Southbank, we explore Melbourne’s transformation from a riverside settlement to a vibrant hub of arts, dining, and culture.
Stop At: South Wharf Promenade We finish with a well-earned coffee at South Wharf, relaxing riverside as the city comes to life.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Public transportation options are available nearby Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Difficulty: Easy, beginners to advanced runners Children under 16 can join free of charge with a paying adult Operated by Fit City Tours For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
Brilliant way to see Melbourne!Coffeehigh
Loved this sunrise tour of Melbourne and the Yarra river. Tim was a gracious and knowledgeable tour guide, who accommodated my running pace and requests (I was lucky to be the only one on this tour). It was a glorious day out there with brilliant sunlight and a slight breeze. Got to see the "G" and the "Tan," the Australian Open venue and the river, some of the street art works and we finished at a brilliant coffee place. You don't have to be a runner to do this tour, but it'll be just the right thing for runners or anybody enjoying the outdoors and being on the move to see things. Thank you, Tim and Matt - can highly recommend!
Great tour and a great way to start the dayCrunblytt
I was the only one in the tour, it was very informative and the guide was very good at matching my pace. I had a great time!
Yarra Sunrise TourMichael D
If you're a keen runner and you want to see Melbourne by foot especially in the morning, this is the go to group to show you around the city with a passion for running and extensive knowledge around the City Of Melbourne!!! Thank you so much Matty for the solo tour on Aussie Day, I've got a bit more knowledge about the city itself but especially made another like minded runner/friend/contact for good 💜. You'll get bang for your buck I can guarantee you!!!
