Tan Track

Tan Track

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles38 reviews
Excellent
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Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,738 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
The Tan, Melbourre's most famous running track, is 3.8 kms (2.4 miles) in circumference. Every serious athlete runs the Tan. The Ran circumambulates the Royal Botanic Gardens -- the track is mostly gravel. The Tan once had a fun-run feel to it, with joggers mixing it with Olympians. The run has become more competive recently, with serious competion for the fastest times. The Tan is lit until 12 midnight every night of the week, resuming at 5:30 am. The Tan is easy to find, ask your concierge for details.
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne, Australia2,560 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Solo
Across Princes bridge on St Kilda road, you can easily find the start of the track that circles the Botanical gardens and skirts the edge of the Yarra river. You can run or gently stroll the 3.8 track.You can easily extend this an incorporate Birrarung Marr.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful

Best jogging route in Melbourne
Written 23 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mat_richardson
Melbourne, Australia102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017 • Solo
The first thing I learnt is it’s called the “Tan Track” because of the original colour of the gravel surface. This is a 3.8k circuit and for me has massively improved my running fitness. There is steepish 300m upward climb if you run in a clockwise direction.
I start at the observatory and go clockwise which offers a gentle down hill start.
There are two posts showing date and time of day. Each has a plaque on it giving some history and shows men’s and women’s records for a circuit. Pretty impressive.
In short a great running track. Get out there and enjoy.
Written 25 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David W
Coleshill, UK110 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2013 • Solo
This does get mentioned on a few reviews of the Botanical Gardens but its worth a mention in its own right . If like me you enjoy going for a run or walk when you are away this is perfect for anyone staying in the CBD or Southbank side of the City . The Tan Track is a 3.8km path /track that circles the Botanical Gardens . A couple of tram stops or a 8 minute walk down from Flinders St to the nearest point . This is the place where melbournians come to clear their heads after a day in the Office so during evening times there will be heaps of runners / walkers of all abilities . However there will be people around at all times and it is kept well lit until midnight each night .Water points are dotted around , as are kilometre markers and even an electronic timer. The surface is comfortable for running on and given the number of people I believe most females would find it safe to use on their own .
Written 29 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveller88Melbourne
Melbourne706 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Friends
Any city worthy of mention should have a large botanical garden within easy reach of city centre. City of Melb has got it in spades & this Track 3.827 kms (2.38 miles) surrounds one of the best.

It is so popular that it gets very busy on weekends & lunchtime but the unsealed gravel track is wide enough to accommodate most. Circumnavigate in any direction - from any point - the most popular is the 4 Pillars of Wisdom. Note that Anderson St length is bitumen pavement & is an uphill slog. Try anticlockwise for a gentler incline (Shrine side - Birdwood Avenue).

The crowds, not terribly pleasant on a hot day & above all - the incessant drone of traffic are the negatives. But parts of it is under canopy of trees which is pleasant. Come early & you will reap the benefits - you might even spot your fav athlete or footballer training!

Combine with an energetic walk within the sprawling Gardens or continue your exercise along Yarra with dedicated river trails or venture into the other gardens - Alexandra & Victoria across the road. The majestic Avenue leading to the Shrine of Remembrance is another adjunct "trail" to test your endurance.
Written 12 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Darren T
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2020 • Friends
The TAN Track is one of my favourite running tracks. Check out the Digitial Clock located at the Pillars of Wisdom which display the top 10 fastest men and women's laps around the Tan.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tim_Connors_1966
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Friends
If you are a visitor to Melbourne and want a place to run, you can't go past The Tan. The tree lined 3.84km running track, which surrounds the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, is an iconic location. Whether it is early morning, lunch time or after work, there are hundreds of people walking and running the circuit. With markers every 250 metres, and digital clocks at the start (end) and the halfway mark, Anderson Street Hill and undulating terrain it's the perfect place to test yourself. And then, to finish off, you can have a BBQ or picnic on the banks of the Yarra.
Written 6 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Merilyn_S_12
London, UK926 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2015
I found this walk by accident, and it was lovely. It's not well sign posted to get to it, and it seems to only be a local thing. Highly recommend the walk (it turns out to be aroound 3 kms). So bring the kids and the family, as you can stop at the Botanic Gardens on your way. Parking is terrible though, so you're better off taking a tram if you can.
Written 26 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natalie1964
Melbourne3,443 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2015
This track is always well used and is great for walking or running. I enjoy walking parts of the track to go and see attractions nearby. It was a sunny day and so there was plenty of people like myself making good use of the track.
Written 9 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,738 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
The Tan Track circumambulates Melbourne's Botanic Garden. The Track is not concrete, rather it is a compacted earth track. It's easy to find, just take your runners and ask your concierge for directions.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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