What to know about West End
- The 2021 Census found 14,730 people living in West End, with a median age of 34.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census QuickStats (West End (Brisbane))
- 4.3% of employed West End residents rode a bicycle to work on Census day, about six times the Queensland figure of 0.7%.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census QuickStats (West End (Brisbane))
- Three quarters of West End's occupied private dwellings (75.7%) were flats or apartments at the 2021 Census.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census QuickStats (West End (Brisbane))
- Brisbane City Council's riverside running route through West End starts in Orleigh Park, follows the river through West End Riverside Lands Park and finishes at Davies Park, a distance of 5 kilometres.Source: Brisbane City Council
- Davies Park at 277 Montague Road was gazetted by the South Brisbane Municipal Council in 1901 and has mainly been used for organised sport and recreation.Source: Brisbane City Council heritage register, Davies Park
- Anyone running a paid activity such as fitness classes or personal training in a Brisbane park must apply to the council for permission first, with an aerial site map and current public liability insurance.Source: Brisbane City Council
The three-park loop
The council suggests exploring West End on foot with a riverside 5 kilometre run that starts in Orleigh Park, follows the river through West End Riverside Lands Park and ends at Davies Park. It is flat, it is measured and it has parking at both ends, which makes it an easy place for a trainer to set a time trial and repeat it a month later to see what has changed.
Davies Park
Davies Park on Montague Road was gazetted by the South Brisbane Municipal Council in 1901 and has been used for organised sport ever since. The council's facilities list shows two multi-courts there, shared with the rugby league club, so expect company on match days and quieter mornings midweek.
Applying to use a park
Brisbane City Council counts fitness classes and personal training among commercial activities in a park, and a trainer must apply before running them. The application asks for an aerial site map showing where equipment will sit, current public liability insurance in the trainer's name and the period of consent they want. None of that falls to you, but a trainer who has done it will be able to say so when you ask.
A cycling suburb
At the 2021 Census West End had 14,730 residents with a median age of 34. 4.3% of employed residents cycled to work, about six times the state share of 0.7%, and 7.9% walked. Three quarters of homes were flats or apartments, so for many people the park is the backyard. If you would rather train indoors, mention that and we will pass it on with the rest of your details.
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West End questions
Is there somewhere flat to run in West End?
The council's riverside route from Orleigh Park to Davies Park is 5 kilometres along the river, with parking at either end.
Who applies for park permission, me or the trainer?
The trainer. The council's commercial activity application is made by the person running the activity and needs their insurance and a site map.