The rise of outdoor boot camps: what to expect

Every dawn, even in the July chill, clusters of Melburnians gather on the banks of the Yarra River or beneath the elms lining Royal Parade, wheeling kettlebells, skipping ropes, and a contagious energy. Outdoor boot camps—organised group exercise sessions in public spaces—are booming across the city, with operators reporting surging demand since 2023.

This movement has picked up steam as more residents seek a break from solitary gym routines, screen fatigue, and months of unpredictable lockdowns in recent memory. Melbourne’s fluctuating weather seems less intimidating than crowded gyms or yet another Zoom dance class. With this past June breaking Sydney records for heat, local instructors say Melburnians are seizing any patch of blue sky to reconnect with their bodies outdoors.

From Fitzroy Gardens to the Tan: Exercise goes al fresco

In East Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens has become a centre for sunrise boot camp sessions, with at least three providers, including Fit Collective, running daily classes near the Conservatory. Over in South Yarra, the Tan Track now hosts groups of 15 to 30, mixing interval sprints with bodyweight squats between the historic Boathouse Café and Government House Drive. On weekends, trainers pitch their cones and mats along Birrarung Marr and Carlton Gardens, drawing crowds from Collingwood to Docklands. Even neighbourhood clubs such as Inner North Training in Fitzroy and Richmond’s City Bootcamp are filling time-slots with outdoor classes, a shift from the pre-pandemic focus on indoor studios.

Sessions often wrap at $18 to $30 per class, with discounts for multi-session passes. "We’ve seen a 40% jump in attendance during winter compared with last year," said a representative at Tan Running Club (the club did not approve quotes for publication), with some Saturday circuits topping 100 participants. City of Melbourne figures backed up anecdotal reports, noting a 35% annual increase in group fitness permits for parks and gardens since 2022.

What to expect, and how to sign up

Most camps centre around high-intensity interval training (HIIT), mixing cardio bursts with strength moves using minimal equipment—think squat jumps, push-ups, resistance bands, and short sprints. Workouts run 45 to 60 minutes, and most groups are open to all ages and fitness levels. The usual advice: bring water, a mat or towel, and dress in layers—Melbourne mornings can be brisk well into September.

Signing up is usually straightforward. Larger outfits like Bootcamp Republic and Tribe Team Training run booking apps and weekly timetables online, while smaller trainers post sessions on local Facebook groups or flyers at cafés along Gertrude Street or Bridge Road. While many sessions run rain, hail, or shine, some groups relocate to covered spaces—like the old Exhibition Buildings archways—if the weather turns wild.

For those considering giving it a try, many trainers offer the first session free or at a discounted rate. A doctor’s green light is advised if you’re managing a medical condition. As demand continues into winter, organisers have flagged the return of larger regional events—like the 5am Southbank Super Sessions—by October. Until then, expect more kettlebells swinging under the gum trees around Princes Park and the sound of upbeat playlists carrying across Melbourne’s parks at sunrise.