1: Kiama Coastal Walk: Distance: 28km

The rarest of things - a long trail in a stunning environment with public transport access (if you do the whole track). Be warned, this is not as easy as it looks. The hills are steep and the shade is non-existent.

2: Killalea State Park Shellharbour: Distance 7km (pictured)

Park your car at the end of the road, then head right to the Minnamurra estuary, rather than left to the beach. Down to the river along good tracks then cross to Mystics Beach. Return via steps at the end of the beach.

3: Mt Keira Ring Track: Distance: 5.7km

As you run through dappled rainforest, or startle a wallaby or bush turkey, it's easy to forget that you're a stone's throw away from a regional centre. Because this is a ring track, it's mostly fairly level, although there are occasional steep sections, mostly made easy with steps.

4: Burning Palms, Royal National Park: Distance 10.7km

If you're really keen, you could run the 30km along the coast to Bundeena and take the train back. The track is good for running, though gets a little narrow at the end. Flatter than escarpment running, but a couple of big hills nevertheless. Remember to take plenty of water.

5: Macquarie Pass: Distance 7km

Good track and flat because you're going across the escarpment, not up. Take the blocked gate at Clover Hill Road, halfway up the pass and run until you run out of track or until the ruined farmhouse.

■ More trails, more information: Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of the Illawarra by Gillian and John Souter, Woodslane Press.