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AUSTRALIAN WALKING TRACK GRADING SYSTEM

The walks described on this website are graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System, which provides a helpful system for determining which tracks are suitable for your own requirements. For information further to the below table, please click here.

 Grade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5
Distance5 km max10 km max20 km maxcan be more than 20 kmcan be more than 20 km
GradientFlatGentle hillsShort steep hillsVery steepVery steep and difficult
Quality of pathWell formed trackFormed trackFormed track, some obstaclesRough track, many obstaclesRough unformed track
Quality of
markings		Clearly sign postedClearly sign postedSign postedLimited signageNo directional signage
Experience
required		No experience requiredNo experience requiredSome bushwalking experience recommendedExperienced bushwalkersVery experienced bushwalkers
StepsNo stepsOccasional stepsMany steps
Public summaryNo bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have
a gentle hill section or
sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km.		Suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.		Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

WALK HIGH COUNTRY DEFINITIONS

WALKS BY GRADE

Town Walks - Grade 1 to 2
Historic Walks - Grade 1 to 2
Nature Walks - Grade 1 to 4
Wilderness Walks - Grade 4 to 5

WALKS BY DURATION

Short Walks - 1 to 3 hours
Half Day Walks - 4 to 5 hours
Day Walks - 6 to 8 hours
Multiday Walks - overnight