Walking grades
To help you choose the right walk, three key pieces of information are given for each walk:
Distance - walking distance in kilometres.
Walking conditions - type of terrain and level of difficulty you can expect.
Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) grade number - additional information about the difficulty of the walk.
Use this guide to select walks that suit your fitness, experience, and comfort level.
The program will give distance/walking conditions and AWTGS grade.
For example, an entry of medium/medium Grade 3 means: a medium length walk with medium walking conditions and AWTGS of Grade 3.
Please note this is a basic guide only. Contact the walk coordinator for further details.
Distance
Short Walks – Up to 8 kilometres
Medium Walks – 8 to 15 kilometres
Long Walks – Over 15 kilometres
Walking conditions
Easy: Walks are on well-marked and even tracks, including paddocks and beaches, no steep sections
Easy/Medium: Walks are on well-made tracks, may include gentle gradients.
Medium: Walks are mainly on marked tracks, moderate uphill, open forest (no scrub), and some rougher terrain underfoot
Medium/Hard: Walks are mostly on track but may involve some off track, may involve rock scrambling, creek crossings and minor scrub. Steep gradient at times.
Hard/Rough: Walks may be off track or difficult terrain, height exposure. Suitable for experienced walkers only.
Australian Walking track grading system
The Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) classifies tracks into 5 grades, based on AS2156, the Australian Standard for walking track construction. This system was funded and developed by a Victorian Government initiative, in partnership with government agencies and non-government groups across Australia. Before your next adventure, ask yourself ‘is this walk suitable for me?’
How a track gets its grade
The grading system assesses a walk’s difficulty based on several criteria, including: experience required, steps, gradient, path quality, and signage. A walk’s final grade is based on the most difficult of these 5 criteria, rather than an average. So, some walks will have criteria that meet an easier grade.
Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. Walks no greater than 5km.
Grade 2: 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.
Grade 3: 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.
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Grade 5: 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.