Australian Hiker

Australian Walking Trek Grading System

The Australian Walking Track Grading System was endorsed in July 2010 as a voluntary industry standard and is now progressively being used throughout Australia. This grading system provides a readily recognisable standard for walkers to be able to establish the difficulty of a particular walk regardless of where in Australia it is and allows them to determine whether they have the fitness and ability to undertake the walk.

This grading system does not provide any indication of the quality of the walk, only the difficulty. The following five grades make up this grading system.

Grade 1

No 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

Grade 1 sign

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 2 sign

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 3 sign

Grade 4

Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited

Grade 4 sign

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 however this grade can also apply to much shorter walks

Grade 5 sign

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