Choosing the right walking track starts with understanding the grade
Choosing a track that matches your fitness and experience is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk before you leave home. Online platforms and apps can be useful for finding hikes, but user-generated ratings are often inconsistent. That can leave walkers underprepared if a track is steeper, rougher, or longer than expected.
Australia’s official approach is the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS). It provides a standardised five-grade scale, from Grade 1 to Grade 5, that describes the general demands of a track and the experience likely to be required.
Grades are based on the most challenging aspect of the walk. The rating reflects the toughest section you are likely to encounter, not the average. Below is a quick reference table, followed by the detailed grade definitions.
Australian Walking Track Grading System explained
The following table gives a side-by-side comparison of all five grades as a quick reference.
Australian Walking Track Grading System: At-a-Glance
| Grade of Walk | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
| Distance (km) | Up to 5 | Up to 10 | Up to 20 | – | – |
| Gradient | Flat | Gentle hills | Short steep hills | Very steep | Very steep / difficult |
| Quality of Track | Well formed | Formed | Formed with obstacles | Rough with obstacles | Rough & unformed |
| Quality of Signs and markers | Clear | Clear | Some | Limited | None |
| Experience Required | No experience | No experience | Some experience | Experienced | Very experienced |
| Steps | No steps | Occasional steps | Many steps | – | – |
A note on distance: The AWTGS considers terrain, track quality, signage, and experience required. For Grades 1 to 3, distance is also a factor. A track can receive a higher grade simply because it is longer and demands more stamina. The system cannot capture every variable. A long, flat Grade 3 may feel easier than a shorter Grade 3 with steep, rough sections. Fitness, current conditions, and your own experience all affect how hard a walk feels on the day. For more on this, see the separate article on limitations and context.
Grade definitions
The following sections break down each grade in detail, drawn directly from the AWTGS criteria. Each section covers distance, gradient, track surface, signage, and the experience level required.
Grade 1 (All-abilities)
Grade 1 is the most accessible grade on the AWTGS scale. Tracks are flat, hard surfaced, and designed to accommodate wheelchair users with assistance. They are suitable for families with young children, beginners, and people new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required.
These walks have no steps and no steep sections. The total distance is no greater than 5 kilometres. The maximum gradient aligns with the AS 1428 accessibility standard.
The specific criteria that define a Grade 1 walking track according to the AWTGS are set out in the table below.
| GRADE 1 WALK | Technical Description for Land Manager use | Walk Description for Public Information | Generic Description for Public Information |
| Distance | Total distance of track must not exceed 5km. | Total distance of track to nearest 100 metre (eg 4.2km). |
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.
|
| Gradient | Grades in accordance with the AS 1428 series. (AS 2156.1) A ramp at 1:14 (7.14% slope or 4.1degrees) is the maximum slope/gradient suitable for a person in a wheelchair. | Flat. | |
| Quality of path | Broad, hard surfaced track of path suitable for wheelchair use. Width: 1200mm or more. Well maintained with minimal intrusions. (AS 2156.1) | Well formed track. | |
| Quality of markings | Track head signage and route markers at intersections. | Clearly sign posted. | |
| Experience required | Users need no previous experience and are expected to exercise normal care regarding their personal safety. (AS 2156.1) | No experience required. | |
| Time | 30 minute increments (eg 1-1.5hr) or if the predicted time is less than an hour in 15 minute increments (eg 30-45 minutes). | Time needed to complete track to nearest half hour or nearest 15 minute increment (eg 1-1.5 hours or 30-45 minutes). | |
| Steps | Steps allowed only with alternate ramp access. (AS 2156.1) | No steps. | |
| A Grade 1 walk corresponds to AS 2156.1 Grade 1 track | |||
Accessibility and Grade 1 tracks
The AWTGS descriptor for Grade 1 includes suitability for wheelchair users with assistance, but the system is designed to measure walking difficulty, not accessibility. A Grade 1 rating does not guarantee a track meets the needs of people using wheelchairs, walking frames, or other mobility aids.
Accessibility depends on a range of factors the AWTGS does not assess, including track width, surface stability, gradient consistency, parking proximity, toilet facilities, road crossings, and signage.
If you are planning a walk for someone with specific accessibility requirements, check directly with the relevant park authority or land manager.
Many state and territory park websites include dedicated accessibility information for individual tracks.
Grade 2 (Easy)
Grade 2 tracks are a step up from Grade 1 but still require no prior bushwalking experience.
The surface is typically hardened or compacted and may include gentle hill sections or occasional steps. Total distance is generally no greater than 10 kilometres. These walks suit families with some outdoor experience or walkers looking for a gentle introduction to inclines.
The specific criteria for a Grade 2 walking track are set out below.
| GRADE 2 WALK | Technical Description for Land Manager use | Walk Description for Public Information | Generic Description for Public Information |
| Distance | Total distance of track must not exceed 10km. | Total distance of track to nearest 100 metre (eg 4.2km). |
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.
|
| Gradient | The gradient is generally no steeper than 1:10 (or 10% or 5.7 degrees). (AS 2165.1). | Gentle hills. | |
| Quality of path | Generally a modified or hardened surface. Width: 900mm or more. Well maintained with minimal intrusions. (AS 2156.1). | Formed track. | |
| Quality of markings | Track head signage & route markers at intersections. | Clearly sign posted. | |
| Experience required | Users need no previous experience and are expected to exercise normal care regarding their personal safety. (AS 2156.1). Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. | No experience required. | |
| Time | 30 minute increments Time needed to complete (eg 1.5-2hrs) or if the predicted time is less than an hour in 15 minute increments (eg 30-45 minutes). | Time needed to complete track to nearest half hour or nearest 15 minute increment (eg 1-1.5hrs or 30-45 minutes). | |
| Steps | Minimal use of steps. (AS 2156.1). | Occasional steps. | |
| A Grade 2 walk corresponds to AS 2156.1 Grade 2 track | |||
Grade 3 (Moderate)
Grade 3 tracks are suited to walkers with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable on uneven terrain and hills.
Some bushwalking experience is recommended. Tracks may include short, steep sections, a rough surface, and many steps. Total distance can be up to 20 kilometres. Most ages can manage these walks with the right preparation.
The specific criteria for a Grade 3 walking track are set out below.
| GRADE 3 WALK | Technical Description for Land Manager use | Walk Description for Public Information | Generic Description for Public Information |
| Distance | Total distance of track must not exceed 20km. | Total distance of track to nearest 100 metre (eg 4.2km). |
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.
|
| Gradient | May exceed 1:10 (or 10% or 5.7 degrees) for short sections but generally no steeper than 1:10. (AS 2156.1). | Short steep hills. | |
| Quality of path | Formed earthen track, few obstacles. Generally a modified surface, sections may be hardened. Width: variable and less than 1200mm. Kept mostly clear of intrusions and obstacles. (AS 2156.1). | Formed track, some obstacles. | |
| Quality of markings | Track head signage and route markers at intersections and where track is indistinct. | Sign posted. | |
| Experience required | Users need no bushwalking experience and a minimum level of specialised skills. Users may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable surfaces and minor water crossings. They are responsible for their own safety. (AS 2156.1). | Some bushwalking experience recommended. | |
| Time | Hours/days (eg 9hrs) or if the predicted time is less than an hour in 15 minute increments. (eg 45 minutes). | Hours/days or if the predicted time is less than an hour in 15 minute increments. | |
| Steps | Steps may be common. (AS 2156.1). | Many steps. | |
| A Grade 3 walk corresponds to AS 2156.1 Grade 3 track | |||
Grade 4 (Hard)
Grade 4 tracks require bushwalking experience. These walks can be long, rough, and very steep.
Directional signage may be limited, so a reliable sense of navigation is important. These walks are suited to experienced walkers who are comfortable on steeper terrain, rougher surfaces, and potentially longer distances without consistent markers.
The specific criteria for a Grade 4 walking track are set out below.
| GRADE 4 WALK | Technical Description for Land Manager use | Walk Description for Public Information | Generic Description for Public Information |
| Distance | Total distance of track may be greater than 20km. Distance does not influence grading. | Total distance of track to nearest km. |
Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
|
| Gradient | May have arduous climbs and steep sections. May include long steep sections exceeding 1:10. | Very steep. | |
| Quality of path | Generally distinct without major modification to the ground. Encounters with fallen debris and other obstacles are likely. (AS 2156.1) Walkers may encounter natural obstacles (eg tides). | Rough track, many obstacles. | |
| Quality of markings | Track head signage and route markers. | Limited signage. | |
| Experience required | Users require a moderate level of specialised skills such as navigation skills. Users may require maps and navigation equipment to successfully complete the track. Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible weather hazards. (AS 2156.1). | Experienced bushwalkers. | |
| Time | Hours/days (eg 9hrs) or if the predicted time is less than an hour in 15 minute increments (eg 45 minutes). | Hours/days or if the predicted time is less than an hour 15 minute increments. | |
| Steps | Steps N/A (AS 2156.1) Steps do not influence grading. | – | |
| A Grade 4 walk corresponds to AS 2156.1 Grade 4 track | |||
Grade 5 (Difficult)
Grade 5 is the most demanding grade on the AWTGS scale. These tracks are recommended only for very experienced, fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid.
Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Distances may exceed 20 kilometres. Walkers need to be genuinely self-sufficient and capable of handling difficult terrain, significant elevation, and unformed routes.
The specific criteria for a Grade 5 walking track are set out below.
| GRADE 5 WALK | Technical Description for Land Manager use | Walk Description for Public Information | Generic Description for Public Information |
| Distance | Total distance of track may be greater than 20km. Distance does not influence grading. | Total distance of track to nearest km. |
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.
|
| Gradient | May have very arduous climbs and steep sections. May include long steep sections exceeding 1:10. | Very steep and difficult. | |
| Quality of path | No modification of the natural environment. (AS 2156.1). | Rough unformed track. | |
| Quality of markings | Signage is generally not provided. (AS 2156.1). | No directional signage. | |
| Experience required | Users require previous experience in the outdoors and a high level of specialised skills such as navigation skills. Users will generally require a map and navigation equipment to complete the track. Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible weather hazards. (AS 2156.1). | Very experienced bushwalkers. | |
| Time | Time Hours/days. | Hours/days. | |
| Steps | N/A (AS 2156.1). Steps do not influence grading. | – | |
| A Grade 5 walk corresponds to AS 2156.1 Grade 5 & 6 track | |||
What the grading system does not cover
A grade describes the track. It does not describe how hard the day will be on you, your group, or your safety systems. The AWTGS does not replace planning.
Weather, heat, track maintenance, recent storm damage, water levels, navigation complexity, and group capability can all change the actual difficulty on the day.
Use current maps and verified sources when planning. Apps can be useful for discovering walks, but they should not be your sole source of route information or navigation, particularly where track conditions vary or coverage is limited.
For a detailed discussion of grading limitations, see Interpreting the Australian Walking Track Grading System.
The official AWTGS User Guide and Australian Standard AS 2156.1-2001 descriptors are also available for reference.
Hi,
I love your web site. A couple of comments on your AWTGS page though.
First, it’s AS2156.1, not AS2165.1. I can see where you got it wrong – by copying what’s in the User Guide to the Australian Walking Track GRADING SYSTEM which has the same mistake right through!
Second, do you have any thoughts on how consistently the AWTGS is applied around Australia? It seems to me that Grade 5 in Victoria is about as hard as Grade 4 in Tasmania, but that might be just my impression.
Cheers
Hey James. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for pointing that out! You’re absolutely right – it should be AS2156.1, not AS2165.1. I’ll update my page so it’s accurate (and it’s good to know I wasn’t the only one misled by the User Guide!).
As for consistency, you’ve touched on a really interesting issue. The AWTGS was designed to bring some national uniformity, but in practice the way land managers and agencies interpret and apply the criteria can vary a lot between states and even between different parks. Your example of Grade 5 in Victoria versus Grade 4 in Tasmania matches feedback I’ve shared with land managers and also heard from other walkers. Some regions seem to be stricter in their grading, while others take a more flexible approach depending on how they want to encourage or limit use.
Seasons can also make a huge difference – what might usually be a Grade 3 walk can quickly feel like a Grade 5 in the midst of winter when tracks are covered in snow.
Personally, I think the AWTGS provides a great general guide for walks in the Grades 1–3 range. Once you hit Grades 4–5, it really comes down to each hiker recognising that these walks demand much more planning. Factors like experience, fitness, confidence (or over-confidence), season, remoteness, and track conditions can all make a huge difference to how difficult a hike actually feels. At this level, relying solely on a land manager’s Grade 4 or 5 rating without conducting your own thorough risk assessment is, frankly, not the smartest approach.