Walking track grading system

kiama-coast-walk-sign-3-2023

The Australian Walking Track Grading System assesses a walk’s difficulty based on several criteria, including:

  • experience required
  • steps, gradient
  • path quality
  • signage.

There are five grades in total:

Grade 1

Advisory_Walking_Level_1_RGB-1024x1024

 Distance   Complete walk in X km 
 Gradient  Flat
 Quality of path  Well formed track
 Quality of markings  Clearly sign posted
 Experience required   None
 Time  High and low estimate of time needed to complete track (eg. 1.5-2 hours)
 Steps  No steps (accessible)

Grade 2

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 Distance   Complete walk in XX km
 Gradient  Gentle hills
 Quality of path  Formed track
 Quality of markings  Clearly sign posted
 Experience required   None
 Time  High and low estimate of time needed to complete track (eg. 1.5-2 hours)
 Steps  Occasional steps

Grade 3

Advisory_Walking_Level_3_RGB-1024x1024

 Distance   Complete walk in XX km 
 Gradient  Short steep hills
 Quality of path  Formed track, some obstacles
 Quality of markings  Sign posted
 Experience required   Some bushwalking experience required
 Time  Time needed to complete track (hours/days) 
 Steps  Many steps

Grade 4

Advisory_Walking_Level_4_RGB-1024x1024

 Distance   Complete walk in XX km 
 Gradient  Very steep
 Quality of path  Rough track, many obstacles
 Quality of markings  Limited signage
 Experience required   Experienced bushwalkers
 Time  Time needed to complete track (hours/days) 
 Steps  NA

Grade 5

Advisory_Walking_Level_5_RGB-1024x1024

 Distance   Complete walk in XX km 
 Gradient  Very steep and difficult
 Quality of path  Rough unformed track
 Quality of markings  No directional signage
 Experience required   Very experienced bushwalkers
 Time  Time needed to complete track (hours/days)
 Steps  NA

 

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