Australian Walking Track Grading System

Hiking Best Practice

Throughout Australia, national parks walking (bushwalking) tracks vary in grade of difficulty based upon a range of factors.  These tracks are graded using a safety standard classification termed the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) based on the Australian Standard for walking track construction (AS 2156).

It was funded and developed by a Victorian Government initiative, in partnership government agencies and non-government groups across Australia, including New South Wales National Parks.

AWTGS classifies tracks into 5 grades so that walkers of varying skills and experience may pre-determine which tracks are within their physical and experience capabilities.

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. The 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.

Take a look at our guide below, and before your next adventure ask yourself ‘is this walk suitable for me?’

AWTGS grade 1 icon 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.

AWTGS grade 2 icon Grade 2

No bushwalking experience required. The track is hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km.

AWTGS grade 3 icon 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.

AWTGS grade 4 icon Grade 4

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

AWTGS grade 5 icon 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.

Bushwalking Safety Tips

If you’re keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared.

Walking in national parks and reserves provides a great opportunity for solitude and self-reliant exploration. If you’re keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, that’s great – you’ll never run out of options. But always be prepared.

Plan your walk

  • Research your walk and make sure everyone is comfortable with the planned route
  • Go at the pace of the slowest person and don’t overestimate your abilities
  • Walk in groups of 3 or more people – in an emergency one of you might need to wait with the injured person while the other gets help.
  • Check the difficulty – some walks require rock scrambling and abseiling skills. If you’re note sure of the difficulty, contact the local NPWS park office.
  • Check weather forecasts and park conditions and be aware that weather conditions can change.

Tell somebody

  • Give route details to your friends and family or the NSW Police. Tell them about any medical conditions and when to expect you back.
  • Check in when you return
  • The NSW Police Force and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service provide bushwalkers and adventurers in the Greater Blue Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park with a free loaned Personal Locator Beacon. Find out more about the Think Before You Trek initiative and how to complete a trip intention form before your wilderness adventure in these areas.

Stay on track

  • Walking tracks in NSW national parks parks are not always signposted or maintained, so be sure take care.
  • To protect our landscapes for generations to come, please ensure that native plant and animal communities are disturbed as little as possible.

Waterfall Safety

  • You may also come across waterfalls during a bush walk
  • Waterfalls can offer amazing photo opportunities as well as being fun and adventurous places to cool off after a long, hot walk.
  • Please take note of the following safety tips and stay safe around waterfalls:
    • Stay behind railings and barriers – they are preventing you from falling over the edge.
    • Rocks and paths around waterfalls can be extremely slippery and are not suitable for walking. Please observe any signage.
    • Don’t jump into pools at the base of waterfalls if you cannot see the bottom of the rock pool and have not checked for submerged objects.
    • Never swim alone – ensure that someone is with you at all times to provide help if you need it.
    • Long periods without rain will affect the amount of water flowing over waterfalls, so you may not be able to swim or collect water for treatment or drinking.
    • Take extra care after heavy rain, as waterfalls can carry large amounts of rushing water and are usually not safe to cross or swim under.
    • Waterfalls are often remote and the water may not be suitable for drinking. Be sure to take enough bottled water for your trip.

What to take

  • You may not have mobile phone service; if you’re really heading bush, consider taking a locator beacon which can be used as a last resort.
  • For longer walks take plenty of water, snacks and a first aid kit
  • Wear or take appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear and always take a windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Take a topographic map and compass and be confident with how to use them
  • If you’re camping take a good tent, sleeping bag, insect repellent and a torch.
  • In a natural environment there is sometimes no escape from pests including mosquitoes, ticks and insects. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing to prevent bites, spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellent and reapply as directed, particularly if camping – and be sure to close that tent flap at night.

Eco-Bushwalking

  • Eco-bushwalking is about respect for Nature you are enjoying
  • This respect means staying on the tracks, avoiding the edges, and not cutting corners, which may increase erosion.
  • Please stay on rocks or hard ground wherever possible as swamp or bog plants, mosses, and other sensitive vegetation are easily destroyed by trampling.
  • The best idea is to wear running shoes or lightweight walking boots to aid your comfort and leave softer, gentler footprints behind.
  • Please carry all rubbish with you, even discarded organic litter.
  • Walk as quietly as possible so you don’t scare away the wildlife – else you may miss on a key benefit of our walking tours – ‘Wildlife by Chance’.

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