The Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) explained

Most Australian park agencies grade walks using the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS). It's a five-level scale that tells you how hard a track is and what experience you need. Aussie Hikers shows the official grade wherever the managing agency publishes one. This explainer tells you what each grade means.

Why a grading system?

Distance alone doesn't tell you how hard a walk is. A 3 km climb over boulders can be far harder than a 10 km flat path. The AWTGS looks at several factors, including gradient, track surface and obstacles, signage, experience required and the likelihood of meeting adverse conditions. The hardest factor sets the overall grade.

The five grades

Grade 1: no experience required

Flat, even, often hard-surfaced or boardwalk paths, suitable for wheelchairs with assistance in many cases. Usually short (under 5 km) with no steps. Examples include many visitor-centre loops.

Grade 2: no bushwalking experience required

The track surface is hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. Distances are generally no greater than 10 km. Suitable for families with young children.

Grade 3: some bushwalking experience recommended

Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Distances may be up to 20 km. This is the most common grade for popular day walks, such as the Wineglass Bay lookout and many waterfall circuits.

Grade 4: bushwalking experience recommended

Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. Expect sustained climbs, rough or rocky surfaces, creek crossings and potentially changeable weather. Most multi-day walks and many mountain summits are Grade 4.

Grade 5: very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills

Very rough, very steep and often unmarked routes. You may need to scramble with your hands, navigate off-track and cope with severe weather. The Cradle Mountain summit scramble and Mount Barney's ridges are examples. Only go with strong navigation skills and appropriate gear.

What the grade doesn't tell you

• Weather on the day. A Grade 3 walk becomes much harder in heat, rain, snow or wind.
• Your own fitness. Grades describe the track, not the walker.
• Length. A long Grade 3 can be more tiring than a short Grade 4.
• Current conditions. Storm damage, fire or flooding can change a track quickly.

How Aussie Hikers uses grades

• We show the grade published by the official park agency.
• If an agency uses a different system, we show their description and don't convert it.
• Where no official grade is available, we say so rather than guessing.
• You can filter by grade in the directory.

Choosing the right grade

• New to hiking: start with Grade 1–3 walks under 8 km.
• Comfortable on day walks: try Grade 3 walks of 10–15 km or short Grade 4 summits.
• Experienced: Grade 4 multi-day walks.
• Advanced, with navigation skills: Grade 5 routes, ideally with experienced companions.

Other grading systems you might see

Some guided operators and clubs use their own scales, such as "easy / moderate / hard" or 1–10 ratings. Always read the description, and compare distance, elevation and terrain.

The AWTGS was developed for Australian land managers. Check each park agency's own page for how it applies grades.