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Walking Track Grading System

Guided walk in Kakadu National Park
Guided walk in Kakadu National Park

To help you prepare for walks on our tracks and trails, we are transitioning to the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS).

This update helps ensure our parks and gardens are consistent with Australian Standards, supporting a safer experience for visitors. The AWTGS system helps us describe how challenging a walk is by considering:

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

Each walk’s final grade is based on the most difficult of the five criteria, rather than an average. Each grade includes a consistent icon to help you decide whether a walk is suitable for you. 

AWTGS information will be introduced online first, with signage and other visitor materials changing over time. Use these grades to help plan your next walking adventure and ask yourself: Is this walk right for me? 

Australian Walking Track 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..
Grade 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle hill section or sections, and occasional steps..
Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps..
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited..
Grade 5: Only suitable for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked..

Tips to stay safe when walking

We want you to enjoy your time in our parks and gardens while staying safe. Before heading out, please keep the following tips in mind:

  • Choose walks that match your experience and fitness level.
  • Wear suitable footwear.
  • Stay sun safe and carry plenty of water, especially in warm weather.
  • Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
  • Allow enough time to complete your walk.
  • Consider walking with others.
  • Know how to contact emergency services on the trail and consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in remote areas with limited mobile coverage.
  • Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
  • Be bushfire aware and check fire danger ratings at your destination.
  • Turn back if conditions change or the walk becomes more difficult than expected.

Caring for our environment

Please help us protect our beautiful natural places.

Stay on marked trails, follow barriers and take all rubbish with you when you leave.

Thank you for helping us care for our parks and gardens.

More information