Australian Walking Track Grading System

Canberra's iconic nature reserves provide great walking opportunities for novice and experienced bushwalkers.

To help people prepare for walks on our tracks in Tidbinbilla and Namadgi we are transitioning to the Australian Walking Track Grading System. The system was funded and developed by a Victorian Government initiative, in partnership with government agencies and non-government groups across Australia, including the ACT Parks and Conservation Service.

The grading system assesses a walk's difficulty based on several criteria including

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

The walk's final grade is based on the most difficult of these 5 criteria, rather than an average. Some walks will have criteria that meet an easier grade.

When starting a walk in Namadgi or Tidbinbilla you will find signs displaying the information below. When planning your next walk, ask yourself 'Is this walk suitable for me?'.

Sign on the Australian Alps Walking Track near Mt Tennant. The sign shows information about the trail difficulty based on the Australian Walking Track Grading System.

Australian Walking Track Grading System user guide

Under the Australian Walking Track Grading System, walking trails are graded on a difficulty scale from grades 1 to 5.

Grade 1

Easy (disabled access)

Suitable for people with a disability, with assistance.

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 5 km.

Grade 2

Easy

Suitable for families with young children.

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 not greater than 10 km.

Grade 3

Moderate

Recommended for people with some bushwalking experience (moderate).

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 20 km.

Grade 4

Moderate - Difficult

Recommended for experienced bushwalkers.

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

Grade 5

Difficult

Recommended for very experienced bushwalkers.

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 20 km.

More information

If you notice any issues during your visit:

  • report maintenance issues to Access Canberra
  • report vandalism or other illegal activities to the police on 131  444
  • in an emergency, call 000

Find out about:

Contact us for more information.