Australia has some fantastic walking tracks all around the country. Whether you're tempted by a coastal hike, a day in the rainforest or an outback adventure, they all offer something unique. We regularly recommend trying out various walks and immersing yourself in all the natural beauty that Australia has to offer. It doesn't matter whether you call Australia home or if you're visiting for a week or two this is one of the best ways to experience the country.
Hiking tracks in Australia are generally well maintained, there's good information available and they come in a wide variety of distances and difficulties to suit all walkers. They range from 500-metre paths to multi-day trails and even the staggering 5,330-kilometre Bicentennial National Trail crossing four states and territories, the longest multi-use trail in the world.
To make selecting your walk easier and to ensure it's within the abilities of all members of your party there's a consistent rating system now used across Australia. The system is voluntary but has been widely adopted for use within National Parks and many other tracks. Known as the Australian Walking Track Grading System it gives a solid guide to the difficulty of the track.
Here's what that grade means when you are planning your trip.
Australian Walking Track Grading System
Grade 1 - Suitable for the disabled with assistance
The trail will be under 5 kilometres and doesn't require any bushwalking experience. The track will be flat and even with no stairs or overly steep sections. To be rated a grade 1 the track should be suitable for people in wheelchairs (with assistance) and childrens' strollers.
Grade 2 - Suitable for families with young children
A grade 2 track will be under 10 kilometres and like the grade 1 tracks, it doesn't require any prior bushwalking experience. These are great tracks to get started on. The track will have a hardened or compacted path and may include some gentle slopes and occasional steps.
Grade 3 - Recommended for people with some bush walking experience
These tracks may be up to 20km long but you'll find many under 5km. They are suitable for most ages and fitness levels but it's suggested that you have some bushwalking experience. The tracks are well-formed and marked but may have short steep hill sections, steps and uneven ground. In parts there may be obstacles you need to go over or under.
Grade 4 - Recommended for experienced bush walkers
A grade 4 track is likely to be longer and includes rough ground and very steep sections. These tracks are suggested for people with experience bushwalking. They may be any length and directional signs and markers are likely to be more limited. A reasonable level of fitness and unrestricted movement will be required.
Grade 5 - Recommended for very experienced bush walkers
These tracks are only for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills and equipment including navigation, emergency first aid and climbing. The tracks are likely to be less defined, rough, steep and have very few directional signs or track markers.
Safety First
For the sake of the environment and your own safety walkers should stay on the marked tracks. It's a huge country, the forest is very dense and it's easy to become lost if you wander off the trail. One of Australia's biggest attractions in my eyes is that it's home to so much beautiful and unique wildlife but along with the cute, feathered and fluffy we're home to 20 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world. Then there's the toxic insects and spiders, and various other wild animals that although generally harmless to humans will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
While some of that might sound a bit intimidating being informed is the best precaution and there really is no reason to be afraid. Keep it in perspective. On average 1-2 people die each year in Australia from snake bites but 30,000 people die from gunshot wounds in the USA each year. I'm way more scared of people with guns than I am of snakes.
As part of your preparation make sure you are properly equipped and dressed for the hike you are doing. A large part of Australia is very hot so make sure you carry adequate water, you're body needs it even more while you're exercising. Comfortable footwear that supports the ankles is essential and thick socks. Conventional wisdom is to always hike in long pants, this will give some level of protection from scratches, stings, ticks, leeches and yes, snake bites. Unfortunately, I think I would pass out from the heat in the Queensland summer in long trousers, even lightweight hiking pants so I do wear shorts like many others. Having said that we haven't hiked grade 5 tracks at this stage.
Possibly the most important precaution is with insect repellent, not only can mosquitos make your hike quite unpleasant they're also quite a risk in most parts of the world. With a friend currently suffering the effects of a mosquito-born illness, from a bite obtained in a suburban area, I'm even more liberal with my application. While I understand the possible risks of DEET and hate having it around my camera and binoculars, it's the only thing that keeps the mosquitos and midges from coveting me during the rainy season.
Finally, as a precaution if you're tackling a more remote or higher graded track it's a good idea to let someone know where you're going and when you're expected back. If you're on holiday you can always leave details at your accommodation.
Now lets get out there
Having picked your location and having the information to choose the best walk for your experience and fitness level it's time to get out there and experience some of this beautiful country. To get you started here are a couple of grade 3 walks easily accessible from the Gold Coast in Queensland that is well worth a try.
- The Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park
- Twin Falls Circuit in the Springbrook National Park
- Witches Falls Circuit on Tamborine Mountain
We hope you enjoy exploring the best of Australia. If you've tried some of the National Park walks we'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
Laura says
I wish I had this guide when I was traveling Australia a few years ago - there are so many amazing trails and beautiful sights to see!
Ryan | Blogging From Paradise says
Hi Toni,
The snake bites in Oz versus gun deaths in the US is a brilliant comparison.
We spent 6 weeks in a remote Costa Rican jungle late last year. Fer de lanzes, eyelash vipers and other potentially dangerous snakes littered the place. But I felt safer there versus walking through my home town at night. Because the snakes don't have a grudge, nor access to firearms 😉 Just protecting themselves while gun toting folks usually have some nasty motivators to pulling the trigger.
Thanks for the cool read!
Ryan
2 Aussie Travellers says
Thanks Ryan, Costa Rica must have been fabulous!
Shannon - SoleSeeking says
Very useful post and great idea to have this system!
Megan Jerrard says
I've learned something new today! I honestly had no idea about the walking track grading system, even though we've been hiking around Aus since I was born!! Thanks Toni!
2 Aussie Travellers says
You're young, fit and familiar with the landscape and risks so it's much less of an issue but I do still find it useful especially as the length of the track and difficulty rating aren't always correlated.
Natalie Deduck says
Great tips! Especially the types (grades) of the hikes and safety issues... Trekking and hiking are such an amazing way to discover the country, and Australia is so rich in fauna and flora. I'm not sure if I would have courage enough to go on the trails by myself, but I totally do a guided walking on a grade 3 trail.
Cheers,
Nat
Bella WW says
I had no idea about the grading system, so I'm glad that I was able to find so many useful information in your article and at the same time you opened my appetite for walking trails. I also checked the 3 options you suggested for walks and I loved the Twin Falls Circuit.
Monika says
Yes, somehow when I think about Australia, I think how many deadly things you've got there, but you're right about the right perspective - there are many more dangerous things in the world and safety is important to consider before you set off.
Rosemary says
Love the grading system and it does make it much simpler for the hikers. That's interesting to read that it is even too hot for pants. Sorry to hear about your friend and the mosquitos. I hate the idea of using DEET, but I guess it is necessary at times. See you on the trails soon 🙂
danik the explorer says
Very informative post. Great read and I really wish the mosquitos would go away 😛
Cory Lee says
As a wheelchair user, I really like that this grading system is in place. It'd certainly make it a lot easier for me to choose a trail that is doable.
Marlene Marques says
Super cool post, with plenty information. I'm starting to enjoy more and more walking trails. This grading system is super clear and you give wonderful tips, specially for those, like me, who are just starting. Australia must be an amazing place to walk around!
Chrysoula says
A very informative article. The grading system really helps you decide which hiking path is for you. Thanks for the great tips.
Travelwith2ofus says
This is such a great idea. I remember I was a bit overwhelmed with the first hike I went on because there wasn't any information like this available. Now however, a lot of places have some system in place to describe how difficult or easy the trail is. This seems a lot better that most of the other places though.
Phoebe says
I'm aiming to start my trip in the next 4-6 weeks and, even though I've here my whole life, I've never even heard of this grading system. I can't to get out there and truly experience what Australia has to offer! Thanks for the info - will be pinning it for future reference ☺
2 Aussie Travellers says
Hi Phoebe, thank you! I can't wait to see where you get to on your road trip, it sure is a huge and very beautiful country to explore.
Jenny says
This grading system is a lot better and clearer than what I've experienced with NZ tracks. I'm more of a grade 2-3 myself 🙂
2 Aussie Travellers says
HI Jenny, we love New Zealands walking tracks too but don't find them as easy to find information on although I'm sure that's changing. It's been a few years since we went hiking over there.
Fairlie says
I didn't know about the grading system - this is really useful information! And yes, I'm paranoid about the mosquitos as well...too many friends have picked up really bizarre mosquito-borne viruses from bites.