No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
The following information is to help you better understand track and trail grading so you choose an activity that is best suited to your skills and abilities.
Bushwalking trail grading
Each walking trail is graded to include information on the gradient (or steepness) of the walk, the quality of the path and signage, presence of steps and level of walking experience required. Each of these factors contribute to the trail’s overall grade.
No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
Mountain biking trail grading
The mountain bike trail grading system considers trail width, trail surface and obstacles, trail gradient and fitness and skill level required to ride the trail. Each of these factors contribute to the trail’s overall grade.
Likely to be a fire road or wide single track with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and free of obstacles. Frequent encounters are likely with other cyclists, walkers, runners and horse riders.
Likely to be a combination of fire road or wide single track with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and relatively free of unavoidable obstacles. Short sections may exceed these criteria. Frequent encounters are likely with walkers, runners, horse riders and other cyclists.
Likely to be a single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles.
Likely to be a challenging single trail with steep gradients, variable surface and many obstacles. Should only be attempted by experienced and skilled mountain bike riders.
Extremely difficult trails will incorporate very steep gradients, highly variable surface and unavoidable, severe obstacles. Should only be attempted by experienced and skilled mountain bike riders.
4WD track grading
The 4WD track classification system uses 5 criteria to determine the level of difficulty of a track: terrain and track conditions, vehicle suitability, required recovery equipment, required driver training and experience and weather variations.
Please note, all tracks are classified in dry conditions and will be more difficult in wet conditions.
Mostly unsealed roads. Suitable for novice drivers. Vehicles can be low clearance with single range and road tyres.
May include some sections of steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy track sections. Possible water crossings. Suitable for medium clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain or road tyres. Recommended that drivers have experience or 4WD training, recommended to be done in groups of vehicles.
Includes frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy track sections. Possible water crossings. Suitable for medium to high clearance vehicles with dual range and all terrain tyres. Recommended for drivers with reasonable experience or 4WD training and to be done in groups of vehicles.
Frequent steep and/or rocky/slippery/sandy track sections. Drivers with extensive experience and advanced training should only attempt as there are several technical challenges. Suitable for high clearance vehicles with dual range and tyres suitable for terrain. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more vehicles.
Horse riding track grading
Well defined track with easy navigation, width is 2 metres or more. The majority of the terrain is flat to low steepness with minimal number of road crossings. Suitable for novice riders.
Majority of track is defined, width is generally 1.5 metres. Some steep terrain likely. Expect road and/or bridge crossings. Suitable for riders and horses with general experience.
The track is generally defined, width is mostly 1 metre. Some navigation skills required and sections of steep terrain on various surfaces. Recommended to be done in groups with riders and horses having good experience and fitness.
Challenging riding with several steep sections in remote areas, track surface often varied and uneven. Track not well defined and width less than 1 metre wide. May involve stream crossings and the need to dismount in some sections. Recommended to be done in groups of four or more experienced riders with navigation skills. Horse and rider require a high level of fitness.
Trail bike track grading
The trail bike track classification system uses 5 criteria to determine a tracks level of difficulty – terrain and track conditions, motorcycle suitability, required equipment, required rider experience and weather conditions.
All riders should carry a first-aid kit and water, ride with a buddy and wear appropriate protective equipment. Motorcycles must be registered and riders must be licensed.
Mostly unsealed roads with a good surface, some rough sections but not too steep, suitable for novice riders.
Suitable for basic trail bikes with dual-purpose tyres and adventure bikes.
May include steep, rocky, sandy track sections with shallow water crossings. May be slippery and have difficult water crossings after rain.
Suitable for riders with some trail riding experience during good conditions and for intermediate and advanced riders in wet conditions. Enduro motorcycles are recommended.
Frequent long steep, rocky track sections, uneven surface, tight bends. Water crossings may be deep and difficult to navigate or possibly impassable after rain.
Recommended that riders be experienced in these conditions, travel in a group, and use enduro motorcycles with good tyres.
Loose, rocky surfaces, muddy, slippery and possibly unrideable when wet. Climbs and descents are very steep requiring advanced skills, excellent tyres and well prepared enduro motorcycles.
Recommended to carry Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), tow ropes, and essential spares if riding in remote areas. Riders are advised to carry sufficient fuel to allow return via the same route if the track is impassable.
Water crossings may be very difficult or impassable after recent rain.
Page last updated: 16/03/22