Bushwalk Grades/Guidelines

Walk Grade Introduction:

A. Bushwalking is an endurance activity, be aware that a higher standard of fitness and experience is required for bushwalking than walking on roads.

B. The bushwalking grades on this page are guidelines only and open to interpretation by the individual.

C. It is the walkers responsibility to determine their own bushwalking capacity by using these guidelines. If unsure, seek advice from an experienced walker before selecting a bushwalk.

E. Experienced means having the ability to read a Topographical map and use a compass plus be competent in all aspects of bushwalking including the following grades.

Bushwalk Grades:

1. Take It Easy (TIE):
   A more leisurely walk pace which can be applied to walk grades four, five and six.
   The TIE category would allow less experienced, less fit walkers to engage in shorter walks of categories 4, 5 and 6 providing there is no time frame for completion.
   Suitable for fit beginners
2. Easy:
   Opportunity for large number of visitors, including those with reduced walking ability to bushwalk on well-marked and even tracks.
   Suitable for fit beginners
3. Easy - Medium:
   Easy walk, mostly on tracks and low gradients.
   Opportunity for large numbers to bushwalk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks.
   Tracks should not be steep.
   Walk Leader has ability to read street directory and/or map.
   Maximum bushwalkers in group should be about twenty.
   Suitable for fit beginners
4. Medium:
   Medium bushwalk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain.
   Opportunity for walkers to bushwalk in slightly modified natural environments on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness.
   Maximum number of bushwalkers in group should be about twenty.
   Walk Leader should have the ability to read map and/or use a compass.
   Distance should not exceed about fifteen kilometre.
   Suitable for fit beginners
5. Medium - Hard:
   Steeper, rough terrain, may have off track sections no more than one quarter of the bushwalk or a longer distance track walk.
   Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks.
   Tracks can be steep. There may be rock scrambling involved.
   Walk Leader should have map reading abilities and/or use a compass.
   Maximum number of bushwalkers in the group should be twenty, but may vary with type of walk.
   Distance depending on circumstances.
   Not suitable for most beginners.
6. Hard:
   Off-track or difficult terrain.
   Opportunity for bushwalkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations.
   May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces.
   There may be rock scrambling involved.
   Walk Leader should have the ability to read a Topographical map and use a compass.
   Maximum number of bushwalkers in the group should be fifteen.
   Distance should not exceed twenty five kilometre, but may be short and difficult.
   Not suitable for beginners.
7. Very Hard:
   Strenuous off-track walk or for very long distances.
   Opportunity for highly experienced bushwalkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks.
   Extensive knowledge of map reading and compass use necessary for at least the Walk Leader. Maximum number of bushwalkers in group is eight. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track.
   There may be rock scrambling involved.
   Distance covered may be thirty kilometre or more, but may be short and difficult.
   Only for experienced bushwalkers and not suitable for beginners.
8. Exploratory:
   May contain elements of all the previous grades.
   Maximum number of bushwalkers in group is dependant on terrain, scrambling, distance and track (see previous grades).
   Inexperienced walkers should obtain advice/assistance from an experienced walker/Walk Leader with the ability to read a Topographical map and use a compass.
   May not be suitable for beginners (see previous grades).