Walk Ratings and Advice
Walk ratings help you identify the type of walk that you'd like to do. The walk ratings are designed to provide a rating of difficulty and suitability for the individuals level of fitness.
Whilst certain parameters are used to identify appropriate ratings, it's important to recognise that these ratings are based on the authors experience (with the particular walk), fitness level and general knowledge and as such, you may find the walks easier, or more difficult than the rating described. Apart from identifying the walk rating that suits you, it's important to read the walk article to obtain a good understanding of the nature of the walk you have chosen to do.
Fitness level ratings are based on walk fitness and the ability to carry a pack. All walks should be read in conjunction with the disclaimer page, which also provides practical advice on staying safe. Enjoy your walk!
Level 1
No bushwalking experience required. Suitable for families and children over 5 years of age accompanied by a responsible adult. Track includes mainly flat surfaces with the occasional slight incline on defined walking tracks or dirt access roads. Walks no greater than 10km.
Recommended Fitness Level: Low to Medium - able to walk 10 kilometres relatively easily.
Level 2
No bushwalking experience required although some is beneficial. Track includes flat surfaces and some uphill sections with some short steep sections. Mainly on defined walking tracks. Walks no greater than 20km.
Recommended Fitness Level: Medium - able to walk 10 kilometres relatively easily whilst carrying a small backpack with 5 kilograms weight.
Level 3
Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks are mainly defined but may be long, rough with some very steep sections. Directional signage may be limited. Walks no greater than 25 kilometres.
Recommended Fitness Level: Good - able to walk 25 kilometres relatively easily whilst carrying a small backpack with up to 10 kilograms in weight.
Level 4
Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks are likely to be very rough with significant steep sections. Tracks may or may not be well marked. Walks may be more than 25km.
Recommended Fitness Level: Good. Able to walk 25 kilometres relatively easy whilst carrying a small backpack with 10 kilograms in weight.
Level 5
Experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills as certain walks may require land navigation Emergency first aid kit carried.
Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and some have limited markings. Walks may be more than 25km.
Fitness Level: Good to High. Able to walk 25 kilometres or more relatively easily whilst carrying a small backpack with 10 to 15 kilograms in weight.
Level 6
Experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills including land navigation and emergency first aid.
Can include overnight treks and person should also have the physical ability to carry their own supplies and equipment. Some bush craft skills required.
The route may not involve tracks and where there are tracks, they are likely to be very rough, very steep and have limited markings. Walks may be more than 25km.
Fitness Level: High. Able to walk 25 kilometres relatively easy whilst carrying a backpack with 20 + kilograms in weight.
