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Adventure Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Council(opens in a new tab)
Trail grades

How trails are graded

Each trail page shows the grades that apply to it. Here is what every grade means, so you can pick a trail that suits you and the people you're bringing.

Walking track grades

Walking trails are graded from 1 to 5. The grade describes the track itself; its surface, steps, hills, signage and length. A higher grade means a harder walk, not a better one.

  1. Grade 1

    Flat and well formed with no steps, and no longer than 5km. Signposted the whole way, and suitable for a wheelchair with someone to help.

  2. Grade 2

    A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.

  3. Grade 3

    A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

  4. Grade 4

    A rough track, possibly long and very steep, with few signs to follow. Suited to experienced bushwalkers.

  5. Grade 5

    An unformed track, likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. For very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills.

The same five-grade scale Queensland Parks uses, so a grade means the same thing on a council trail as it does in a national park. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Easy, Intermediate and Difficult

Trail cards and the Difficulty filter group the walking grades into three: Easy, Intermediate and Difficult. They are a quick way to narrow a search; the walking track grade on the trail page tells you more.