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Guide & Tips

Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS)

by admin February 8, 2023

When working out how difficult a trail will be, the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) can help. The AWTGS is a voluntary industry standard that has been widely adopted throughout Australia. It offers walkers a way to easily determine the difficulty level of a particular trek and to assess whether they have the fitness and capability to complete it.

What is a Grade 1 walking track?
What is a Grade 2 walking track?
What is a Grade 3 walking track?
What is a Grade 4 walking track?
What is a Grade 5 walking track?

These track grades are part of the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS). This system assesses how difficult a walk is by considering the experience required, steps, how steep it is, quality of the path surface, and signage. A walk’s final grade is the based on the most difficult of these five criteria, rather than an average of them all.

This grading system is comprised of five grades that indicate the difficulty of the walk, not its quality.

What is a grade 1 hiking track

Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for assisted wheelchair users. No longer than 5km.

What is a grade 2 hiking track

Grade 2: No bushwalking experience required. A hardened or compacted surface which may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. Walks up to 10km.

What is a grade 3 hiking track

Grade 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

What is a grade 4 hiking track

Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

What is a grade 5 hiking track

Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.

Image credit: NT Government.

February 8, 2023

5 Hiking Safety Essentials

by admin February 8, 2023

Hiking Safety

Hiking Safety: How do you choose the right hike or bush walk for you? And how do you make sure you have fun while staying safe in nature?

Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together our best advice to make sure you have a great hike. Not only will it be fun, you’ll also be reaping the proven physical, social and mental health benefits that come from spending time in nature.

1. Choose the right hike

One of the key factors in having an enjoyable hike is choosing the right trail. There are a wide range of walks in Victoria’s parks, from short jaunts to multi-day treks, so you’re sure to find one that fits your interests and fitness level.

To make this easier, the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) is used to give you an idea of how challenging a track is. The system consists of five grades, with Grade 1 being the easiest and Grade 5 the most difficult. The grades take into account factors such as experience required, the number of steps, gradient, path quality, and signage.

When researching your hike, look out for the grade symbols online, in visitor guides, and on signs, so you can get an idea of what you can expect and make sure you’re choosing a trail that is suitable for you. Before you head out, be sure to also familiarize yourself with what the different grades mean.

Planning and preparing for your hike is just as important as choosing the right trail. Ensure you have the right gear, clothing, food, and water to keep you comfortable and safe while on the trail. It’s also important to inform someone of your planned hike and expected return time, just in case of an emergency.

Here’s the checklist of things to plan and prepare for your hike:

2. Plan and Prepare for your hike

Check the weather forecast. Remember to check the forecast again on the day you plan to hike in case your plans need to change. If it is hot make sure you have adequate water for your trip.
Ensure you have the right gear for your hike. This includes proper shoes, sun protection, water and safety equipment.
Research your walk and make sure everyone is comfortable with the planned route.
Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Parks Victoria recommend that you fill out an trip intention form and leave a copy with a reliable friend or family member. Other states and territories also have similar ways to report your trip plans.
Be bushfire aware — if walking during warmer weather check Fire Danger Ratings, fire restrictions, and Total Fire Bans for your route and your destination. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place
Download the VicEmergency app and set up watch zones for the areas you are planning to visit
Check the latest conditions and park closures before you leave home.
Go at the pace of the slowest person and don’t overestimate your abilities.
Where possible, walk in groups of 3 or more people. In an emergency one of you might need to wait with the injured person while the other gets help.
Check the difficulty. Some walks need rock scrambling and abseiling skills. If you’re not sure of the difficulty, contact the local parks office.

3. Dress and pack appropriately

Wearing the right clothes, a hat and shoes to provide protection from the elements. Sun protection and hydration is so important when hiking, especially in warmer months. Make sure to also pack:

Water bottle or water bladder backpack.
Sunscreen (don’t forget to reapply it if you’re out for several hours!)
Snacks and food like muesli bars, nuts, apples. If you are taking longer trips, you’ll want more substantial food.
A first aid kit and medical supplies for allergies and bites
Spare clothing for all weather conditions
A fully charged smartphone. Use GPS location services and take a photo of a map before you set off or download an offline park map from Alltrails
In a natural environment there may be pests such as mosquitoes, ticks and insects around. Wear long, loose clothing to prevent bites, spray your clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellent and reapply as directed.
We also like to take items to signal for help if needed, a portable battery charger for phones and basic emergency kits (including emergency blanket, matches, torch, and a mirror). More detail available here.

For gear recommendations and reviews see the review section of our blog.

4. Respect the Environment

When out on the trail, be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. This includes carrying out your rubbish or putting it in the bins provided, staying on the designated trails, and respecting wildlife.

Always stay on the marked trails while hiking. Walking off track damages sensitive vegetation, can disturb Aboriginal culture heritage artifacts, compacts the ground and can spread plant diseases.

Stay safe by following park rules, being aware of potential hazards (fire, flood, heat, cold, landslides, wildlife…), and being prepared for changes in weather conditions.

Observe all safety signs and do not climb over barriers, they are there for your safety. If you’re unsure about the trail conditions, talk to park rangers for the most up-to-date information.

5. Beat the heat

If walking in warmer months, the heat is one of the biggest factors to consider when planning a hike. Ensure your hike doesn’t end in disaster through these tips:

Time of the day – Plan your hike for early or late in the day to avoid the hottest hours (which is typically 10am-2pm)
Hydration – Make sure to carry enough water, 3 to 4 litres per person for a full day hike. It’s better to be prepared, even if some hikes have water sources along the way.
Protective gear – Watch out for snakes during warm and sunny weather. Wear sturdy shoes and consider wearing gaiters to protect your shins and ankles.
Rest and shade – Take frequent breaks and find shade when possible to avoid heat exhaustion.
Knowledge – Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, so you can act quickly in an emergency.

With these tips in mind, you can have a safe, fun and uneventful hiking trip!

February 8, 2023

Guide & Tips

What to do if you get lost hiking?

by admin February 4, 2023

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you get lost hiking?

Its better to be prepared and know what to do before it happens! So we have a blog coming on this topic, providing you a checklist to make sure you are prepared to safely go on a hike.

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. One of the biggest risks of hiking is getting lost. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, it’s important to know what to do if you ever find yourself lost on the trail.

Stay calm

The first thing you should do if you get lost is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse and make it harder for you to think clearly. Take a few deep breaths and try to assess your situation.

Retrace your steps

If you’re not sure where you are, try retracing your steps. Look for any landmarks or trail markers that you may have passed earlier. If you remember the trail you were on and where you started, it will be easier to find your way back.

Use your navigation tools

If you have a map, compass or GPS device, use it to try and orient yourself. Even if you are not familiar with the area, it can help you identify your location (using maps, mountains, the sun or other landmarks) and the direction you need to go.

Look for signs of civilisation

Look for signs of civilization such as roads, houses, fences or power lines. If you can see these signs, it will give you an idea of where you are and how to get back to civilisation.

Stay put

If you’re not sure where to go, the best thing to do is stay put. Staying in one place will make it easier for search and rescue teams to find you if they are looking for you.

Signal for help

If you have a whistle or other communications device (such as a phone or radio), use it to signal for help. You can also use a mirror or a flashlight to signal for help if you have one.

Build a shelter

If you’re stuck during the day, try to find some shade and stay dry. If you’re going to be stuck overnight, try to build a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Use branches, leaves, and other natural materials to build a shelter that will keep you warm and dry.

Start a fire

Starting a fire is a great way to stay warm and signal for help. If you have matches or a fire starter, try to start a fire. Make sure you build the fire in a safe area and that it won’t spread.

Conserve your resources

If you’re going to be stuck for a while, it’s important to conserve your resources. Conserve your water and food, and make sure you’re dressed warmly enough to keep yourself warm.

Don’t give up hope

The most important thing to remember if you get lost is not to give up hope. Stay calm, stay put, and signal for help. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be able to get through this ordeal and find your way back to safety.

If you getlost while hiking it can be a scary experience, but it’s important to stay calm, retrace your steps.use your navigation tools, look for signs of civilisation, if lost – stay put, signal for help, build a shelter, start a fire, conserve your resources and don’t give up hope.

Remember, always let someone know where you’re going, what time you expect to be back, and always bring a map, compass, and a whistle with you.

Happy and safe hiking!

February 4, 2023

Adventures Guide & Tips

What to take on a day hike

by admin September 16, 2022

What should you take on a day hike?

Are you planning a day hike in Australia and not sure what to pack? Look no further! Here’s a list of essential items to bring with you to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.

Water and a water bottle

Australia is known for its hot weather, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person, depending on the length and difficulty of the hike.

Sun protection

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must in Australia. The sun is strong and can cause sunburn and heatstroke if you’re not protected.

First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen, so it’s always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with you. Include items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication. If you are hiking in summer or in areas where there are snakes, ensure you have a first aid kit that considers this. (We have a detailed blog about this coming soon)

Hiking Footwear

A good pair of hiking boots or shoes is essential for a day hike. Make sure they are comfortable and provide good support. (We have a whole blog on this coming soon)

Food

Bring enough snacks and lunch to sustain you for the duration of the hike. Trail mix, fruit, and sandwiches are all good options.

Navigation

Bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some areas, so it’s better to be prepared.

Emergency whistle and a torch

It’s always a good idea to bring an emergency whistle and a torch, in case you get lost or need to signal for help. We also like to take a mirror to signal for help (just in case).

Personal items

Bring any personal items you may need such as a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra clothes.

Garbage bags

Leave no trace, bring a garbage bag to pack out any rubbish you may find on the trail or produce during your hike

Emergency blanket

An emergency blanket can be useful in case of an unexpected night out or sudden weather changes.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be prepared for any situation that may arise on your day hike.

Remember to check the weather forecast, bring enough water and snacks, wear appropriate clothing, and let someone know your plans and expected return time. Happy hiking!

September 16, 2022