Larapinta Trail Grading System

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The current trail grading system for the Larapinta Trail is classified under three main grades: MODERATE, HARD, VERY HARD (described below). All 12 sections of the trail are graded in this way. PWCNT has adopted the AWTGS and is gradually introducing the grading system across its national parks and trails, including the Larapinta Trail. We have provided some information about the AWTGS as a guide only, but this has not been officially endorsed by PWCNT. We recommend the PWCNT Trail Grading system as the best guide to gauge difficulty.

Key Points

	All sections require a basic knowledge of bushwalking
	All sections traverse over rough terrain
	Hard/Very Hard sections are suitable for experienced bushwalkers only
	Most sections traverse across remote areas
	All sections generally require an above average level of fitness
	Section 4, 5 and 9 will definitely meet their definitions and grades

Grade	Section	Location	Location
	Section 1	Telegraph Station	Simpson Gap
	Section 2	Simpson Gap	Jay Creek
	Section 3	Jay Creek	Standley Chasm
	Section 4	Standley Chasm	Birthday Waterhole
	Section 5	Birthday Waterhole	Hugh Gorge
	Section 6	Hugh Gorge	Ellery Creek
	Section 7	Ellery Creek	Serpentine Gorge
	Section 8	Serpentine Gorge	Serpentine Chalet Dam
	Section 9	Serpentine Chalet Dam	Ormiston Gorge
	Section 10	Ormiston Gorge	Finke River
	Section 11	Finke River	Redbank Gorge
	Section 12	Redbank Gorge	Mount Sonder

PWCNT Trail Grading System- Current Official Grading System in Use
This is the current official trail grading system used by Parks and Wildlife Commission (PWCNT). The three main classifications ( MODERATE, HARD, VERY HARD) are used to define the difficulty of each section. Note: The icons and colour codes are our own addition, but the three main classifications and descriptions have been developed by PWCNT. Below are the exact definitions.
	MODERATE	A narrow track which may be rough in places, with some climbing and descending (suitable for people who walk regularly and are used to long distances).
	HARD	A rough and narrow track with some steep and/or long climbs and descents (suitable for fit people with previous bushwalking experience).
	VERY HARD	A rugged track or marked route with frequent steep and long climbs and descents (suitable for fit people with extensive previous bushwalking experience).

Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS): National System
The Australian Walking Track Grading System was developed by the Victorian Government and endorsed by the Parks Forum as a voluntary industry standard for the national classification of walking tracks/trails across Australia. This system has been adopted by PWCNT but is yet to be applied to the Larapinta Trail officially. We have classified each section using the AWTGS as a guide only, but this has NOT been officially endorsed by PWCNT. More info on AWTGS (Vic Gov Site and PWCNT brief on the AWTGS
	GRADE 1	No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.
	GRADE 2	No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km.
	GRADE 3	Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.
	GRADE 4	Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
	GRADE 5	Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

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