AU
NZ
UK
Video
AS 2156.1 WALKING TRACKS CLASSIFICATION AND SIGNAGE EXPLAINED
AS 2156.1 sets out a national framework for classifying and signing walking tracks so visitors know what to expect, and for managing authorities to align infrastructure and risk management with track difficulty and setting. It defines six walking track classes, from highly accessible Class 1 paths suitable for large numbers of visitors and reduced mobility users, through to remote Class 6 routes where highly experienced walkers are expected to be self-reliant and navigate with minimal or no constructed track.
The classification considers elements such as track conditions, gradient, signage, infrastructure and surrounding terrain, and allows a single track to change class along its length where conditions or risks differ. Class 1 and 2 tracks typically offer hardened or modified surfaces, clear width and supporting elements such as lookout platforms, seating and barrier rails. Class 3 and 4 tracks move toward more natural surfaces, narrower paths, and increased exposure to natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable surfaces, and minor water crossings. Class 5 and 6 routes focus on solitude and minimal intervention, often with indistinct alignment, limited or no signage and a firm reliance on user navigation skills and outdoor experience.
AS 2156.1 also outlines how information, advisory, interpretive, regulatory, and warning signs should be designed and positioned to remain visible and easy to understand while having minimal visual impact on the landscape. The overall objective is to help land managers present clear, consistent information, reduce visitor risk, preserve natural features, and enhance recreation opportunities along walking tracks.
Key Benefits
- Provides a consistent six-class framework for grading walking tracks, helping match each track to the abilities, expectations and preparation level of its users.
- Links technical factors such as surface, gradient, infrastructure, and terrain to an easy-to-communicate class rating, simplifying planning and approvals for new tracks and upgrades.
- Sets out clear guidance for track markers and information signs, supporting legible, non-intrusive communication that helps visitors make informed choices while avoiding sign clutter.
- Supports risk management and visitor safety by aligning track difficulty, signage and expected user skills, including special considerations where seasonal conditions such as snow can change the effective class.
- Creates a common language for authorities, designers and contractors, making it easier to scope public access projects, specify infrastructure such as boardwalks and platforms, and integrate with related structural standards like AS 2156.2 and AS 1170.
Applications
- Planning and classification of new walking tracks in parks, coastal reserves and conservation areas, using AS 2156.1 criteria to define appropriate classes and associated infrastructure requirements.
- Reclassification and auditing of existing tracks to confirm whether current conditions, gradient, signage and infrastructure still align with the intended class and visitor profile.
- Design of elevated boardwalks, platforms and access structures that sit within Class 1 to 3 environments, including integration with barrier, handrail and edge protection requirements that flow into structural design under AS 2156.2.
- Development of visitor information and wayfinding systems, where information, advisory, interpretive, regulatory and warning signs must support the assigned track class without visually dominating the landscape.
- Alignment with broader grading schemes, such as state-based walking track grading systems that draw directly from AS 2156.1, ensures consistent communication across regions and agencies.
Key Moments
- 00:13 "👥 Welcome to the Tech Talk Tuesday session focusing on AS 2156.1 related to walking tracks.
- 01:37 ⚠️ The session provides general advice; site-specific situations may not be covered.
- 02:29 🗺️ AS 2156.1 offers a classification system for walking tracks and guidelines for signage.
- 03:27 📊 Upcoming sessions will focus on loadings and requirements based on track classifications.
- 04:22 🚶 Class 1 tracks are designed for a high number of visitors, including those with reduced mobility, featuring broad, hard surfaces.
- 05:44 🌲 Class 2 tracks provide moderate to high interpretation facilities with a modified surface and are less steep.
- 06:37 🏞️ Class 3 tracks require moderate fitness and may have natural hazards like steep slopes and unstable surfaces.
- 07:56 🌲 Class 4 tracks focus on minimal facilities and opportunities for solitude but still maintain a defined path.
- 08:45 🏕️ Class 5 tracks are often indistinct, requiring advanced navigation skills and limited signage.
- 09:37 ⛰️ Class 6 tracks cater to highly experienced walkers in remote areas, with no modifications to the environment.
- 10:07 🏷️ Tracks may have multiple classifications; conditions can vary along the length of a track.
- 11:04 🚧 Information signs provide essential information about the track's use, including various types of advisory and regulatory signs.
- 12:17 📞 For project-specific inquiries or feedback, participants are encouraged to reach out to Treadwell."
Why Treadwell?
Treadwell works extensively in public access and nature-based infrastructure, where AS 2156.1 is a key reference for defining track class, user expectations and signage. By combining this classification framework with FRP systems designed for walking track environments such as elevated boardwalks, viewing platforms, and access structures, Treadwell helps managing authorities deliver tracks that align with class requirements while minimising environmental impact, corrosion, maintenance, and lifecycle costs. Our team can support project-specific discussions on how track class influences structure type, barrier strategy, and material selection, ensuring each walking experience is safe, legible, and durable from the outset.
