Trail Ratings
Trail Running Guides
Trail Ratings
Trail Running Guides
CALCULATING TRAIL RATINGS
Technical Factor - refers to the trail surface:
T1 (easy): well graded, few obstructions
T2 (moderate): generally well graded, minor obstructions, some rocks
T3 (challenging): rough, with regular obstructions and rocks
T4 (hard): very rough, rocky and/or rooty, often slippery or loose
Elevation Factor - refers to the combined amount of ascent/descent:
E1 (easy): E < 20
E2 (moderate): 20 < E < 60
E3 (challenging): 60 < E < 100
E4 (hard): E > 100
where E = [Vertical Gain (m) + Vertical Loss (m)] / Distance (km)
Australian Trail Running
Australian
Trail Running Guides
Australian Trail Running
Australian
Trail Running Guides
GOLD COAST
SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK
MAP | WEB
Warrie Circuit
13km, 550mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
Purlingbrook Falls Circuit
4.5km, 185mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
Twin Falls Circuit
5km, 220mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
The Cream Track
11.9km, 900mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E4
NB - not technically in the National Park, but that’s where you end up.
LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
(Binna Burra) MAP | WEB
Ships Stern Circuit
16.9km, 590mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E3
Coomera Circuit
17km, 630mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E3
Daves Creek Circuit
13.4km, 475mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
Caves Circuit
4.4km, 200mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
Illinbah Circuit
15.8km, 535mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T2 / E3
NB - this circuit has a tendency for closure and/or being overgrown - check-in with QPWS Rangers before planning this one.
CURRUMBIN BORDER TRACK
Most of the action on the border trails these days is on the ever-growing network of un-mapped singletrack. Mapping is a challenge as the trails - while increasingly well-built - are all close together which makes extracting accurate GPS traces difficult. This BLOG gives you some access points, and the rest is trial-and-error.
That said, some routes:
Border Dr Nth - Piggabeen Rd (Return)
KML FILE (9.6km, 400mD +/-)
Tugun Traverse
KML FILE (7.5km)
House on the Hill
KML FILE (7.2km)
Piggabeen Explorer
KML FILE (10km)
NB - areas outside of the border fence lines are private property - do not access without permission from land owners.
SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
MT BARNEY NATIONAL PARK
MAP | WEB
Mt Maroon via Cotswold Track
5.1km / 650mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T4 / E4
Mt Barney East Peak:
Up South-East Ridge, Down South (Peasant's) Ridge
14km / 1350mD+/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T4 / E4
NB - Both Mt Barney and Mt Maroon are very steep and exposed in places. You’ll want to be fit, healthy, and well prepared with the right gear. Visit the QPWS website (link above) for full information.
GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK
MAP | WEB
The Junction & The Pyramid
10.6km / 450mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E3
NB - the ratings on this are a little misleading: the Pyramid is VERY steep, and while smooth underfoot you can feel exposed in sections due to the height/steep terrain. The junction trail is comparatively very easy going.
Castle Rock/Turtle Rock/Mt Norman
17.8km / 970 mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E4
NB - the trail sections joining each of these features are relatively mellow going; each of the peaks are considerably more work.
GREAT WALKS + MULTI-DAYS
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (54km)
MAP | WEB | KML FILE
K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk (80km)
MAP | WEB
Carnarvon Great Walk(87km)
MAP | WEB
Scenic Rim Trail (47km)
MAP | WEB
NB - The linked map is for planning only; download the correct topographic maps from QTopo prior to visiting. Also note that the trail is only marked from north to south; the return route is unmarked.
ELSEWHERE IN OZ
NORTHERN NSW
Pottsville Environmental Centre
BLOG
New Zealand Trail Running
New Zealand
Trail Running Guides
New Zealand Trail Running
New Zealand
Trail Running Guides
For topographic maps of New Zealand visit: www.topomap.co.nz
Most of New Zealand experiences cold winters, and many of the trails - particularly in the alpine regions - are affected by winter conditions (ice, deep snow, wind, etc) that make trails unsafe for use. It is super important that you check in with the local Department of Conservation offices before setting off if the weather is the least bit sketchy. Even in summer and on a good day, you should prepare for cold and variable conditions - the weather in the high country can change fast.
Also note that at certain times of year, some trails get closed for lambing and other needs - another reason to check in with the local DOCs.
SOUTH ISLAND
Queenstown/Wakatipu/Glenorchy
Department of Conservation:
MAP (Queenstown) | MAP (Glenorchy) | WEB
Ben Lomond Summit Route
18km, 1600mD +/-
KML FILE
Ratings: T3 / E4
Queenstown Hill
Usage Guide
Smartphone
Usage Guide
Usage Guide
Smartphone
Usage Guide
SMARTPHONE MAPS AND INSTRUCTIONS
GET THE APP
INSTRUCTIONS
- Install the app on your phone.
- Download the desired track route to your phone using the KML LINKS in the guides section above.
- Find the downloaded file(s) on your phone and then choose to open it in the MAPS.ME app.
To view your location on the map click on the left-most symbol in the bottom navigation bar - the map will zoom in on your location, shown by a blue arrow. As you move your location moves with you - which is useful for navigation if you are on the route or at a trail junction and unsure of the direction you should be going.
To get your location coordinates at any time, first click on your location arrow and then swipe up on the "My Position" text. You will then be able to view latitude and longitude coordinates - this will be useful if you are lost or injured and need to provide your location to someone.
The app doesn't require cellular data other than to initially download the base maps.
While you're out running we suggest you use the following settings on your phone:
- Turn OFF mobile/cellular data - you will still be able to make/receive calls if necessary, but 3G/4G services are disabled.
- Turn OFF location services EXCEPT when using the MAPS.ME app. To use MAPS.ME, turn on location services, find your location on the map and use the app. When finished, exit the app and again turn off location services.
You need location services (GPS) turned on to use the app, but leaving it on at other times will potentially prematurely flatten your battery. Your phone is important when exploring as it can be used for making emergency phone calls and accessing the mapping app - conserve battery life to ensure your phone is functioning if you require it.
|| FAQ ||
DISCLAIMER
These guides are not intended to be used for navigation purposes. Use of the guides does not substitute the need for the adequate preparation, training and safety precautions typically required for trail running. Be sure to notify somebody of your intended route and return time for every run. Ensure that you carry navigation equipment, appropriate topographic maps, food and water, clothing and first aid supplies for your running adventure. It is the guide users responsibility to ensure that they do not trespass on private property at any time.
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