Understanding Trail Markers and Signs

Understanding Trail Markers & Signs in Australian National Parks

How to read signage and avoid getting lost

Ever stood at a trail junction and wondered, Wait… am I still on the right track? You’re not alone.

Australian National Parks do a pretty good job when it comes to trail signage, but not every walk is clearly marked – and sometimes, you’ll find yourself relying more on instinct and prep than painted posts. Learning how to read trail markers and signage can make a big difference in staying safe and on track during your hike.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the trail markers you’re likely to come across, what they mean, and how to use them to avoid getting lost out there.

1. Trailhead Signs – The Big Picture

At the start of most official walks, you’ll find a trailhead sign. These are usually large, mounted boards that give you a general overview of the track ahead. They often include:

• The trail name and destination
  
  
• Distance and estimated time
  
  
• Grade (easy, moderate, hard)
  
  
• Points of interest
  
  
• Safety warnings
  
  
• A rough map of the area

Take a moment to read it properly before you head off. It’ll usually give you everything you need to know at a glance, and sometimes includes updates like track closures or recent conditions.

Tip: Snap a photo of the map on your phone before starting the hike – even if you’re using an app or GPS. It’s always handy to have a backup.

2. Trail Grades – Know What You’re Getting Into

Australian trails are often graded from 1 to 5 under the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Grade 1: Flat, easy, and fully paved. Suitable for everyone.
  
  
• Grade 2: Mostly flat with a well-formed path. No experience needed.
  
  
• Grade 3: May have short steep sections or rough surfaces. Some bushwalking experience recommended.
  
  
• Grade 4: Rough, steep, and limited signage. Requires good fitness and experience.
  
  
• Grade 5: Very rough, possibly unmarked. For highly experienced hikers only.
  

If you’re hiking with kids or newer walkers, we usually recommend sticking with Grade 2 or 3 walks. Grade 4 and 5 trails are stunning, but they can be tricky to navigate without prep and experience.

3. Follow the Trail Markers

Along the way, you’ll spot trail markers to help keep you on track. These vary a bit depending on the park and region, but here are the most common types:

Posts or Pegs

These are wooden or metal posts with directional arrows or coloured stickers. They’re usually placed at junctions, turn-offs, or spots where the track might get confusing.

Paint Marks or Blaze Markers

You might see painted arrows, dots, or stripes on trees, rocks, or signs. These are especially common on rougher or less-formed tracks.

Coloured Trail Names or Symbols

Some longer or more popular trails use coloured icons or trail names on markers to guide you. For example, you might follow the red triangle signs for one track and blue squares for another.

4. Trail Junctions – Pause and Check

Whenever you reach a trail junction or fork in the track, take a moment to double-check your path. Read any signs, check your map (or app), and make sure you’re continuing in the right direction. Many trails intersect with others, and it’s easy to take a wrong turn if you’re rushing.

Rule of thumb: If the track suddenly becomes very overgrown or sketchy, you might’ve taken a wrong turn. Backtrack to the last marker and reassess.

5. What If There’s No Sign?

In remote areas or on harder tracks, signage can be sparse or completely absent. That’s where pre-trip planning becomes essential. Download offline maps, use a GPS hiking app, or carry a physical map and compass (and know how to use them). Look for natural markers like:

• Worn footpaths
  
  
• Cairns (small stacks of rocks placed by other hikers)
  
  
• Tape tied to trees (though this should only be used as a last resort and not relied on)
  

If you’re unsure, don’t push ahead blindly. Stop, regroup, and retrace your steps if needed.

6. Stay Found – Not Just “Don’t Get Lost”

A big part of navigation is simply staying aware of where you are. Try to do a quick mental check every so often:

• What was the last landmark I passed?
  
  
• How long have I been walking since the last sign or junction?
  
  
• Am I still heading in the direction I expected?
  
  

This kind of quiet awareness makes it much easier to catch a wrong turn early – before it becomes a serious detour.

7. If You Do Get Lost

First of all – don’t panic. It happens to the best of us.

• Stop moving and take a breath.
  
  
• Try to retrace your steps back to the last clear marker or trail junction.
  
  
• If you can’t find the path, stay put and signal for help. A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or emergency SOS app can be a lifesaver in remote areas.

Final Thoughts

Learning to read trail markers and signage isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience – it’s a key part of hiking safely and confidently. The more familiar you get with reading signs and paying attention to your surroundings, the more adventurous you can get with your hikes (without losing your way).

And if you’re ever unsure – slow down, check your map, and trust your gut.