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Paths, trails and tracks

Summary

Quick reference guide for key criteria

Paths, trails and tracks (PTT)

LIM_PTT_quick ref_class 1 and 2.jpg
LIM_PTT_quick ref class 3 and 4.jpg
LIM_PTT_quick ref class 5 and 6.jpg

Overarching requirements

Embellishments should be designed/selected and installed as follows:

  1. Fit for purpose, appropriately positioned and accessible.
  2. Durable, robust and safe (suitable for corrosive environments).
  3. Vandal resistant with parts that are easily replaceable. 
  4. Easy to maintain (with appropriate warranty and workmanship).
  5. Comply with relevant standards, legislation, corporate documents and approvals

Planning, design and positioning   

  • Paths (class 1 and 2) locate in parks, open spaces and natural areas (typical user groups – users of varying abilities, bush walkers, management vehicles)
  • Trails (class 3 and 4) locate in open spaces and natural areas (typical user groups – users of varying abilities, bush walkers, cyclists, mountain bikes, horses)
  • Tracks/trails (class 5 and 6) locate on land used primarily for recreational mountain bike riding. The majority are not located on land owned/managed by Council) (typical user groups – bush walkers with advanced outdoor skills, mountain bikes, horses)
  • Alignment – consider user type. Follow existing PTT where possible. Follow natural contours and use natural and constructed features. Locate near points of interest. Consider environmental and cultural values. Avoid poorly drained areas, high erosion and slip prone areas. Provide access for maintenance and emergency vehicles (where possible).

Seat requirements

  • Provide a near level surface with cross-fall for drainage
  • Materials – depend on path class and target users
  • Paths (class 1 and 2) – provide a modified or hardened path suitable for wheelchairs/prams. Grades must be in accordance with AS 1428 series and AS 2156. Steps and stairs allowed only with alternate ramp access. Facilities such as public amenities, bins, seating, shelters and picnic tables may be located along the path. Signage – install Trailhead map sign, Education signs and Regulatory signs where appropriate
  • Trails (class 3 and 4) – provide a modified surface kept clear of intrusions and obstacles, suitable for walkers and horse riders. Grades must be in accordance with AS 2156. Steps may be common. Facilities along the path are not common, except for seating. Signage – install Trailhead map sign, Trail directional markers and Regulatory signs where appropriate
  • Tracks/trails (class 5 and 6) – a natural or modified track/trail, suitable for mountain bike riders or experienced walkers. Includes fire access trails for vehicle based fire management. May contain potential hazards and uneven grades.
  • Signage – install Trailhead map sign, Trail directional markers and Regulatory signs where appropriate.

Materials, finishes and footings

  • Concrete (class 1 and 2) – firm hard surface suitable for mobility devices
  • Asphalt (class 1 and 2) – firm hard flexible surface which can accommodate tree roots
  • Modular plastic (class 1 and 2) – firm hard surface which may be temporary or permanent
  • Natural ground (class 3 and 4) – modified surface, natural look
  • Gravel/stabilised gravel (class 5 and 6) – modified surface, natural look
  • Unsealed (class 5 and 6) – modified or unmodified natural surface.

Note:   Further guidance and clarification of the content on this page, can be found in the relevant sections of this information sheet.

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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer

Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.

All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.

This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.

Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.

Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.

This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.

Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.

Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.

Acknowledgements

Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.

Copyright

Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Council) supports and encourages the distribution of its material however, copyright protects this document. Council has no objection to this material being reproduced but only if council is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered.

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au[email protected]07 5475 7272

Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM)

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© LIM 2024 – 2026

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Version 0.0.38.beta

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Last Updated: 01/04/2026 12:27 AM

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