7 MUST HAVE APPS WHEN TRAVELLING AUSTRALIA
Being Australian ourselves we are always campaigning fellow travelers we meet abroad to hurry up and make the trip down under. Whenever they ask where to go, I say my honest opinion which is to go and see the sights to tick them off but then the true beauty is when you grab a car and go on a good old Aussie road trip.
Saying that, Australia is bigger than the maps make it out to be so navigating around can be a bit tricky especially when you have quite a bit of land to cover. We always recommend you pick up a local sim card to make it easier to keep in contact, navigate our barren lands and just ensure your time is spent enjoying our country rather than being lost in the outback.
Thanks to amaysim for partnering with us on this post, if you are looking to pick up a local sim only plan or a data only sim, they have you covered. Enjoy plenty of data, great coverage, no lock in contracts (so you can just leave when you are ready to go home) and unlimited international calls to certain countries, consider them for your trip abroad.
Once you have picked up your sim card, make sure you download some of these apps that we have recommended for your road trip around Australia.
1. Wikicamps Australia
This is the must have app when camping in Australia. It has the largest and most up-to-date database of campgrounds, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, day use area, points of interest, information centres and public dump points - whatever you are looking for, this app has it!
The database is kept up-to-date by users, so it is forever growing and always being updated with the latest information. Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip or planning a big Australia adventure, WikiCamps is the perfect guide to have.
App Store download | Play Store download
2. The Happiest Hour
If you are looking for the best place to grab a drink wherever you may be in Australia than you need to use this app! Australia has quite the drinking culture, with an incredibly diverse bar scene, delicious local wines and many small-scale Aussie beer & cider produces. The Happiest Hour app helps you find the best spots to have a drink, while also sharing with you where the Happy Hour specials are at.
App Store download | Play Store download
3. Nature Near Me
You can't visit Australia without doing at least one hike. Whether it's heading into the mountains or into the buch, Nature Near Me will help you decide on your track and advice you on weather and preparation on hiking trails all across NSW. If you are heading to other states, each have their own app. In Tasmania it's 60 Great Short Walks or if you are heading to Victoria its Wilsons Promontory Guide.
4. Skyscanner
Skyscanner - one of our favourite travel apps to ever exist! This super easy to use interface lets you search for discount prices for flights, car rentals, and hotels while sharing the rate comparison. There are no hidden fees and you can set up price alerts - but our favourite feature is the "Everywhere" selection as your destination.
Apple Store download | Play Store download
5. RoadTrippers
If you ask us, the best way to explore everything Australia has to offer is by car. Australia is one of the largest countries, but with a tiny population, so its cities are spread out far and wide. Driving from one major city to another will take you through small towns, tiny villages and varse amounts of nature. The amazing app RoadTrippers can help you plan an exciting, safe road trip across the entire country.
6. Fuel Map Australia
The Fuel Map Australia app is free to download and allows you to search for fuel stations nearby you to see what is available and the price. This is the perfect app to help you budget on where and when to fill up, and to ensure fuel stations are nearby if you are getting low.
App Store download | Play Store download
7. Toilet Finder
Okay, we know this app sounds like an odd one but if you are from Australia you know this struggle is real! When you are travelling around Australia, especially when on a road trip at times it can be very hard to find a local toilet. With the Toilet Finder app, this helps you locate the nearest toilet in your location.
App Store download | Play Store download
8. Airbnb
Airbnb is an amazing app, finding you places to stay that a usually far cheaper than hotels and offer a more authentic experience by allowing you to stay with a local, or at their home. The app also offers a feature called Trips, which has Experiences to choose from during your stay - these are all curated by local guides.
Have you stayed in an Airbnb rental before? If not and you would like to sign up to Airbnb why not use this link here so you can receive a $30 Airbnb travel credit.
App Store download | Play Store download
Bonus: Road Trip Ideas
Still planning your trip over? We have been on quite a few of the classic Australian trails and even have some itinerary and trip planners on our blog.
Western Australia: Perth to Broome- On this road trip up our own state and the countries largest state you can expect to find breathtaking beaches made of sand and shells, red aussie dirt and one of the most beautiful national parks in all of Australia - Karijini National Park.
Darwin to Uluru: Road trip to Ayers Rock - If you are after the classic outback that you have come to know from the movies, then this is the one for you. See giant crocodiles up in Darwin, plenty of red and orange dirt roads, barren wastelands and one of the most iconic natural sights, Ayers Rock.
Thank to amaysim for partnering with Flying the Nest on this post!