The Best Travel Apps to Plan Your Next Adventure

Planning a road trip in Australia, whether by motorhome, campervan, or caravan, requires more than just a map and a tank of fuel. Today’s travellers have the advantage of using smart travel apps to make their journey more seamless, enjoyable, and safe. From finding campsites and managing fuel stops to navigating remote areas, travel apps have become essential companions for those hitting the road.

Here’s a list of some of the best travel apps available in Australia to help you plan your next adventure:

1. Wikicamps Australia
Perfect for: Finding campsites, caravan parks, and rest stops
Available on: iOS and Android

If you're looking for a one-stop app to find the perfect spot to park your motorhome, campervan, or caravan, Wikicamps Australia is a must-have. This app offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of campsites, caravan parks, rest areas, and points of interest across Australia.

Key Features:

• Search for campgrounds by filtering for amenities like showers, power, and pet-friendly locations.
• Offline maps feature, so you can navigate even without internet access.
• User reviews and photos to help you find the best spots.
• GPS co-ordinates and contact details of campsites for quick and easy navigation.
• With over 30,000 listings, Wikicamps is a valuable tool whether you're planning a weekend away or a long-term adventure across the country.

2. CamperMate
Perfect for: Finding free campsites, public toilets, petrol stations, and more
Available on: iOS and Android

CamperMate is a highly popular travel app for those exploring Australia and New Zealand by road. It offers a wide range of essential travel information, from accommodation options and campsites to important road trip amenities like dump points and fuel stops.

Key Features:

• Find free and budget-friendly campsites.
• Discover points of interest such as lookouts, swimming spots, and local attractions.
• Get alerts on road closures, hazards, and weather warnings.
• User-generated tips and recommendations help you stay updated on the best spots.
• This app is a traveller’s best friend when you’re looking to stay flexible and adventurous on your Australian road trip.

3. Fuel Map Australia
Perfect for: Tracking fuel prices and finding petrol stations
Available on: iOS and Android

For road trippers wanting to keep fuel costs in check, Fuel Map Australia is a handy app that lets you find the cheapest petrol stations near your location. It also shows prices uploaded by fellow users and integrates with government-mandated fuel price reporting in certain states.

Key Features:

• Locate petrol stations across Australia with live pricing.
• Add your fuel stops to track expenses on your road trip.
• GPS navigation to the nearest or cheapest fuel stop.
• Find fuel types like petrol, diesel, or LPG.
• Whether you're driving long distances or trying to stick to a budget, this app ensures you're never far from a good fuel deal.

4. Hema Maps
Perfect for: Off-road navigation and outdoor adventure planning
Available on: iOS and Android

Australia's vast outback can be a challenging area to explore without proper navigation. Hema Maps is designed for adventurers who need reliable off-road maps to guide them through remote areas. From detailed topographic maps to 4WD tracks and hiking trails, Hema Maps is perfect for travellers looking to explore Australia's rugged landscapes.

Key Features:

• High-quality offline maps with detailed 4WD tracks and campsites.
• Search for campsites, caravan parks, and remote camping spots.
• Integrated trip planning tools to help you map out multi-day adventures.
• GPS tracking to guide you in real-time even in remote areas.
• With the Hema Maps app, you can safely plan your adventure in some of Australia’s most untouched and challenging terrains.

5. Roadtrippers
Perfect for: Route planning and finding local attractions
Available on: iOS and Android

Roadtrippers is an excellent app for detailed trip planning, allowing you to map out your route and find interesting stops along the way. Whether you’re exploring coastal roads, taking an outback detour, or meandering through wine country, Roadtrippers helps you discover hidden gems, scenic drives, and local landmarks.

Key Features:

• Plan multi-stop routes and save them for future use.
• Discover unique attractions, restaurants, and viewpoints along your drive.
• Estimated travel times and distance to each stop.
• Share your travel plans with friends or family.
• This app is great for those who love exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and want to make their road trip more than just a drive from point A to point B.

6. BOM Weather
Perfect for: Accurate local weather forecasts and warnings
Available on: iOS and Android

Perfect for: Accurate local weather forecasts and warnings across Australia
Available on: iOS and Android

Developed by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), BOM Weather provides the most reliable and up-to-date weather information for all regions across Australia. Given Australia's unpredictable weather patterns, this app is an essential tool for anyone hitting the road in a motorhome, campervan, or caravan.

Key Features:

• Hourly, daily, and seven-day weather forecasts tailored to your location.
• Real-time weather warnings for severe conditions such as storms, bushfires, and flooding.
• Radar maps to track rainfall, wind, and storms.
• UV index and sunrise/sunset times to help you plan your outdoor activities.
• Alerts for extreme weather, including heatwaves and cold fronts.

With its accurate, real-time data sourced directly from the Bureau of Meteorology, BOM Weather ensures you're prepared for whatever conditions you might encounter, whether you're exploring remote areas or coastal roads.

Whether you're travelling in a motorhome, campervan, or caravan, these travel apps are designed to help you plan a smooth and stress-free adventure in Australia. From finding the best campsites and cheapest fuel stops to navigating off-road terrain and monitoring the weather, these tools make sure you’re well-prepared for every leg of your journey.

By combining the convenience of modern technology with the freedom of road travel, these apps are essential for anyone seeking to explore Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes, making every trip one to remember.