Starting your vanlife journey can be an overwhelming step. Where do I stay? How do I find free campsites? Where can I find water? Where can I find cheap fuel? These are just some of the questions that van dwellers find themselves asking when they the road.
This is the Ultimate Vanlife Australia App Guide to help you get out on the road and start living that #Vanlife. In this article we look at the apps you should download before you hit the road – from campsite finders, to fuel pricing apps and everything in between.
1. WikiCamps Australia
WikiCamps is a must have app if you’re planning to take up vanlife in Australia. It’s a crowd sourced database containing all the important information you need to find campgrounds, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, points of interest, dump points, water fill points and information centres. All of this is collated and colour coded on a map so you can zoom in and out and easily see what’s available in the area you’re heading to so you can plan your day ahead.
What we love most about WikiCamps is you can see other peoples’ reviews and pictures on a point of interest, which is a great way to get an idea of what to expect in the area and have confidence when looking for those overnight camping spots.
While you need to be connected to the internet to download the app or update it, you can use it offline. So you can use it even if you’re nowhere near a WiFi connection or cell phone signal. This app is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows systems. You can try the app for free (the free version is ad-supported) with the option to upgrade for one low fee.
2. Fuel Map and or Petrol Spy
Fuel Map and Petrol Spy are very similar apps designed to show you where the cheapest petrol is in your area. An app like this can really save you a lot of money, especially if you’re looking at travelling for an extended period of time. We’ve seen fluctuations as much as 20c per litre between different service stations in similar areas.
3. CamperMate
With a very similar set up to WikiCamps, this app shows a lot of points of interests around Australia and will help you locate some hidden gems. While this app is similar to Wikicamps it’s always worth cross-referencing as each app has slightly different features and info on each location. Use CamperMate alongside WikiCamps and you’ll get the best of both worlds.
4. AUS Weather
Australia can be an unforgiving country when it comes to weather, with freezing temperatures in the winter to scorching 40+ degrees C in the summer. You’re definitely going to want a reliable weather app, especially if you’re travelling on unsealed roads as they can turn into muddy bog holes fast!
There are a number of weather apps out there that you can download for your mobile, however the highly rated AUS Weather app is a reliable option.
This app provides you with data on tens of thousands of locations. AUS Weather will keep you up-to-date on precipitation, wind speed and direction, and hazardous conditions. View 7-day forecasts with hourly updates, and even check out historical data, marine forecasts, radars and maps. Set it up to receive notifications, warnings and alerts, and you will stay safe on the road during your campervan vacation.
5. Camping Checklist
Making sure you have everything packed and ready to go on your vanlife adventure can be overwhelming. If you’re anything like me and things just seem to fall out of your head, then you need an app like Camping Checklist.
You can set up our own lists and cross them off as you go, much neater and easier than 30 different post-it notes stuck to the back of your door!
6. Beachsafe
We are blessed in Australia to have so many beautiful beaches and you’ll be tempted to jump in the water on one of those 40+ degree days mentioned above.
Developed by Surf Life Saving Australia, this app not only helps you find your nearest beaches in seconds, it gives you info on weather, tides, swell, wind and surf conditions, hazards such as rips, stingers and shark sightings, info on beach facilities, and where you can go to enjoy safe swims between the flags. Stay safe in the surf with the Beachsafe app.
7. AllTrails
Australia is not only blessed by some of the best beaches in the world but we also have a huge number of hiking and biking trails to explore. AllTrails is the perfect app to discover them, whatever your fitness level!
AllTrails has 60,000 walking and biking trails worldwide and millions of users actively contributing to the ever-growing network. Alltrails makes finding trails in your area so easy; all you have to do is punch in the location and the app will show you the trails in your area as well as the difficulty, distance and overall elevation of each trail with a detailed map.
8. Australian Bites and Stings
Well you are in Australia and yes, we have a lot of animals that can be less than friendly at times. So download this app just in case. After all, Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous creatures. This app will tell you what to do or how to treat a wide range of bites and stings with first aid advice and provide pictures and information on our more dangerous wildlife to help you identify them. This app has been developed in consultation with professionals and the Australian Government and is a great source of information.
And don’t forget to watch out for those drop bears!
9. National Public Toilet Map
If you are travelling in a van without a toilet, or prefer not to fill up the onboard toilet, this app is an easy way to find public toilets near you. With over 19,000 public or available to public toilets, change rooms and baby care rooms currently listed, driving around crossing your legs until you find a restroom is a thing of the past.
The app also provides details about access and opening hours to help you make that split second decision that could save you from embarrassment.
10. Polarsteps
Want to track your trip around Australia so you can look back on where you’ve been? Polarsteps is the app for you. It’s not only a great way to track your trip, it’s also helpful to plan what’s next, with an itinerary planner built right in to the app. You can also add photos, videos and notes on areas you’ve visited. The perfect place to plot your journey!
Final Word
You’re ready to get out there and hit the road. Australia is a vast country and you won’t always have the best reception (if any at all) so if an app requires signal, make sure you download any maps or details before you head into the more regional areas.
Still Deciding what van is best for your vanlife adventure? Here is our advice