| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Camps Australia Wide App is now free (offline maps available with premium) |
| Location | NSW coast, Gippsland Victoria, High Country |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Varies by campsite – check individual listings |
| Vehicle Access | Big Rig and 4WD symbols available in app |
| In Camps App | Yes – 16,000+ verified campsites with offline maps |
For the last three weeks we’ve travelled the NSW coast, into Gippsland, Victoria and are now in the High Country. In fact, half of last year been been on the road, and in 2024 we’ll clock up even more kilometres and months exploring.
(‘Work and play’ says Heatley – auditing campsites but also experiencing everything our beautiful country offers and sharing it with our community of travellers.)
So, here are the apps we’ve been using as we roadtrip …
1. Camps Australia Wide App
I know, right? Of course we’re going to spruik our own app. However, over the last few months we’ve had a few changes, like the Camps Australia Wide App is now free!
We also have offline maps and they are fantastic (yes, a small charge or available with our premium camps+) plus we list day use sites as well as camps. We’re actually the ones to first use Big Rig symbols, we also have 4WD symbols plus every site is verified by our team, so less duplicate sites.
As far as I know, we are the only app where you can see the type of camp by the symbol colour (so if you love showgrounds or pub stays or national parks or free camps you just look for that symbol)! No need to use filters but they are still available, too. Plus we are 100% independent, and owned by an Aussie family. So please agree the love!
2. Borrow Box
I always carry actual books on our trips. However, I am loving the iPad for reading late into the night on our RV without turning the bed lamp on. At the moment, I’m reading a series (Seven Sisters books) and love that I can download the next one ready to go, as soon as I’ve finished the first.
Borrow Box is a free app, provided by our library. I just needed my library log ins to organise. Check it out or ask at a local Aussie library.
3. Willy Weather
Again – handy for tides as much as weather for me.
4. Spotify
Still a fave. When we are working on a road yet untraveled, we don’t listen to music or podcasts. It is only on those roads that are all too familiar – podcasts help while away the hours. Of course, I use this app all the time at home – and I love the yearly roundup of your most played tunes.
5. Altitude
Heatley loves checking out how high up we are – especially in the high country and alpine areas of Australia. Do you know, we visited an Alpine bog near Glen Innes last year – and it was interesting there, too!
6. Les Mills
A new addition to my apps. Not cheap, but there are good deals with yearly subscription. Love being able to access workouts as we travel (low impact and body balance, too). The instructors so far are from New Zealand, and their banter is also fun.
7. Canon Connect
Great to be able to easily see my camera images via this app.
Have a look at how this list has changed since our best travel apps in 2022!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Camps Australia Wide App really free now?
Yes, the Camps Australia Wide App is now free to download and use. Offline maps are available for a small charge or included with the premium camps+ subscription.
What makes the Camps Australia Wide App different from other camping apps?
It’s the only app where you can see the type of camp by symbol colour (showgrounds, pub stays, national parks, free camps). It’s 100% independent, Aussie family-owned, features Big Rig and 4WD symbols, and every site is verified by the team to reduce duplicate listings.
What is Borrow Box and how do I access it?
Borrow Box is a free app provided by Australian libraries that allows you to borrow ebooks. You’ll need your library login credentials to set it up – check with your local library for access.
Why is Willy Weather recommended for camping trips?
Willy Weather is particularly handy for checking both weather conditions and tide information, which is essential when camping along coastal areas.
Do the offline maps in the Camps App work without phone reception?
Yes, the offline maps are specifically designed to work without phone reception, which is perfect for remote camping areas. Check the Camps App for current details on downloading and using offline maps.
Can I filter campsites by vehicle type in the Camps App?
Yes, the app includes Big Rig symbols and 4WD symbols, and you can use filters to find sites suitable for your specific vehicle. The colour-coded symbols also help you quickly identify camp types without needing to use filters.
Are day use sites included in the Camps Australia Wide App?
Yes, the app now lists day use sites as well as overnight camping locations, making it more comprehensive for trip planning.
How many campsites are verified in the Camps Australia Wide App?
The app features over 16,000 verified campsites, all checked by the Camps Australia Wide team to ensure accuracy and reduce duplicate listings.
