How to use ExplorOz

Understanding EOTopo

EOTopo is the mapping foundation used across ExplorOz. It powers the map displays in Traveller and on the ExplorOz website, including Places, Routes, Track Logs and Tracker.

Offline maps

Offline EOTopo maps allow you to use detailed Australia-wide mapping in Traveller without mobile service. Offline map use requires a purchase of EOTopo to enable downloading. This is the core way Traveller is designed to be used when travelling beyond reliable coverage.

Online maps

Online map viewing is also available through the website and app, with viewing allowances depending on your access level. Online layers include EOTopo online, satellite and street maps. Most users travel using offline EOTopo and switch to online layers only when needed for alternative displays.

Your ExplorOz account

Your ExplorOz user account connects your devices, app data, web access, map access and Membership or Pro Access features.

It manages syncing between your devices and the website, including updates to your personal data and changes made in the master Places and Routes databases.

Plan on the web, travel with the app

You can plan online within the app on your phone/tablet/vehicle headunit or if you prefer the convenience of a computer use the Web App to plan first. Then see your updated content sync to all your devices. This is ideal for planning on a larger screen before travelling with Traveller offline.

Sync across devices

Your account keeps multiple devices in sync, making it easier to use Traveller across your mobile, tablet and online planning tools.

This includes syncing your Personal Places, Routes, folders, saved content and Track Logs.

Live database updates

Your account also helps keep your downloaded Places and Routes updated when changes are made in the master databases.This means Traveller is not just a static app download. It remains connected to the wider ExplorOz system whenever you are online.

Offline Places

When you purchase Traveller, you can download the ExplorOz Places database directly onto your device for offline use. This includes detailed information, photos, reviews and traveller updates.

Offline Routes

Traveller also gives you access to download Routes for offline use.
These provide ready-made travel guidance and trip information that can be used without mobile service.

Personal Places and Routes

You can also create your own Personal Places and build your own Routes.
This allows you to expand the built-in resources and customise Traveller for your own style of travel.

Community updates

When users add reviews, upload photos or contribute updates, those changes sync back to the online databases and become visible through the website and connected systems.

Tracker

Tracker allows users to share their location and journey progress with friends and family through the ExplorOz website.Instead of only showing a dot on a map, Tracker displays the journey in context using the EOTopo map layer.

Journey context

People following at home can zoom in to see:

• town names
• roads and tracks
• beaches
• campsites
• landmarks
• nearby Places

This helps others understand where you are, where you have been and why you may have taken a particular route.

Track Logs

Traveller can record Track Logs of where you have travelled.
Users can choose whether Track Logs remain private, shareable, or open to the public.

Shared Track Logs

Open Track Logs appear on the ExplorOz website where other users can view the trip, follow the route, see photos and notes, and use the checkbox to Add to Shared.Once added, that Track Log is linked to their own account and becomes available through their ExplorOz system for future use.

The online storehouse

The ExplorOz website is the online storehouse for the ecosystem.It remains fully functional and interactive, not just as a marketing website, but as the live home for the databases and tools that support Traveller.

The website stores and displays:

• Places
• Routes and Treks
• Track Logs
• Public Tracker pages
• Blogs and travel stories
• Wildflower information
• Newsletter back issues
• Forum discussions

The Forum

ExplorOz has more than 26 years of Australian travel history behind it.
The ExplorOz Forum launched in 2000 and remains active today, making it one of the last surviving travel forums of its era. While Facebook groups are now common, the Forum still provides something different - a searchable archive of traveller stories, technical discussions, trip reports, advice and banter built over decades.It is the online campfire chat for Australian travellers.

Community topics

Common Forum topics include:

• 4WD touring
• camping and caravanning
• vehicle setup and modifications
• car servicing
• battery and solar systems
• electrics and communications
• trip planning and remote travel

Explore more online

The website also includes blogs, wildflower information, newsletters, shared Routes, Track Logs and public tracking pages.

There is so much content across ExplorOz that you could need a holiday just to find time to explore it all.

Membership

Membership expands what you can do across the ExplorOz website and account system.
It includes extra features such as Tracker, Web App access, GPX export tools, higher online map viewing allowances and account upgrades.

Pro Access

Pro Access is the bundled option that includes Membership features plus ongoing EOTopo map access while active. For many users, this is the easiest all-in-one option.

Managed through your account

Map access, Membership and Pro Access are managed through your ExplorOz account. This allows the system to recognise your access level across supported devices and services.

I want the app for offline travel

Start by getting the ExplorOz Traveller app. You can download Places and Routes for offline use, create your own personal content, record Track Logs and use GPS positioning while travelling. You'll also need to get the offline map access.

How do I get full offline maps

Once you have the ExplorOz Traveller app, you will see upgrade options allowing you to choose an EOTopo map access option that suits your needs. This unlocks full offline map detail for use in Traveller without mobile service.

What options gives me everything?

Choose Pro Access. This includes EOTopo map access, Membership features, Tracker, Web App access and ongoing map updates while active.

I want to plan on my computer and travel with the app

You'll need Membership or Pro Access. Use your ExplorOz account to keep your data connected. Plan online, sync to your device, travel offline, then upload and share again when connected.

I mainly want tracking and sharing

Membership may suit you best. You can then download our simple "Tracker app" - look for "ExplorOz Tracker". With Membership, you get access to track and share your journey using Tracker, without any map access. Plus, you can also access the Traveller Web - App from your computer whilst online to review maps and destinations.

A connected Australian travel ecosystem

ExplorOz is not just an app, a map, or a website.
It is a connected Australian travel ecosystem that brings together offline maps, live databases, personal trip planning, tracking, shared travel knowledge and more than two decades of community experience.

Built for Australian outdoor travel

ExplorOz has grown from its 4WD touring roots into a broader outdoor travel platform for people exploring Australia in many different ways.

ExplorOz supports:

• 4WD travellers
• campers
• caravanners
• hikers
• trail runners
• MTB riders
• motorcyclists
• backpackers

In 2026, both the Traveller app and ExplorOz website are being modernised to better support this wider outdoor community while continuing to serve remote travellers who rely on offline mapping, tracking and detailed Australian travel information.

Simple workflow

Plan online.
Travel offline.
Track your journey.
Share your experience.
Keep exploring Australia your way.