Best Offline Navigation App for Australia

ExplorOz Traveller is available on three platforms; Android, iOS and Windows for full offline mapping and travel.

Distribution of the app via the platform app stores is required because:-

• It's more secure for you
• It's more secure for us
• It's the only option for iOS
• It reduces our back office admin, which frees up more time for product development and customer service

The only issue is that if you want to use the app across multiple platforms then you need to purchase multiple licences - this is a universal issue with all paid apps and is controlled by the point of sale (being the app stores which are all in competition with one another).

To share the app between family members, the app stores offer an option called Family sharing (Apple) or Family Library (Android). If you need instructions, please look up your App Store support documentation.

Your app store account holds the licence for your app purchase so this is recognised through your Google, Apple ID, or Microsoft login. This licence with the app store makes family sharing, app updates, and future device setups seamless and hassle free.

The primary function of an offline navigation app is to display maps when you have no internet connection and to show where you are on those maps. Although the internet is the most common medium for obtaining location data, your device can switch to use the GPS system to obtain accurate position data using the satellite network when there is no internet.

In summary, you need the following 3 things for offline navigation:

• your device needs a GPS receiver (inbuilt or external)
• the device needs a navigation app installed that is designed to use the GPS when Wifi/mobile data is not available
• PLUS the app needs to provide downloadable maps that you can rely on

The ExplorOz Traveller app offers those 3 things (and more). Our app is designed to use both inbuilt GPS receivers as well as external GPS receivers so that you have true offline location services whether you use a Wifi only device or use it areas without mobile data service.

The supported offline mapset is EOTopo, which is exclusive to the ExplorOz Traveller app. Whilst only the "LoRes" component of the offline mapset is supplied in the initial purchase cost, this gives whole of Australia coverage to zoom level 9. The LoRes map pack contains 96MB of map data (low resolution and low zoom). An additional purchase provides you with a 4 - year licence to download and use additional map detail so that the offline maps are identical to the online map with full zoom to level 18. The full EOTopo map set contains 9GB of map data (high resolution and high zoom).

Only one (1) licence per user is required to download the mapset onto multiple devices, even on different operating systems/platforms. The EOTopo licence is recognised only within your ExplorOz user account login - hence when you log in to additional devices through the Traveller app, the licence is recognised enable you to download the maps to each separate device.

EOTopo is a comprehensive topographic map in itself, but in addition, Traveller can add layers of other information useful to explorers, such as POIs (Places), Treks, Personal Track Logs and, of course, a snail trail as you go – all when offline. In addition, when online Traveller can display a satellite image instead of a map.

As most people now use smartphones and tablets and there’s a growing trend towards navigation headunits in vehicles this is an important consideration to consider upfront – what devices do you want the app to work on?

• Apps for Android devices come from the Google Playstore. This includes Android phones, tablets and compatible headunits.
• Apps for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone) come from the Apple App Store. Apple does not make any headunits and most Apple navigation apps don’t run on MacOS, only iOS.
• Apps for Windows devices come from the Microsoft Store but only for Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and tablets. Some headunits (even the very new ones) utilise the old Windows CE operating system which does not provide access to download apps from the Microsoft app store.
• CarPlay/Android Auto – this is a hands-free driving interface built into some of the latest infotainment headunits, however beware!! This system does not simply “mirror” any app to your head unit. You can only use apps that were built specifically for the system. In the navigation category, you will not find any apps other than WAZE and Google maps (both owned by Google).

App developers must create specific versions of the app to meet the differences of each operating system and satisfy the conditions of sale offered by each app store. Developing an App to work the same way across the 3 main app stores (Playstore, App Store, Microsoft) is so complex that many developers simply do not offer the app for all devices. ExplorOz Traveller is the only navigation app to our knowledge that is available from all 3 stores that offers offline maps of Australia - and those maps are fast becoming the industry standard with reviewers giving the app a rating average of 4.3 stars (out of 5).

It makes sense to use an Australian-made navigation program like ExplorOz Traveller that allows use of the best maps you can get. Most apps you see listed in the Navigation category of the app stores are not Australian made and don’t have access to the best maps of Australia. Check the fine print!

Before rushing ahead, check if your headunit already offers access to the Google Playstore. If so, you can simply purchase/download the Traveller app as you would on any tablet. You can then use the app on the headunit instead of mirroring the app from your phone.

However, if your headunit is designed for mirroring apps from your phone via CarPlay or Android Auto only, then you will find that not all apps are available, including ExplorOz Traveller. The solution to this, is to connect a small device that is called an "Android AI Box Adapter". Even if you're an Apple user, you will be able to use this adapter to download the Traveller app and use it on your headunit. Note that you will need to purchase the Android version of the Traveller app. You will download the app to the box adapter, and this will be plugged into the USB port of your headunit. The box adapter is portable and enables you to take apps with you from car to car simply via USB plug-in to a compatible headunit.

Android AI Box Adapters

Android AI Box Adapters are an aftermarket upgrade for vehicles with existing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to enable the headunit to operate as if it were a standalone Android operating system in conjunction with your existing system. These small devices plug into the USB port at the front of your headunit (where you might normally plug in your phone). These units enable you to enjoy features beyond the standard CarPlay or Android Auto functions, such as installing and running Android apps directly on your car’s display, streaming videos, and even browsing the internet.

Where to get an Android AI Box?

Whilst you can shop around, we have made it easy to ensure you get the right device first time and we've secured a special deal so you will save money. We have a relationship with the most well-known manufacturer of aftermarket wireless adapters and Android AI Box adapters - CarLinkKit. For ExplorOz customers looking for this aftermarket solution please use the link below to get the right product and get a discount unique to ExplorOz customers.

Get 20% discount using our referral link to CarLinkKit

Use ExplorOz Discount Referral to CarLinkit. This discount is in addition to any discount already being offered by CarLinkKit on their website - your ExplorOz discount is applied after you add the item to your cart plus you'll enjoy free delivery!

How does it work?

CarLinkKit manufacture many different types of aftermarket adapters for various users but the link provided goes direct to a specific Android AI Box adapter called the TBox. Please ensure you purchase the TBox as this is the only product that does the job. The Carlinkit TBox is a smart AI box that serves as an aftermarket upgrade for vehicles with existing Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It effectively turns your car’s infotainment system into a standalone Android operating system. With the Carlinkit TBox, you can enjoy features beyond the standard CarPlay functions, such as installing and running Android apps directly on your car’s display, streaming videos, and even browsing the internet. The TBox is a versatile device that not only supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto but also offers additional connectivity options like 4G LTE through a SIM card slot, further enhancing your in-car entertainment and productivity. It’s designed to be a comprehensive solution for drivers who want to maximize the smart technology in their vehicles.

BUYERS TIPS: There are some options when buying the TBox. The best option is the one with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, together with the extra USB slot. Since you will plug the TBox into the USB slot at the front of your headunit and leave it there, you might like the convenience of retaining an accessible USB slot. The required storage space for the Traveller app plus offline maps is almost 9GB so either the 64GB or 128GB option will be sufficient, however the Android operating system will also use some of the storage and you might find other apps/files to download so consider getting the bigger option to make it more versatile and scalable for your future use.

SETUP TIPS: When your TBox arrives, you are going to need to download the Traveller app to this box. To do this, you will plug it into your headunit (via USB cable) and follow the configuration prompts. You'll also require an internet connection to your headunit (via Hotspot or Wifi) so that the TBox can display the Google Playstore on your headunit where you'll lookup ExplorOz Traveller and download the app. You'll be controlling the TBox through the touchscreen on the headunit to do this. Once the app is downloaded, stay online and complete the Setup Wizard and offline content downloads and also offline EOTopo map downloads (make sure you download all the map packs for high resolution detail). Once that's complete you no longer need the internet connection (until you want to sync content updates or sync your tracking in the future). Jump over to our YouTube channel for a quick look at setting up an Android AI Box adapter into your vehicle. Android AI Box Adapter Demonstration.
NOTE: If desired, you can unplug the AI box from the USB connector to use the Android apps stored on the TBox in another vehicle in the same way.

Best Maps

The ExplorOz Traveller app is the ONLY app that provides both online and offline access to the best whole of Australia mapset – EOTopo. This mapset has several features that make it a standout product:-

If you want an offline navigation app to work on your phone, tablet or pc you have to ensure there is a GPS receiver installed (built in, or externally connected via USB or Bluetooth) - plus you need to download compatible maps for that app so your device can display maps when offline.

If you have a data SIM in your device the ExplorOz Traveller app will give you the best of both worlds. This app can automatically detect when you have lost service and will switch from online to offline operation - all you do is leave your mobile data selection ON and it will manage the switch seamlessly. You can adjust zoom when on or offline to suit your needs. If you have a Wifi only device, you cannot pick up mobile data service to use the online maps sources when you are travelling however the app is designed to offer full offline operation with the offline maps and downloaded Places, Treks, and Track Log data that you have setup before you go.

Offline features of the ExplorOz Traveller app include: use of EOTopo map for the whole of Australia; active snail trail tracking on the mapscreen as you travel; use of Search function to locate Places, Treks & Track Logs; use of the Drop Pin to create new Places; ability to add photos to Places, Status Posts and Comments using the camera or gallery in your device (upload remains pending until device is reconnected to the internet); use of ExplorOz Treks or Personal Treks that you have previously created in-app using GoTo (includes turn by turn guidance). There are 2 features that are unavailable when offline - the app cannot create/build turn by turn guidance when offline; and the app cannot search the online Address lookup system.

Offline, the ExplorOz Traveller app will continue to ensure that your device is collecting, displaying and storing position data via the GPS. If you have enabled the Tracker, your tracking will continue to be collected (will sync when the device reconnects). If you don't have the Tracker enabled during travel (either because you forgot, or don't have a Membership) you can manually extract & sync the data using the Create Track Log option when you have internet.

The ExplorOz Traveller app offers all app users FREE data syncing for backup and storage of all your personal data used or created in the app. No subscriptions for cloud services. This means you can create new POIs (Places) and new route plans (Treks) and they will autosync to your online account for backup and storage. Same with your saved driven tracks (Track Logs). You can even download this data from your online account to install onto a second (or even third) device – fully compatible across multiple platforms (Android, Apple, Windows).

Licence

When you purchase ExplorOz Traveller you are licensed through your App Store account to download the App to all your other devices on the same operating system (multiple device downloads). Apple & Playstore also offer a Family Sharing facility to enable you to share a licence. Whilst the App has been built for all 3 main app stores, this doesn't mean you can buy 1 licence for cross-platform access (ie. your Android licence is not transferrable to your Apple device for example).

App Updates

ExplorOz Traveller is the most frequently updated navigation app on the market so you can feel confident that you’ll never get stuck with an un-working app. App updates are free and occur whenever the developer has new features to release or identifies small bugs or tweaks that will improve performance. App updates are managed via your app store account. Use the Auto App Update feature to ensure you always get the latest updates. ExplorOz uses inhouse app development and doesn’t employ third-party developers to build the app for them which enables rapid response to feedback, suggestions, and bug reports.

EOTopo is sold separately from the Traveller app and is required for offline map usage within the app. There are 4 files (map packs) that together seamlessly comprise the full EOTopo high resolution mapset. Without an EOTopo licence, you can only download 1 of these map packs (the low-resolution map pack) which restricts the offline map from zooming to the full high resolution detail. Without the licence, you do not have access to the high-resolution, contour, and terrain map packs.

When you purchase an EOTopo licence, you gain access to a specific edition of the maps, identified by the production year. Each edition is supported for 4 years, allowing you to download and use the map packs as often as you like within the ExplorOz Traveller app, with no additional costs or subscriptions during the support period. For example, if you purchase EOTopo 2025, you can use and download the maps freely until 2029, or choose to purchase a newer edition before then. When a new edition is released, existing users can continue using their purchased edition (whilst it remains supported).

EOTopo is licensed to individual ExplorOz users via their ExplorOz account login, which is separate from your app store account. This means you only need to purchase one EOTopo licence, regardless of whether you download the maps to Apple or Android devices. Please note, however, that the Traveller app must be purchased separately for cross-platform use.

EOTopo licences apply to offline map use only. The Traveller app provides ongoing free access to the online edition of the latest EOTopo through regular app updates.

Buyer Guarantee

When you purchase your EOTopo licence, you're covered by our Buyer Guarantee, which ensures peace of mind for the first three months. If a new edition of EOTopo is released within this period, you'll receive a free update to the latest version. This guarantee is designed to protect you from unexpected updates shortly after your purchase. For example, if you recently purchased EOTopo 2024, the new 2025 licence will automatically be added to your account.

The ExplorOz Traveller app provides free track logging. It displays tracking data on your map screen (snail trail) when the app is running and stores the position data in the device automatically.

This data never leaves the device unless you extract it by using the Create Track Log feature. This will prompt you to select a start & end date and provided you had the app open during those dates, the app will extract all the logged position data in chronological order and sync this to your online account where the ExplorOz webserver automatically builds a route line showing your path of travel and stores this in your online account as a Track Log. The Track Log will also be automatically downloaded to your device within the app so it is available offline should you wish to view it on the map, say to retrace your journey. Track Log edit tools allow you to name the file, add a description, add photos and assign a share status - Open, Shareable, or Locked. More info on use of Track Logs is available in the User Manual.

If you are a "Member" (additional fee for 12-month service) you will have access to a Member's only feature in the the app called the Tracker. Using this feature activates auto syncing of the tracking to commence. Auto syncing means that the tracking will be automatically transmitted from your device over an internet connection (when available) to your online account. Members have various options for what to do with the tracking data. It can simply be stored in your account online and unseen for backup and personal interest, however generally, most people use it to enable family/friends to view where they are when away travelling.

Synced tracking appears in your online account on the ExplorOz website as an "Active Tracking Map". Members can select if anyone can view this or not. From the app, or from the website the tracked Member can also Clear this map to reset for a new trip, or Save to keep a file in the Track Log format.

Auto syncing only occurs when the device is online. When you are offline, the app will continue to collect and store the tracking data as usual until it is able to sync.

Another useful feature is that it will auto save Track Logs if you've returned to a Geofence area and then head out again. This smart feature ensures you don't overlay new trip data with old trip data.

More info about using Track Logs is available in the Help Guides.

All ExplorOz Traveller app users can download the latest updates from the ExplorOz databases using the Data Manager tool in the app (when online). Updates can be retrieved 24/7. Places database contains approx. 100,000 ExplorOz curated POIs – all known campsites, facilities, towns, parks, and relevant points of interest PLUS any Personal Places you've added to your account. Treks database contains nearly 200 pre-routed journeys curated by ExplorOz with driving directions ready to guide you turn by turn whether you are online or offline PLUS any Personal Treks you've added to your account.

If you have POIs, GPX or KML tracks or waypoints, these can be imported to your online ExplorOz account in-app.
This imported data will appear in the app as your Personal Places and Personal Track Logs. Personal data is restricted to 1000 items but if you are a Member this is extended to 2500 items. Ideally, you will contribute to crowd sourcing by resharing the data to the ExplorOz data system and relinquishing your Personal data restrictions.

ExplorOz Traveller is the only navigation app where you find the business owner, is also the app developer who also manages production of the offline mapset as well as the customer/technical support. This is a passionate and hard working privately owned small Australian business. This skillset in the business behind the product ensures a unique synergy in the total navigation solution which is uniquely Australian in every way. To find out more behind the business that runs ExplorOz - go to the About Us page on this website.