Best Offline App for Maps & Navigation in Australia

Best Maps

The ExplorOz Traveller app is the ONLY app that provides both online and offline access to the premium, whole-of-Australia EOTopo mapset. EOTopo includes a range of features that make it the standout choice for serious travellers:
Whether you are viewing online or offline maps, you can also customise your Mapscreen by selecting additional layers and applying filters.

Map Layers

While the base maps give you the tracks & terrain, the real magic happens in the content layers. Places and Treks sit over the top of your chosen map, transforming the map screen into a fully interactive planning tool.

Traveller includes Australia’s most extensive set of campsites, rest areas, services, towns, historic sites, lookouts, walking trails, MTB areas, and tourist attractions. Use filters and folders to organise and display exactly the information YOUR way. Every Place is interactive, featuring photos, contact details, descriptions, and reviews collected from ExplorOz users across 25 years. This data is continuously kept in sync on your device and is fully verified by admin and improved through user interaction. Users can add or edit Places which helps the content grow and stay current.

Traveller also includes nearly 200 Treks - pre-made driving routes to iconic locations such as the Red Centre, Cape York, and the Gibb River Road. All Places and Treks work fully offline, can be accessed directly from the map, and are searchable. You can also save your own Places, build your own Treks, and upload GPX files or Track Logs and share with other app users.

By combining high-quality base maps with rich content layers, the Traveller map screen becomes highly customisable, powerful, and far more useful than anything offered by other travel apps. Take a look for yourself - you won’t be disappointed.

ExplorOz Traveller is available on Android and Apple iOS (phones & iPad) for full offline mapping and travel. You can also use the Traveller web-app which runs in your browser on your desktop PC/laptop or Macbook.

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, or Apple ID. 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 but the Apple CarPlay system is not compatible with the Traveller app however read on for how to still use run the app on your screen via an Android interface adapter.
• CarPlay/Android Auto – only apps built specifically for this system can be used, unless you plug in an Android Interface adapter to then download apps viat the Playstore (this is how you can run ExplorOz Traveller on your factory fitted headunit).

Most apps you see listed in the Navigation category of the app stores are not wholly "Australian made" and don’t have access to the best maps of Australia. Check the fine print!

In-vehicle headunit solutions require a full Android operating system - even if your existing system supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. CarPlay and Android Auto are projection systems and do not provide access to the Google Play Store. ExplorOz Traveller is not a native CarPlay or Android Auto app. To run Traveller directly on a vehicle screen, the system must be running full Android (minimum Android 10).

For Factory Fitted Headunits

Factory CarPlay and Android Auto systems can be upgraded by adding an Android AI Interface Box. This introduces a full Android operating system to your existing headunit, allowing you to install and run ExplorOz Traveller directly on the vehicle screen. This allows you to:

• Access Google Play to select the full range of apps
• Install and run ExplorOz Traveller directly on the vehicle screen
• Retain your factory display
• Maintain strong compatibility with other current Android apps

This solution is widely used within the Traveller community and provides a clean solution. Note that your phone is not used in this setup. Any app that you install on the AI Box adapter is displayed and controlled directly on your screen.

You can get exclusive ExplorOz customer pricing on AI Box adapters from this link to our tested hardware partner Smart World Solutions.

Installation Instructions (YouTube)

These Smartworld AI Box Adapters ship with Android 12 ready for you to purchase/download the Android version of Traveller through the Google Playstore.

• Instructions for cars with: Wired CarPlay / Android Auto
• Instructions for cars with: Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto

Aftermarket In-Dash Head Units

For vehicles not fitted with a modern headunit like the above, you can purchase aftermarket headunits that offer full Android operating systems built in, often together with CarPlay and Android Auto functionality - thus no need to interface the AI Box adapter.

The Android version is critical. Traveller currently supports Android 10 as the minimum version. However, with Android 17 about to roll out on phones and tablets, Android 10 should now be viewed as a bare minimum platform - not an ideal choice when purchasing new hardware in 2026! If buying new, we recommend choosing a unit running Android 12 or Android 13. This is not as easy as you might expect - see our recommendation below. Also, please be aware that within parts of the aftermarket industry we have recently observed:

• Older Android versions (Android 8, 9, 10) still sold in new devices
• Limited OS upgrade pathways
• Devices advertising newer Android versions that do not reflect the underlying operating system (eg. false claims of Android 15, and over inflated RAM specifications)

Always verify the actual Android version before purchase and request clear confirmation from the supplier if needed. There is a free app you can download from the Google Playstore called Fake Device Test, that will confirm the underlying operating system and confirm RAM matches what the supplier claims it ships with.

Recommendation

For Australian buyers, we recommend purchasing from genuine manufacturers who design and sell their own hardware directly. We now use and recommend Teyes, whose latest CC4Pro models run Android 13. This is the unit recently installed in our own 200 Series LandCruiser and we are very happy with its performance after significant testing of other brands. We will have a link up on your YouTube channel soon showing more detail about this unit.

You could also look at other retail brands such as Kenwood and Alpine - which may combine Android capability with CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These can also be strong options, provided the Android version is confirmed. The operating system determines long-term compatibility and overall performance when reliability on your mapping and navigation solution is important.

Portable Headunit Option: Smart World App2Car Display

This is an alternative option if a full Android in-dash display doesn't work for you, or if you're looking for a budget but reliable solution.

The Smart World App2Car Display is a portable plug-and-play screen with Android built-in plus CarPlay/Android Auto functionality and best of all doesn't require an auto electrician to install as it simply plugs into your cigarette power plug. It's a very good option when you compare features and price against the indash headunits. Together with the industry issues and concerns mentioned above, we are pleased to confirm we have been using and testing this device successfully. It works well with the Traveller app and it is an excellent, modern solution. The display is more slim-lined than the in-dash options and since it sits on top of your dash, rather than built in, there are some compromises to consider. It combines:

• Dedicated display
• Full Android operating system (Android 12)
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
• GPS for offline functionality

This allows ExplorOz Traveller to run directly on the display, which can be mounted on-top of your dash. The included mounting bracket can be screwed in place.

Smart World Solutions is an official ExplorOz hardware partner (app not included) and offers local support (Sydney) and exclusive pricing for ExplorOz customers via the link below: View Smartworld App2Car Display Options

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.

Purchase of EOTopo is required for high-resolution offline map use in the ExplorOz Traveller app. The purchase enables you to download the 4 map-packs which together make up the full mapset.

When you purchase EOTopo, you are buying a single edition (identified by year). Each edition is supported for use in the Traveller app for 4 years. (eg. EOTopo 2026 can be used until 2030). During this period, there are no included map updates, however you can download and use your purchased edition of offline maps as often as needed during the support period with no additional fees (each device requires the Traveller app to be installed).

EOTopo licences are linked to your ExplorOz account. One purchase can be used across multiple compatible Apple and Android devices when signed in to the same ExplorOz account.

EOTopo purchases are only required for offline use. The Traveller app always provides access to the latest online EOTopo maps via app updates.

Buyer Guarantee

When you purchase an edition of EOTopo you're covered by our Buyer Guarantee, which ensures peace of mind for the first three (3) months. If a new edition of EOTopo is released within this period, you'll receive a free update to the latest edition. This guarantee is designed to protect you from unexpected updates shortly after your purchase. However, there are no free updates outside of this period.

Updates

Generally, we release new editions of EOTopo annually. When a new edition is available, you have the option to purchase the new mapset or keep using your purchased edition whilst it remains supported. There are no free updates unless your purchase falls within the stated Buyer Guarantee timeframe.

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.