23rd July, 2025

ExplorOz: Evolving for Every Explorer

As a registered user of ExplorOz, you're part of something special—a long-standing community brought together by a shared love of getting out into the great Australian outdoors. Whether you're here for campsite info, Forum discussions, trek planning, or advanced tools like our mapping and tracking solutions, you belong.

ExplorOz has come a long way since the early days. Our mission is still the same—to inspire, empower, and support your adventures—but the tools have grown with the times. Tens of thousands of people are now using the Traveller app to navigate remote trips, research campsites, share their tracks, and get the most out of our powerful EOTopo map system.

This newsletter is for everyone—wherever you sit on the spectrum of usage. It's a look at what's new, what's possible, and how ExplorOz continues to evolve with your journey in mind.

Real Aussie Tech, Real Aussie People

We've seen competition come and go, but ExplorOz is still built, maintained, and used daily by the same team who started it. David still writes the code. Michelle still answers your questions. And we're still exploring full-time—using the same tools we offer to you.

What options do I have?

Over the past 9 years, the ExplorOz Traveller app has become our flagship product. It was built to bring the power of our entire website into one smart, offline-ready mobile solution. Whether you're touring in a vehicle, hiking on foot, or planning from home, Traveller gives you access to seamless offline mapping, intuitive trip planning, accurate tracking, and reliable GPS navigation—designed specifically for Australian adventurers.

This week, we have released an important update to the ExplorOz Traveller App - the introduction of something long-requested: Trek Sharing. It's finally here! So if the lack of this feature as held you back in the past, perhaps now is the time to get the Traveller app.

5 Considerations

Here's how to get started and choose the right setup for you:

Want to see your moving position on a map?
Get the Traveller app from the App Store or Google Play.

Need offline maps?
You'll need the Traveller app, along with an EOTopo map licence, which is available to purchase in-app.

Prefer to plan trips on a desktop?
Just buy a Membership to access the Traveller "Web App". No app store purchase needed — simply log in via the Account tab on our website.

Want your travel progress recorded and accessible while you're on the move?
Enable Tracker via the Traveller app or use our free ExplorOz Tracker App (download from Google Play or App Store)—Membership required to activate Tracking service.

Only want tracking?
Buy Membership, then download the ExplorOz Tracker App (free) — simple, efficient tracking without all the extra features of the Traveller app.

5 Easy Steps to Get ExplorOz Traveller

First - read the ExplorOz Traveller webpage. This is your essential guide covering costs, device choice and more.

Choose your platform - Decide which device you'll use for navigation (must be GPS-enabled). Check link above for System Requirements.

Get the app - Search ExplorOz Traveller in the App Store or Google Play. One time purchase - no subscription required.

Add the maps - Buy EOTopo to unlock full offline use. It's a 4-year licence (2025-2029), and you can install the maps on multiple devices - even across different platforms. See T&Cs here.

Consider Membership - Want real-time tracking? GPX exports? Or to plan trips on desktop and sync to your devices? Membership gives you all those "extras" and more. Details here

Everyone Matters

While the Traveller app operates independently from the ExplorOz website for users, behind the scenes it relies on our servers and databases to sync your data - creating a seamless cross-platform experience.

Nearly half of our community are paid Traveller app users whose support is vital for ongoing development, mapping, and communication platforms - including our website and Forum. User accounts connect the app and website, enabling shared features like Places updates, Treks, Track Logs, Photo sharing, and Membership management. App users now make up the majority of site visitors and site activity.

We prioritise support for app users but welcome and value everyone equally, no matter what tools they use. Our Forum is open to all, including long-term users who may not currently use our apps. However, as more posts are now coming from Traveller app users, we ask that Forum participants assume good faith when someone presents an issue - it's more likely they're referring to the app than not. If you're unsure or not in a position to offer relevant help, it's always better to scroll on rather than reply with dismissive or critical comments. Helpfulness encourages participation.

Respecting Communication Channels

If you're reaching out for help, please avoid posting the same query across multiple channels (Forum, Facebook Group, Help Desk, Voicemail) at the same time. This can create confusion - especially if you're using different aliases - and slows down our ability to provide accurate, efficient support. We monitor all channels actively, so there's no need to duplicate. Choose the one that suits you best and if you've used any of the direct support channels we'll respond as soon as we can. We simply ask that if you resolve the issue that you post an update back to confirm that you no longer need a response.

Keeping Our Forum Safe and Supportive

We also ask everyone to help maintain a safe and respectful Forum. While our advanced systems automatically block the majority of spam attacks before anyone sees them, a few may slip through. These often appear as genuine posts or reviews but include off-topic links. This is automated spam designed to exploit any posting access, and if left unchecked, it can quickly escalate.

If you notice anything suspicious - especially posts or replies with unusual or out-of-context links - please use the Alert Moderator button. Prompt reporting allows us to block offenders before further damage is done, keeping the space clean and useful for all.

For those who prefer Facebook, we also have a dedicated User Group, but the Forum, remains a vital channel for community connection and support. Let's work together to keep all platforms inclusive, friendly, and welcoming. Everyone deserves to feel heard and respected.

Together, we can foster a connected ExplorOz community that values every traveller's journey.

Trek Sharing is Here!

One of the most requested features has just landed in the latest update of the ExplorOz Traveller app—Trek Sharing! You can now share your Personal Treks with friends, travel companions, or club members (they'll just need the Traveller app too).

This opens up exciting new ways to collaborate, prepare, and stay connected on the road. Watch the quick how-to video here.

Look what Else is New!

Version 9.5 delivers more than just Trek Sharing. Here's what else is new:

• POI Icons Now Aligned in Selection Lists
  We've completed the final stage of our POI update—icons in the Place Type and Feature pick lists are now visually aligned with their labels for better consistency and easier selection.Watch the tutorial here
• Sort by Map Crosshairs
  You can now sort Places based on the location of the map Crosshairs, instead of your current GPS position—perfect for trip planning!Tutorial here
• Adjustable Nav Panel
  During active navigation, you can now change the size of the time and distance panel for better visibility.Learn how
• Larger Map Scale
  The scale bar in the lower-right corner of the map is now bigger and easier to see at a glance.

Each of these updates is a direct result of your feedback—thank you for helping shape the tools you use!

New for Web App Users

The WebApp is for using the Traveller app on your desktop computer. Whilst we document how to open it via your Account Tab on the website, then clicking "Traveller Control Panel", then "Open Web-App", here's a quicker way for you to open your Traveller "Web-App" via this new direct link to Web App.
Just bookmark it in your browser for instant access anytime. Too easy!
Web-App access is exclusive to Members only.

Remember: Using the Traveller app on your phone or tablet doesn't require a Membership—so no worries!

Already Got It, But Feeling Overwhelmed?

We get it—there's nothing worse than investing in something and then feeling unsure how to get the most out of it. But don't worry—every common question has already been answered in our existing support resources. You're not alone, and you don't need to give up.

Start with our friendly Facebook User Group. It's where real travellers share tips, ask questions, and help each other out—join here.

Then, subscribe to our YouTube channel for short, helpful tutorials that walk you through the app features step-by-step. Check it out here.

And don't forget the Help Guides—you'll find these in the app menu or via the Traveller webpage. It's your go-to for troubleshooting, setup tips, and feature explanations.

App User? More Details Coming Your Way

If you're an ExplorOz Traveller or Tracker user, you're also on our dedicated app user mailing list. That means you'll receive separate newsletters with more detailed updates, tips, and feature breakdowns just for you.

This current message was sent to all registered ExplorOz accounts as part of a general community update. So if this newsletter felt a little broad—don't worry, there's more targeted content coming your way soon.

Wherever You Go, Take Us With You

Thanks for being here. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your journey, ExplorOz is here to back you with tools, community, and inspiration.