13th July, 2025

Hi ExplorOz Reader

This edition covers tweaks, tips, and the new “Trek Sharing” update in v9.5. Dive in, pick what grabs you, and get involved. It's a big one!

Trouble Accessing Treks?

If you're seeing spinning icons or having trouble searching Treks after the recent update, don't worry — it's an easy fix. Just refresh your app content to ensure the update applies properly. It only takes a few minutes. Here's what to do: Go to Menu > Data Manager, scroll to the bottom and tap Clear Content (do not clear maps). Then just tap the Content Download button again to refresh your database.

Maps not Showing?

If your maps aren't appearing after the update, a simple restart usually does the trick. Just close the app completely and reopen it. This takes only a few seconds and ensures the map engine is restarted. This refreshes the map engine and should restore your view — whether you're online or offline, the map will reopen right where you left off.

Android asking for an Internet Connection?

What to do:
Clear the cache and data for Google Play Store and Play Services.
Follow these official Google Support Instructions

Quick Steps to Help Improve the App

We gave some tips in our last newsletter (refresh your memory here). To help even more, here are a few quick pointers to ensure your edits are as helpful as possible:

• Choose the right Place Type- this controls the map icon. If it's wrong, feel free to fix it.
• Add Features -there are around 80 to choose from, and in v9.5 we've made it even easier with new groupings into categories covering Access, Amenities, Services, Activities, and Limitations. Use as many as apply — they show up as icons when tapping a Place on the map.
• Features & Types are also filters - so including them helps others search more effectively.
• Add a photo - either take one in-app with the Camera or choose from your Gallery.
• Add Contact details - especially the website, which is important for booking sites.
• Changes are date-stamped - no need to add date info in the description. See the Review tab for history.
• Check your Personal Places - if appropriate, you can switch some to “ExplorOz” so others can benefit. Just avoid duplicates!
• See something wrong but can't fix it? Use the Review tab to send a request to Admin - even works offline.
Move a Place - if it's in the wrong spot and isn't locked, you can tap and drag it to the correct location. (Towns and some Places are locked by Admin.)

Places Made Easy

• Rest Areas - only mark as a Camp if camping is a key feature.
• Separate Markers - for example, if a pub or roadhouse has camping out the back, place a second marker for the campsite.
• Trailheads use the Trailhead POI at the start of the walk. Add separate markers for endpoints like lookouts or waterfalls.

Correct POIs for Camps

• National Park campsites (with booking fees) = Paid Camp
• Donation camp = Paid Camp + add the "Donation" feature
• RV Sites (not caravan parks) = Paid or Free Camp + add "Self Contained" feature
• Hikers camps = Paid or Free Camp + add "Tents/Swag Only" feature

We've recently added heaps of new Features to popular POI types. You'll be able to spot and apply these more easily once the v9.5 update lands — it includes new icons for all the updated Places! Thanks again for being part of the ExplorOz community. Every little contribution helps make the app better for everyone..

Use Filters & Sort

Speed up your Content Search and simplify the results using Filters (Pink), and Sort Order (Yellow) options. Apply Filters and change the Sort in Places, Treks, and Track Logs. Give it a go!

Trek Sharing & v9.5 Beta - Can You Help?

Version 9.5 is now in beta (public testing) - and it includes the long-awaited Trek Sharing feature! Trek Sharing works exactly like Track Log sharing, so it should feel familiar. We're keen for you to test it out and let us know how it performs. Available for Android and Apple iOS.

For Apple test users you can get the new v9.5 Test Flight program here
For Android test users you can join the new v9.5 beta test program here

Beta testing plays a vital role in refining the app by allowing real users to try out new features in everyday scenarios. Being a Beta test user means you just use the app like your regular app, but you've got access to a version with upcoming updates included. If you join the program however, you must be prepared to open the app and "test" the new Trek Sharing feature in the next couple of days. This means make a few of your Personal Treks "Shareable" and "Open" and then share them with someone else you know who uses the Traveller app.

We simply ask that you send us your feedback in the next few days (the good and the not-so-good) via the Beta feedback tool built into the Beta program. Let's get some good testing done on this important feature before we lock in the public release.

CarPlay, Android Auto & Headunit Tips

We've done the hard yards testing and researching to bring you the best tips and solutions.

Head to the Traveller webpage and open the tab labelled "CarPlay, Android Auto & Adapters". You'll find everything from setup tips to gear recommendations — whether you're fitting out your car, 4WD, or even your motorbike.

And yes, we've included videos too — so it's all easy to follow. Jump in and get connected!

Connect with Other App Users

Join the ExplorOz Traveller App User Group on Facebook — it's a friendly, helpful space where fellow users share travel stories, general travel tips, ask app questions, and swap ideas. We also post regular “Tip of the Day” content to help you get the most from the app. It's the perfect place to get quick answers without needing to raise a support ticket.