Travel Tech: Must-Have Apps for Your Australian Road Trip
Travel Tech: Must-Have Apps for Your Australian Road Trip
Planning a road trip across Australia? Whether you’re a tourist chasing the coastlines or a local heading out for a spontaneous weekend getaway, there’s one thing you don’t want to hit the road without—tech that actually makes your journey smoother. From navigating winding Tasmanian roads to finding the best hidden beaches near Sydney, the right apps can turn a good trip into a great one.
Here’s our guide to the best travel apps for your Aussie road trip, along with a few local travel tips and how YesDrive—with car hire locations in Sydney and Hobart—can help you hit the road with confidence.
Table of Contents
Navigation and Maps
Google Maps
Still one of the best all-rounders, Google Maps offers accurate directions, live traffic updates, and offline maps for those times you’re out of range (hello, Tasmania’s West Coast!). Make sure to download your route ahead of time.
Waze
Perfect for city traffic—especially in busier areas like Sydney. Waze is community-driven, which means you’ll get real-time updates on accidents, police checks, and road closures from fellow drivers.
Komoot
Great if your road trip includes hiking, biking, or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails. Komoot’s route planner is fantastic for outdoor lovers travelling through places like the Blue Mountains or around Hobart’s Mount Wellington.
Fuel and Charging Stations
Fuel Map Australia
Want to save on petrol? This app shows nearby fuel stations with up-to-date prices so you can plan refuelling stops, particularly useful when driving long stretches between Sydney and regional NSW.
PlugShare
For EV drivers, PlugShare is essential. It maps out charging stations across Australia, including regional Tasmania. If you’re hiring an electric or hybrid vehicle from YesDrive, this app keeps you charged up.
Travel Tip: Fill up in bigger towns when you can—remote areas in Tasmania and outback NSW can be pricey and limited in options.
Accommodation and Camping
Airbnb
Still a favourite for travellers who want a comfy place to rest. Whether it’s a waterfront cabin near Hobart or a sleek city apartment in Sydney, Airbnb offers a wide range of options for every budget.
WikiCamps Australia
The go-to app for campers and van-lifers. It’s packed with crowd-sourced info on campgrounds, caravan parks, and free rest areas—perfect for road trips through the Tassie wilderness or along the Grand Pacific Drive.
CamperMate
Ideal for spontaneous travellers, CamperMate shows not just camping spots, but also public toilets, water stations, and more. It’s especially helpful in regional Tasmania where facilities can be spread out.
Local Food, Attractions, and Experiences
Tripadvisor
Whether you’re craving seafood in Hobart’s Salamanca Market or brunch in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Tripadvisor makes it easy to check reviews and avoid tourist traps.
EatClub
Get last-minute dining deals in Sydney and Hobart. Local restaurants offer real-time discounts during quiet periods—great for spontaneous meals that won’t blow the budget.
Great Walks App
Australia is packed with stunning walking trails. This app helps you find nearby walks, from coastal strolls in Bondi to rainforest hikes in Tasmania’s southwest.
Travel Tip: Don’t rush—some of the best parts of a road trip are the unexpected stops. Leave space in your schedule for roadside fruit stalls, hidden lookouts, or quirky small-town museums.
Travel Tips from Sydney to Hobart
Start in Sydney: From the scenic coastal drive down to Jervis Bay to the Blue Mountains in the west, Sydney is the perfect launchpad for a New South Wales road trip. YesDrive’s Sydney location makes it easy to pick up your vehicle and hit the highway.
Fly into Hobart, drive out: Hobart is one of the best cities to rent a car and explore Tasmania. In just a few hours, you can be on a beach in Freycinet, hiking Cradle Mountain, or wine tasting in the Tamar Valley. YesDrive’s Hobart branch has everything from compact cars to SUVs ready for Tassie adventures.
Download before you go: Mobile reception in rural areas can be patchy. Download your maps, playlists, and apps while you’re still in the city.
Pack for all seasons: Even in summer, Tassie can throw a surprise cold front your way. Sydney may be sunny, but inland NSW can get chilly at night too.
Why YesDrive Is Your Road Trip Companion
At YesDrive, we make your journey simple. With convenient pick-up and drop-off points in both Sydney and Hobart, flexible booking options, and a range of vehicles suited for road tripping, we’ve got everything you need to explore Australia your way.
Our cars are clean, fuel-efficient, and road trip ready—whether you’re heading to the Hunter Valley for a weekend wine tour or planning a loop around Tasmania’s breathtaking east coast.
Local insight is just a phone call away too—our friendly team knows the roads and can recommend routes, stops, and must-see places that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Australia’s roads are calling, and your next great adventure starts with a reliable ride. Book your rental car today with YesDrive and experience Sydney, Hobart, and beyond like never before.
Let the road trip begin!
