WikiCamps
Camping app · our number one
For free camps, water, dump points, public toilets and day-use areas. The user reviews help so much when you're somewhere you don't know.
Key points
- WikiCamps is our number one for finding camps, water, dump points and toilets. Camps Australia Wide sometimes finds spots that it misses.
- PetrolSpy shows which fuel station to head for, and Google Maps handles navigation. Double-check any route that looks odd on rural roads.
- For staying connected we use Optus for mobile, Starlink in remote areas, and we've tested two eSIMs.
Finding somewhere to stay
Where you sleep each night is the biggest daily decision in van life. These two apps do most of the work for us, and the user reviews are what make them so useful.
Camps Australia Wide
Campsite finder
“Sometimes it finds spots WikiCamps doesn't.” We use it for extra options and more reviews before we choose where to stay.
Navigation and fuel
Google Maps
Navigation
We use it for navigation and for reviews of where to eat. Don't believe everything it says, especially on rural roads in Australia. If a route doesn't look right, find another one. We've been recommended Waze too, but Google is what we're used to.
PetrolSpy
Fuel prices
“One of the best free apps out there.” We check it every time we fill up Ron, so we know which station to head for.
Staying connected
We work from the van, so staying online matters to us. We use a mix of a mobile network, eSIMs and Starlink.
Optus
Our Australian mobile network
“Optus has been great for us.” We tried a few carriers, and in our experience the coverage on Optus has always been great.
eSIMs we've tested
EIOTCLUB and ByteSIM
We've tested two eSIMs in collaborations, and honestly we'd use either. Compare them and take your pick.
Starlink Gen 3
Internet anywhere
People warned us how remote the Outback is. We never had to worry, because we always had signal in an emergency. If we did it again, we'd pick the Starlink Mini, as it draws less power.
Want to know how we keep it all charged? See how our power setup works.
Handy extras
- OpenSky: before we fly the drone, we check the rules in OpenSky. It's quicker than unpacking the drone. Our drone
- UV index: on an iPhone, the built-in Weather app shows it. Open today's weather and switch from “Conditions” to “UV index”.
- Trips and flights: GetYourGuide for tours and activities, and Skyscanner to compare flights. Money & travel
Want to see the van in more detail?
An updated van tour is coming soon.