Useful Maps For Touring Australia

Touring Australia? Navigation Is Everything

Australia isn’t just big—it’s massive. The road from Sydney to Perth is longer than driving across Europe, and some outback highways stretch hundreds of kilometres without a fuel stop. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, exploring wine regions, or venturing deep into the red centre, one thing matters most: reliable navigation.

Yes, GPS is everywhere, but it’s not foolproof. Phone batteries die, reception drops out, and apps can fail at the worst possible moment. That’s why a smart mix of digital tools and old-school maps is your best road trip companion.

Here’s our guide to some of the most useful maps and resources for touring Australia, plus how to use them with confidence on your next journey.

1. The National Toilet Map – A Family Road Trip Essential

Anyone who has travelled with kids knows the golden rule: never pass a toilet stop without checking. Enter the National Toilet Map, a government resource that lists more than 16,000 public toilets across Australia.

• Why it matters for road trips: Outback stretches, long highways, and small towns often have limited facilities. With this map, you can plan rest breaks in advance.

• Driver reviver planning: Combine it with fuel stops to make sure everyone gets a break.

• Accessibility: Many toilets include information about disabled access and opening hours.

👉 Handy for families, seniors, and anyone who doesn’t want to get caught out on the Bruce Highway or Stuart Highway.

Pro Tip: Pair this with your car hire booking at Redspot. Most of our larger vehicles—like SUVs and people movers—make perfect family touring cars with enough space for all the snacks, drinks, and emergency supplies that come with long-haul road trips.

2. Google Sky Map – Turn Rest Stops Into Stargazing Nights

Australia’s outback skies are some of the clearest in the world. With Google Sky Map, your roadside stop becomes an astronomy lesson.

• How it works: Point your phone at the sky and the app identifies constellations, planets, and stars.

• Best used in: Uluru, Alice Springs, Lightning Ridge, or even the outskirts of Cairns where city lights fade.

• Why families love it: Keeps kids engaged during nighttime breaks.

Pairing car travel with stargazing is uniquely Australian—you’ll never forget lying on the bonnet of your hire car, spotting the Southern Cross.

3. Bureau of Meteorology – Your Weather Safety Net

Weather in Australia can change in a heartbeat. A sunny coastal drive can turn into a stormy adventure, while bushfire alerts are an unfortunate reality in summer. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app is your go-to resource.

• Road trip perks:

  • Check rainfall before hitting unsealed roads in the Top End.

  • Track cyclone warnings in Queensland’s wet season.

  • Stay aware of fire danger levels during summer trips.

• Best part: Push alerts keep you in the loop without having to follow radio bulletins.

4. HEMA Maps – Still the Gold Standard

Ask any seasoned Aussie traveller what map they trust most, and they’ll say HEMA. Unlike a free app, these detailed paper maps and atlases cover Australia’s most remote roads.

• Why they’re worth carrying:

  • Phone coverage is patchy in the Outback.

  • HEMA maps show unsealed roads, fuel stops, and campsites.

  • Waterproof and durable—ideal for dusty gloveboxes.

HEMA also has a digital app for those who want GPS navigation with offline capability.

5. Camps Australia Wide & WikiCamps – Find Your Overnight Stop

Car touring in Australia often means overnighting in small towns or roadside rest areas. Camps Australia Wide (book or app) and WikiCamps (app) list tens of thousands of campsites, caravan parks, and rest areas across the country.

• For rental travellers: Perfect if you’re touring in a Redspot 4WD and want to combine tent camping with motel stays.

• Why it’s useful: Shows free and low-cost sites, dump points, and pet-friendly areas.

6. Fuel Map Australia – Avoid the “Empty Tank Panic”

Few things are scarier than watching the fuel light blink while you’re 150 km from the next town. Fuel Map Australia solves this problem by showing real-time locations of fuel stations, including pricing.

• Best used in: WA’s Nullarbor Plain, Queensland’s Gulf Country, or anywhere remote.

• Smart strategy: Fill up early—don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty.

Printed Maps vs Apps – Why You Need Both

It’s tempting to rely on your phone for everything. But in Australia, apps alone aren’t enough. Between battery drain, black spots, and unexpected data failures, printed maps remain an essential backup.

Top reasons to carry both:

• Outback coverage is patchy.

• A dead phone can leave you stranded.

• Paper maps give “big picture” planning that small screens can’t.

Redspot’s Tips for Smart Touring

At Redspot, we’ve seen thousands of customers set off across Australia. Here are a few insider tips:

• Download before you drive: Grab offline maps (Google Maps, HEMA, WikiCamps) before leaving major cities.

• Carry a paper backup: Keep a HEMA map in your glovebox—cheap insurance against tech failure.

• Choose the right vehicle: SUVs and 4WDs give more clearance and comfort for long trips.

• Know the road rules: In some areas, unsealed road driving is restricted in rental cars—always check your terms.

• Plan for emergencies: Water, first aid kit, and a portable charger are road trip must-haves.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Touring Australia is one of the greatest adventures in the world. With the right maps and the right rental car, you’ll travel with confidence—whether you’re cruising the Great Ocean Road, crossing the Outback, or hopping between coastal towns.

Redspot Car Rentals makes it easy, with airport kiosks across Australia, a wide range of vehicles, and flexible booking options. Book today and get your road trip started the right way.