Remember the days when every trip started with a guidebook stuffed in your backpack? Those bulky companions have mostly been replaced by something much lighter: your smartphone. Travel apps not only stay up to date in real time, but they also give you everything from flights and hotels to restaurant reviews and road trip routes in the palm of your hand.
So, if you’re planning a trip in Australia (or flying abroad from here), here are the top apps every Aussie traveller should have loaded up before heading out.
1. Skyscanner – Best for Finding Cheap Flights
Still one of the most trusted names in flight searches, Skyscanner compares airfares from airlines and online travel agencies worldwide. You can filter by price, airline, flight time or carbon emissions, and the “watch” feature lets you track fares and get notified when prices drop.
👉 Pro tip: Use the “Everywhere” search to find spontaneous weekend escapes when you just want to get away.
2. Booking.com – Hotels, Apartments & Holiday Homes
Where Skyscanner leaves off, Booking.com picks up. This all-in-one app lets you book everything from five-star hotels to quirky farm stays and city apartments — perfect if you want more than just standard accommodation.
With free cancellation on many listings and loyalty perks through the Genius Program, it’s become the go-to accommodation app for many Aussie travellers.
3. TripIt – Your Pocket Travel Assistant
Sick of hunting through your inbox for flight confirmations, car hire details and hotel bookings? TripIt takes care of that. Forward your booking emails, and the app automatically builds a clean, easy-to-read itinerary — flights, hotels, rental cars, even meeting times if you’re on a business trip.
It also works offline, so even if your mobile data cuts out mid-trip, you’ll still know where to be and when.
4. Rome2Rio – For Getting From A to B
Born in Melbourne and loved worldwide, Rome2Rio is brilliant for figuring out how to get anywhere. Plug in your start and end points and it will show you all your transport options — flights, trains, buses, ferries, or driving routes — plus estimated times and costs.
It’s especially handy if you’re travelling outside major cities and need to know whether it’s quicker (and cheaper) to rent a car, catch a bus, or fly.
5. Google Maps & Maps.me – Never Get Lost Again
For navigation, it’s hard to beat Google Maps, especially with real-time traffic, public transport timetables, and restaurant reviews built in. But if you’re heading somewhere with spotty reception, Maps.me is a lifesaver thanks to its offline maps.
Pro tip: Download maps for your whole state before you travel so you’ll never be caught without directions.
Need a rental car?
For many trips around Australia, nothing beats the flexibility of having your own set of wheels. Whether you’re chasing beaches, heading to the mountains, or need a reliable ride for business, Redspot Car Rentals has you covered.
With a new model fleet and convenient locations inside most Australian airport terminals, picking up your rental is quick and hassle-free.
👉 Book today and save — then hit the road with your favourite travel apps keeping you on track.