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.
Before you go. Always double-check that walks, falls, roads and attractions are open before you go, to avoid disappointment, and check current fees at the time of booking. Closures and prices can change at short notice.
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. It is an internet connection rather than an emergency service, though, so it's worth knowing how 000 works without signal too. 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.
Emergencies, warnings and road conditions
We haven't had to use these ourselves, but they're the official tools, and they're worth knowing about before you head somewhere remote.
Calling 000 when you have no signal
- Your phone can use another network for 000. If your own network has no coverage, a 000 call can connect through another network. The government says that if the first call doesn't connect within about 5 seconds, hang up and try again straight away, then stay on the line for up to 60 seconds. You can also dial 112 from a mobile (Department of Infrastructure: how to call Triple Zero (000)).
- If there's no coverage on any network, you can't reach 000 from a mobile. That's why remote travel advice also talks about satellite phones (Discover Central Australia: driving information gives 112 for sat phone emergencies) and devices like personal locator beacons that don't rely on mobile coverage.
- Emergency+ is a free app from Australia's emergency services. It uses your phone's GPS to show your location, so you can give it to the Triple Zero operator (Emergency+ app (Triple Zero)).
Warnings and road conditions
- Fire and emergency warnings: each state and territory runs its own warnings site, such as Emergency WA. We've linked them all, state by state, in our fire ban table.
- Weather: the Bureau of Meteorology: warnings page.
- Road conditions: Road Report NT, Main Roads WA travel map, QLDTraffic and Live Traffic NSW. Check them before a long or remote drive, and in the wet season up north, check every day.
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.
Fees, rules and opening hours were correct as of 02/11/2026 — always double-check before you go.
More from us
Free camping in AustraliaFinding spots and being a good camperWorking holiday visa basicsTFN, bank, Medicare and superOur Great Lap so farThe route, highlights and lessons from our lap of AustraliaOur van life essentialsWhat a van really needs, plus a checklistTaking a van on the Spirit of TasmaniaOur crossing, plus the new shipsBuying a van on a working holiday visaRego, CTP, roadworthies and PPSROur power setup, explainedLithium, solar, chargers and 240V in RonEverything we use in RonThe full gear page, part by part