Over the years, I’ve explored quite a few trails across Australia, each with its own beauty and challenges. Along the way, I’ve learned that having a few good apps can make a big difference. Whether it’s planning a route, checking fire conditions, navigating offline, or capturing the perfect shot, these are the apps I always keep on my phone.
Here are nine apps I use regularly. They’ve made my hikes safer, easier to manage, and way more enjoyable.
AllTrails is the one I use the most. It’s full of trail maps from all over Australia and helps with everything from checking distance and elevation to reading reviews from other hikers. I also use the live location sharing feature so someone can always track where I’m at, as long as I’ve got phone signal.
The web version is great for planning longer or multi-day hikes too. You can map out your own routes and save them to your phone for offline use. It’s been a game-changer for trip planning and helps me head out with confidence.
If you’re after something a bit more advanced for off-track hikes, Gaia GPS is a solid alternative. It offers a wide range of topo map layers, and many hikers prefer it for remote routes or detailed elevation data. I don’t use it as much personally, but it’s worth a look if you’re exploring more rugged or unmarked trails.
Emergency+ is one of those apps I hope I never have to use, but I always keep it on my phone. If something goes wrong, it gives you your exact GPS coordinates which you can pass on to emergency services. It also has the what3words location system built in, which is useful if you’re in a remote area without a clear address.
It’s a really simple tool that could make a huge difference in an emergency.
If you’re hiking in Australia during warmer months, this app is essential. Fires Near Me shows live updates on bushfires, including where they are, how big they are, and whether they’re under control. I always check it before heading out, especially if I’m planning a hike in the bush. It’s helped me avoid risky areas more than once.
WillyWeather is my go-to for checking the weather before a hike. It gives more detail than the regular weather app: wind, rain, UV levels, and even tide times if you’re near the coast. It’s super helpful for deciding when to head out and what gear to bring.
If you're hiking somewhere without reception, Avenza is a must. It lets you download offline maps like topographic PDFs, GeoPDFs, and GeoTIFFs so you’ll still have a map even when your phone has no signal. The GPS still works, which means you can see your location on the map in real time.
You can also plot out routes, drop pins, mark points of interest, and measure distances between two spots. I’ve used it to load in official park maps from their map store, which has heaps of options depending on where you’re headed. It’s an awesome tool for remote or off-track hikes.
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if something happens, this app is a great backup. It walks you through basic first aid steps, including what to do for common hiking injuries and emergencies. Handy to have if you’re not super confident with first aid yet.
WikiCamps Australia is a comprehensive resource for finding campgrounds, RV parks, and rest areas. With user reviews, photos, and detailed information, it simplifies the process of planning overnight stays in nature.
Sony has now replaced Imaging Edge with the Creators' App, which works with the Sony A7IV. I use it to connect my camera to my phone so I can control the shutter, frame shots, and adjust settings while I'm away from the camera. It’s been especially helpful when I’m hiking solo and want to be in the frame without running back and forth to press the button.
For anyone into astrophotography or just wanting to plan sunrise or sunset shots, PhotoPills is a great tool. It helps you figure out when and where the sun, moon, or Milky Way will be in the sky. The augmented reality feature is fun and actually really helpful for lining up your shots.
These are the apps I keep coming back to. Whether you’re heading out for a quick day hike or something longer and more remote, having the right tools can make a big difference. These apps have helped me stay safe, get better shots, and just enjoy the whole experience more.
