Step into the final episode of our 4-part Tasmanian journey, recorded amid our sunny 2024 summer expedition. If you've been following along, you'll know we landed in Tasmania back in January, embarking on a dual work/holiday escapade. Our trusty 200 series Landcruiser and Ultimate offroad camper trailer have been our faithful companions as we crisscrossed the apple isle, gathering insights for the ExplorOz Traveller app.

Our podcast isn't just about our exploits; it's a treasure trove for fellow travelers. Tune in for recommended destinations, ideal camping spots, duration suggestions, and a peek into our road life as we map and update for ExplorOz. If you're tuning in sequentially, start from Ep 14 for the full journey.

This episode resumes near Lake Pedder in South West National Park, weaving through our trails, highs, lows, and the essence of Tasmanian exploration: hikes, free camps, national parks, waterfalls, rainforests, lakes, beaches, caves, 4WD tracks, mountain bike parks, state forests, distilleries, historic sites, power stations, wasp encounters, berry-picking, challenging terrains, weather swings, holiday planning tips, StarLink navigation, and the routine adventures of road life—battery woes, extending your Tassie stay, securing your Parks Pass, and ferry reservations aboard the Spirit of Tasmania.

We traverse South West National Park, the Needles, Maydena, Mount Field, River Derwent, Ouse, Victoria Valley, Waddamana, Great Lakes, Penstock Lagoon, Miena, Highland Lakes Road, Projection Bluff, Central Highlands, the Great Western Tiers, Liffey Falls, Deloraine, Oura Oura, Mount Roland,  Mole Creek,  Lake Parangana, Honeycomb Caves, Railton, Sheffield,  the Wild Mersey MTB trails, Borradaile Plains, Moina, Cethana, Cradle Valley, and the hikes on Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Horse Track, Overland Track, and everything in between before eventually heading north via Waratah, Burnie, Penguin and then into Devonport to board the ferry back to the mainland.

So, fasten your seatbelt, savor a Tasmanian single malt, and journey with us through the thrill, mishaps, and pure bliss of exploring Tasmania.

Join us for Episode 16 of the ExplorOz Podcast,  where we delve into part 3 of our 4 part series documenting our adventures along Tasmania's stunning east coast. 

We start this episode where we left off in Ep 15 at Lagoons Beach just north of Bicheno and continue south along the coast including Freycinet National Park, Maria Island, and then the Tasman Peninsula including many wineries, epic hikes including Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy, and a day at Port Arthur. Listen in to our adventure as we reached the "end of the road" at Cockle Bay - the gateway to the South West National Park where we hiked to South Cape Bay the most southerly point of Tasmania (and therefore Australia). Pick up some tips on finding hidden gems in the area such as the Mystery Cave and how we found it compared to the mainstream experience at Hastings Caves (Newdegate Cave). In this episode we also cover the next part of our journey cutting an exciting 4WD path through remote forestry tracks for an alternative way to reach the Tarkine Forest, our hike to Hartz Peak and driving onwards to eventually Lake Peddar where there are 2 excellent free camps in the National Park.

We've spent five weeks meticulously exploring and documenting every detail and updating these places to ensure the latest ExplorOz content accessible to all users of our ExplorOz Traveller app so sit back and listen to our trip summary and hopefully feel inspired to add a few places to your next trip plan. 

Episode 15 of the ExplorOz Podcast: Australian Offroad Adventures and Mapping Podcast.

Join us for an exciting episode of the ExplorOz Podcast, where we delve into our adventures along Tasmania's stunning east coast. This episode picks up from where we left off Ep 14 after leaving Stumpys Bay in Mt William National Park and heading south down the East Coast of Tasmania exploring Deep Creek, Eddystone Point, Ansons Bay, and onto St Helens and the magnificent Bay of Fires area where we describe all the campsites and their various features and highlights, plus walks, places to swim and other activities including mountain biking the St Helens Bay of Fires trail and Flagstaff Hill MTB area including the Loila Tier. We then describe our journey as we headed inland towards Pyengana to Pub in the Paddock and then in search of magnificent rainforest trails to epic waterfalls including St Columba, Halls Falls, Methinna Falls and sensational free camps and forestry tracks including Evercreech, Tower Hill, and then back to the coast via St Marys to Lagoons Beach.

Tune in as we share a comprehensive summary of our experiences, focusing on uncovering the best natural wonders accessible to travellers by vehicle.

Discover our insights into free and low-cost camping spots, alongside recommendations for day hikes, 4WD tracks, rainforests, pubs, wineries and beaches. 

Sit back, relax, and embark on a virtual journey through Tasmania with us.

We were never really one's to travel to a strict plan. From Sydney’s festivities to an unexpected flight home to family in Perth. This twist in our tale sees Michelle jetting off to tend to our eldest, leaving David to tackle the EO Topo 2024 map set preparations and release. But our adventure doesn't stall there; we're pivoting like the travel pros we are, to keep our Tasmania trip alive, proving that even the best-laid plans need a little flexibility.

What's the gritty reality of behind our perfect Instagram road trip shots? Well, tune in and listen up, because we're going behind the scenes. From the lush Royal National Park to the challenging Enrick River terrain, we share the a peek into our journey, complete with trailer brake issues and toll-dodging escapades through Sydney's backstreets. 

Finally, as we board the Spirit of Tasmania, we're sailing into a new chapter. Stay tuned for tales from Tasmania and get the inside scoop on the EO Topo 2024 as we share our mapping release and details. Grab a cuppa, find a cosy spot, and let's hit the road together in this episode of twists, turns, and tales from our Lap of Oz.

Every journey has unforeseen twists; ours in Tasmania's Northeast was no exception. From the moment we set foot in Devonport, the chill was a brisk welcome to an adventure teeming with wildlife encounters and majestic sunrises tempered with the real-life dramas of health scares and road mishaps. We break down our travel approach to embrace the Tasmanian landscape's splendour. Come along as we share tales from serene hikes to our camaraderie with locals like Rosie, who turned our mountain biking escapades into stories worth telling around the campfire.

Navigating the unexpected is part and parcel of any travel experience; ours came dressed as healthcare hurdles and navigating Launceston's one-way streets. A health concern for David led us into the arms of the Tasmanian healthcare system, revealing both its quirks and unexpected efficiency. During the back-to-school frenzy, the journey's comedic relief was found in pursuing a simple haircut. Then, a sudden car accident tested our reflexes and introduced us to the heartfelt support of the local community, serving as poignant reminders of the mindfulness required on unfamiliar roads.

Our episode wraps up with heart-pumping tales from Ben Lomond National Park's icy slopes to the mountain biking haven of Derby. While our camping misadventures range from managing overcrowded sites to containing an accidental fire near our campsite, these stories of setting up new camps and tearing down bike trails genuinely capture the essence of Tasmania's great outdoors. If you've ever longed to understand the bond between travellers, locals, and the land they explore, let our experiences from Tasmania's picturesque Northeast be your guide.

Navigate the outback and offroad adventure like a pro with just a tap of a screen. This episode is your guide to mastering the ExplorOz Traveller app, with our step-by-step guidance on using the power of EOTOPO 24 maps. We delve into the simplicity of app purchase and the long-term benefits of a one-time purchase, ensuring you're well-equipped for any journey now and in the future. We'll show you how family sharing keeps your entire group on the same page and why downloading maps for offline use is so useful for uninterrupted exploration. Plus, we'll share details on the ExplorOz membership perks to help enhance your planning experience with web app access for a bigger picture of your adventure.

Join us as we recount our latest Aussie escapades, putting the ExplorOz Traveller app to the ultimate test in Australia's most remote corners. Sharing our story of how the app has transformed our travels with its robust Places system, seamless Tracks, and reliable Track Logs. 

From tips on navigating the app's features to personal anecdotes of our  service dedication, this episode equips you with the knowledge to confidently venture into the wild with technology in hand and a supportive team at your back.

Episode 11 of the ExplorOz Podcast: Australian Offroad Adventures and Mapping Podcast.

Join us as we share the recent adventures that kickstarted our year-long adventure around Australia. From the moment we swapped our three-month trial trip for an all-encompassing expedition, the lessons began —communication, gear upgrades, and the delicate balance between wanderlust and those homey comforts we all secretly crave. Our GT ultimate camper is our new chariot, supporting us from Perth to the bustling energy of Sydney; with our trials and triumphs meticulously recorded for you, our fellow travel enthusiasts, we're sharing each step of our adventure through social media, YouTube and our Podcast.

Navigating the unpredictable balance of running a business while on the move is no small feat. The tug-of-war between app updates and exploring uncharted territories for research could leave us at the mercy of delays. Yet, we're finding our best rhythm amongst the turmoil and corrugations. The tales of our journey are not merely waypoints on a map; we want to share a mosaic of encounters and experiences with you,  like the Belgian cyclist whose drive echoed our relentless spirit.

As the dust settles on the road from Perth to Sydney, we sit back, hearts full of the raw beauty of the landscapes we've crossed and the kindred spirits we've met. The stories we share in this podcast episode are the detours, the fireside chats, and the laughter that comes with lifting tree trunks to clear a path. Unwinding in Sydney, we reflect on a journey punctuated by Christmas cheer and the promise of more tales to come. So tune in, get inspired, and you'll chart a course for your grand Australian escapade.

Who says your home has to be tied down by a physical address? Instead, why can't it move with you? This unique concept of living and working becomes a reality for Leon and Matt having completed their creative bus build. This creative duo breathes life into and transforms a C-Class bus into a mobile living space that doesn't simply serve as a dwelling but also mirrors their values and aspirations.

In this episode, we'll venture into the thrilling details of their journey - from finding the perfect bus through the highs and lows of renovation to finally realising their dream home that's as much a testament to their creativity as it is to their determination. Our conversation takes a fascinating direction as Leon and Matt pull back the curtains on the logistics of living in a bus, financial considerations, and an overall peek into their life on the road. 

Matt and Leon share how they strive to utilise their bus as a platform to share their creativity, inspire others, and make a positive impact on the world. From plans of running their own business and attending music festivals to providing an immersive art experience and aiding indigenous communities, this episode is a fun deep dive and exploration of non-traditional living and a testament to the spirit of forging your own path. Buckle up and join us for an inspiring ride into the travelling lives of Leon and Matt.

Follow Leon and Matt on their adventures:

Leon: https://www.instagram.com/wanderous_/
Matt: https://www.instagram.com/matte0j/

How do you choose the right device for your travels and explorations? Today we are going to clear up the confusion as we guide you through the labyrinth of device options including phones, tablets, and car play head units. We'll be shining a light on the key features such as offline capabilities, GPS functionalities, and even a unique members-only feature, all of which will level up your experience with the ExplorOz Traveler app and offline EOTopo Maps. We'll also throw in some handy tips on keeping your device charged while on the go. 

Join us in this episode as we go micro, analysing the nuances of how location data, map resolution, and processing power can be affected by your device type. We'll also expose the sneaky marketing tactics that budget devices use and show you how to read between the lines. You'll get the lowdown on GPS functionality in Apple devices, the pros and cons of using an iPad for navigation, GPS technology, screen resolution, Windows support and device charging depreciation all covered in this episode.

Finally, we'll uncover the potential of AI Boxes for Android Apps on CarPlay, giving you a  taste of how you can access Android apps on your CarPlay head unit. 

The episode will wrap up with our takes on  device testing, availability, and why a powerful device can make all the difference for an awesome app experience. So, tune in and transform your digital travel journey with us.

Let's reduce our impact on nature during our adventures. Today we're talking about our concern and desire for responsible travel. As fellow explorers with a keen respect for Mother Nature, we share our passion for travelling with care, and our experience with disheartening damage we've often found at pristine campsites and in the middle of hikes.

This episode delves into understanding the impacts of our casual actions on the environment. From misuse of campfires to glaring examples of littering, and even lack of basic sanitation care in camping areas and amongst nature, we discuss it all. We're stressing  the importance of responsible disposal of waste, especially in remote areas. Kick back and tune in for a discussion on responsible travel and learn some new practical tips on how you can contribute positively to preserving our beautiful natural environments. Remember, leave no trace.