10 Must Have Apps for Visiting Australia

Developed by Surf Life Saving Australia the Beachsafe app, which is available for download on the Apple iTunes App store or for Android, is an all-encompassing beach and water safety app. Serving up real-time information on beaches across the continent, Beachsafe offers in-depth knowledge on seaside amenities and services as well as weather, currents and tides, surfing conditions and possible hazards. Users can locate a beach by map, search or GPS location, and even learn key skills on water and surf safety.

In Aus, the only way to taxi is by Uber. Interestingly (although depending on service charge, which increases and decreases as per demand), Uber is allegedly just as affordable, if not more affordable, than standard street taxis. On top of that, Uber can be downloaded via Apple iTunes App store or for Android and users can manage rides directly from their handset. Book or schedule cars within moments or in advance; link bank cards so cash is never an issue (although cash payments are available in some cities); relax with increased safety, having all of the driver’s details displayed on-screen and be able to track your driver’s whereabouts or journey in real-time via the GPS.

If Uber wasn’t enough to keep all the Aussies talking, enter UberEATS. Find endless food delivery options in moments with this easy-to-use smartphone app which can be downloaded for iPhone or Android. Filter food selections by cuisine or dish, all of which are available for delivery. Because it’s UberEATS, there is no minimum spend, just a $5 flat fee for its delivery service. On top of that – just like Uber itself – UberEATS is fast and reliable.

Trip Advisor is a simple and straightforward solution to booking accommodation, sussing out places to go and reviewing the best things to do in cities around the world. Bursting with user-generated content, from images to personal experiences, threads and forums, Trip Advisor is perfect for a city break or longer haul. The app is available for free to download on Apple or Android.

Wikicamps Australia is the one-stop shop for anyone setting off on an adventure, weekend camping trip, a day in the bush, or a cross country road trip. WikiCamps is designed for optimal use on smart phone, tablet or Windows PC, and lists up-to-date information on camp sites, caravan parks, hostels, sights, general tourist information and practical points of interest. WikiCamps is user populated, so remember to give back should you be on the road and come across useful information to share with the world! Available for download on Apple and Android.

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This must have app is the pinnacle of offline GPS navigation. Download maps.me per country and use offline; this impressive app is laden with millions of points of interest, sights, amenities and services, whether that be the local post office, road-side motel or lush spa. Enjoy exploring minus the stress of wifi-dependant applications. Download on the Apple or Android store.

Zomato is an online platform and app which rates restaurants based on user populated reviews, photos and comments. Founded in 2008, this simple and easy-to-use app allows users to narrow their search by cuisine and location, with specially curated lists to inspire, such as live music venues, date night spots, or Korean cravings, for example.

Users are also able to add menus, images and additional information to restaurant profile pages, and in some instances book a table directly through the app, making this one of the must have apps for visiting Australia. Download on the Apple or Android store.

This Canadian founded currency converter has become synonymous with real-time money comparisons for travellers on the go. Launched in 1993, xe.com is one of the most practical apps for those visiting Australia for the first time; although the country is often argued to be expensive, it’ll lighten the load having a relatable comparison to your local currency in your pocket. This free smartphone app can be downloaded for Apple or Android.

Launched in 2002, Meetup is a networking platform for people of varying interests and hobbies across the world to quite literally meet up. Whether it is literature, yoga, scuba diving, knitting, or the arts, Meetup is bursting with eager individuals ready to welcome new members into their groups.

Simply enter your location, define your interests and get going! With 32.30 million members and 288,726 Meetup groups in 182 countries, this is one of the coolest new ways to experience a city. Download on Apple or Android.

And of course, there’s Culture Trip, the premiere source for inspiration from home to abroad. Be inspired by a wealth of features, articles, interviews and lists citing a city’s most exciting elements. From best bars to secret coffee spots, unspoiled natural landscapes to must see tourist destinations, Culture Trip covers it all. Download the app for Apple or Android.