ExplorOz Podcast: Australian Offroad Adventures an

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 an exciting episode of the ExplorOz Podcast, where we delve into our adventures along Tasmania's stunning east coast.  From the wild 4wding of Upper Scamander to the near flooding of Lagoon Beach, and onwards through the car-free nature reserve that is Maria Island to the majestic cliffs of Cape Raoul  along the Tasmanian Peninsula. 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. Tune in for a captivating recount of the unpredictable, the serene, and the downright quirky experiences of exploring and documenting Tasmania's natural wonder. Discover our insights into free and low-cost camping spots, alongside recommendations for hiking, camping, sightseeing, and more. Sit back, relax, and embark on a virtual journey with us. Share the episode with your friends, it'd mean the world to us.

Join us for an exciting episode of the ExplorOz Podcast, where we delve into our adventures along Tasmania's stunning east coast.  From the captivating Bay of Fires to the serene landscapes of Cockle Creek, and onwards through the enchanting Tarkine region to the majestic Lake Pedder in the Southwest 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 Traveller app.  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, wineries, distilleries, caves, and more.  Sit back, relax, and embark on a virtual journey with us.  Share the episode with your friends, it'd mean the world to 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.

Ever dreamed of the open road and the freedom that comes from a fully decked-out camper? Love the thrill of modifying your own vehicle, getting your hands dirty, and learning from the inevitable hiccups along the way? Get ready to be taken on an adventure as we share our family journeys, starting from the mid-nineties with a Suzuki Vitara, followed by a camper-converted Toyota Land Cruiser, before upgrading to a technologically advanced 200 series Land Cruiser. We'll recount the fun we had modifying our vehicles, like adding side steps, bull bars, roller drawers, roof racks, and even a long-range fuel tank. Get ready for a laughter-filled ride as we share our mishaps and lessons learned from dealing with split rims, tire tubes, and changing wheel bearings. Discover the value of understanding your vehicle, the importance of service knowledge, and how these can make your road trip experience smoother. Transitioning from swags to a camper trailer as our family grew brought new challenges and adventures. We'll discuss how our latest setup, a 200 series Land Cruiser filled with advanced technology like drones and Starlink dishes, revolutionised our travels. You'd be amazed by the comfort and freedom our camper offers, including a stand-up fridge, luxury bedding, comprehensive kitchen equipment, and two independent power sources. So buckle up, and join us as we journey through our vehicle adventures and share practical advice from our experiences on the road.

Ready to unlock the secrets of Australia's outback with your own four wheels? Buckle up for an enlightening journey as we dissect the intricacies of the ExplorOz Traveller App, a vital companion for every intrepid adventurer looking to quench their thirst for the Australian wilderness. Promising a wealth of information, from offline access to high-resolution EOTopo Maps of Australia to a library of nearly 200 Explorer's Treks and a database bursting with over 100,000 points of interest, this app is the key to transforming your travel experiences. Seasoned travellers and those planning their first outback journey will find a treasure trove of curated insights and tips from those who've trodden the path before you.  Ever wished you could trace your route, save those magical moments, and share your tracks with fellow explorers? The ExplorOz Traveller App transcends the usual GPS functionality and brings a wealth of sharable, data-rich content to your fingertips. Learn how to create comprehensive track logs full of tantalising details about the history and wildlife of the areas you traverse, all gleaned from fellow travellers who've ventured to remote corners since 2006. This episode illuminates the power of this app, promising to revolutionise how you capture and share your adventures across Australia's diverse landscape. Prepare for a deep dive into the ExplorOz Traveller App - your ticket to an enriched travel experience.

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind creating digital maps? Cue the nostalgia as we take you back to our beginnings as a mapping publisher and the birth of our first map set, EOTopo 2013. We reveal the intricacies of our journey, from developing our digital mapping technology that allowed users to download and use our maps on various devices, to incorporating data from our research and user contributions.  In the second half of the episode, we delve into the fascinating transition from raster to vector mapping, explaining the differences and what it means for the user. Highlighting the technical challenges faced, we shed light on the incredible detail that goes into building our maps, with over 260 different data elements, each backed by its own database! You'll hear the backstory of how we have been able to produce a national product, integrating data sources to compile an outback topographic map that suits our users' needs. Listen in as we unfold the excitement and complexities of our mapmaking journey.

Have you ever wondered where the spirit of adventure can lead? Embark on a captivating journey with us as we unravel the genesis of our podcast, ExplorOz and how our free-range upbringing ignited our passion for exploration. Reminisce with us about the thrilling treks with our dad, minimalist camping, and the influence of these experiences on our current venture. From the adrenaline rush of David's solo walk to Everest Base Camp to our training as scuba diving instructors, we have many extraordinary experiences to share. Listen in as we discuss the intriguing balance between business and recreational pursuits and how we've grown ExplorOz from a simple idea to what it is today. Be a part of our journey, and don't miss out on the upcoming episodes with even more exciting content. Subscribe now!

Have you ever wished you could turn your travel passion into a thriving enterprise? Well, buckle up as we navigate the highs and lows of building our ExplorOz Business. We share our humble beginnings, from documenting our travel experiences to setting up our early user interaction systems, and the exhilarating challenge of converting our passion into revenue. We take you through our journey of creating an e-commerce platform for essential travel gear and our efforts towards building a successful membership program. We also delve into the milestone of constructing EOTopo, our innovative Raster map set that redefined exploration and navigation. Moving forward, we pull the curtain back on developing our indispensable Traveller app. We recount the brainstorming sessions, the process of transforming ideas into reality, and their significance in shaping the ExplorOz journey. This journey hasn't been a smooth ride, but with each bump, each success has been worth it, to bring a fantastic product to market and help others travel and explore Australia. Join us, as we unravel our tale of trials, triumphs, and the continuous evolution of our ExplorOz Business.

What if you dared to quit your day job and embark on a thrilling adventure? That's precisely what we, David and Michelle, did when we traded our corporate lives for a troop carrier and the endless roads of Australia. Recalling our life-changing scuba diving holiday in Vanuatu, we share how we ended up joining the Toyota Land Cruiser Club, and how a cancer scare led us to a spontaneous and life-altering journey to Cape York. We'll take you through the trials and triumphs of our exciting journey, backed by the power of the internet and our popular website, Beach and Beyond, which helped us connect with a vast community of 10,000 like-minded individuals. The adventure doesn't end there, though. We delve into our heartwarming experience in Birdsville, a small town that inspired us to use our platform to support local businesses. We'll discuss how we balanced our wanderlust with financial realities by picking up contract jobs in Sydney, and our journey across the continent to Perth. As we reminisce about the birth and growth of our business, ExplorOz, we'll reveal how we integrated maps into the platform and how the business model evolved over time. So, get ready for a wild ride as we share our adventures and misadventures and valuable lessons we've gathered along the way. Stay tuned for more insights into the ExplorOz business in our next episode!

Have you ever wondered how a map raster product could morph into an app that aids explorers Australia-wide? Join us as we unpack the fascinating journey of the ExplorOz Traveller App, from its humble beginnings to its current version. The early years were fraught with numerous challenges due to limited device storage space. Yet, we persevered, packing this app with features galore, without compromising the device's performance. Our commitment to user feedback played a critical role, in helping us shape a user management system that made the app accessible and useful for all. Today's episode also encompasses the app's transition from its roots in the EOTopo 2019 raster map product to its advanced Vector version. User feedback, as always, was instrumental in shaping this growth, influencing the unique features the app boasts today. Our grappling journey with diverse devices and platforms, and the adventure of designing an adaptable and user-friendly system are all on the table. So, buckle up, subscribe and join us on this captivating journey through the intriguing technicalities of mapping and navigation in the ExplorOz Traveller App. 

Welcome to "ExplorOz: Australian Offroad Adventures and Navigation," your Aussie Podcast gateway to the thrilling world of Aussie outdoor adventure and exploration. In this captivating podcast series, we invite you to join us, your hosts Michelle and David, as we embark on a remarkable journey across Australia's vast and untamed landscapes and beyond. But first, let us introduce ourselves. We're passionate wanderers who have dedicated our lives to the art of exploration. Our free-range upbringing ignited a deep-seated love for the great outdoors, setting us on a path to discover the hidden gems of this incredible world. Throughout this series, we'll unravel the story of ExplorOz, our brainchild that has grown into a thriving community of like-minded adventurers. We'll share tales of our most exhilarating treks, from David's heart-pounding solo walk to Everest Base Camp to our adventures as scuba diving instructors. But this podcast isn't just about reliving our past journeys; it's about the ongoing adventure of ExplorOz. We'll take you behind the scenes, sharing the trials and triumphs of creating the ExplorOz Traveller app—a game-changer for modern-day explorers. And that's not all. We'll delve into the fascinating world of mapping, discussing the transition from Raster to Vector maps and the importance of EoTopo. Plus, you'll discover how this platform has evolved to become an essential tool for adventurers like you. But the adventure doesn't stop there. Join us as we plan for future escapades on the open road, offering insights into the preparations required for a six-month journey of a lifetime. We'll also extend an invitation for club presentations and demos—a chance for you to connect with us and fellow adventurers. Throughout this series, we'll reflect on our favourite Australian destinations, the diverse beauty of this land, and address important topics like responsible camping, travel courtesy, and safety on the road. So, if you're an ExplorOz community member, an enthusiast of camping, hiking, 4WDing, or simply someone with a thirst for adventure, this podcast is tailor-made for you. Join us on this thrilling voyage of discovery, and together, we'll share, learn, and connect with the spirit of exploration. Don't miss out on the upcoming episodes filled with exciting content. Subscribe now, and let "ExplorOz: Australian Offroad Adventures and Navigation" be your compass for adventure.