Wikicamps has been the best app by far that we’ve used on our trip around Australia.
We’ve been on the road for 12 months now and it’s saved us hundreds of dollars in camp site fees, as we’ve used it to find free camps along the way.
If you’ve already been using Wikicamps you’ll know how easy it is to find campgrounds, free camps, backpacker hostels and caravan parks – but you might not know about these other amazing features we’ve found too.
Wikicamps Hack #1
Walking tracks – if you’re travelling with kids or pets – or both like us – you’ll always be looking for outdoor activities that will burn off some energy – especially if you’ve been in the car or bus a lot that day. Select ‘walking tracks’ in the features list and you’ll find over 7600 tracks to explore – with just under half of these dog friendly too. You can also select campgrounds with walking tracks so you can set up camp then head off and explore – with over 3000 of these available country wide (over 1800 pet friendly)
Bush walking with Bobby
Wikicamps Hack #2
Swimming holes – Wikicamps has led us to hundreds of great swimming spots – from secluded watering holes to public pools – you can find the closest place to cool down in the heat.
Natural artesian pool in Ilfracombe, QLD
Wikicamps Hack #3
Power points – When we’re free camping for a few days and not driving very far we find that we run all our batteries down. We don’t travel with a generator so we need to plug in every few days – you have the option to search for day use areas and public areas with power points available so we can have a pull up at a lovely picnic spot and literally recharge the batteries!
Wikicamps Hack #4
Playgrounds – you have the option of searching for campgrounds, days use areas or places with a playground – perfect when looking for somewhere to stay, picnic or just stop along the way with the kids and dog who all need a run. We can also filter for playgrounds with BBQ, toilets and dog friendly options so we can always find the perfect place to pull over.
Find some unique playgrounds with Wikicamps
Wikicamps Hack #5
Checklist – On the home page there is checklist menu – a pre-loaded camping list that you can use in the packing stage of your trip. As you pack items you check them off and they disappear of your list – you can also add new lists personalised to your needs. If you’re a list lover then don’t forget to check out this ultimate Aussie Family Camping Checklist before you head off on your next adventure.
.
Wikicamps Hack #6
Donation campsites – everyone knows about the amazing free camps listed on Wikicamps – but you can also filter campgrounds to be by donation only. For a donation of choice you can stay at over 300 campsites in Australia – with 200 of those being pet friendly and 80 having hot showers. The donation campsites that we have stayed at have often been run proudly by local communities or Lions Clubs and have been incredibly well maintained with great facilities. Don’t forget to search this option before you decide where to stay.
Wikicamps Hack #7
Day Use Areas – as well as overnight stays, Wikicamps can give you ideas of what to do during the days too. You can search for day use areas (and also Points of Interest) with all sorts of filters – perfect for filling in a spare afternoon on your trip.
Wikicamps Hack #8
Fishing Spots – if you love fishing there are some great spots for you. You can also add filters for the rest of the family – so fishing spots with playgrounds or day spas (kidding) – but you can add safety features when travelling to the NT or TNQ such as crocodile free spots.
Fishing spots in WA on the Wikicamps app
Wikicamps Hack #9
Showers – we don’t have facilities on our bus so when we’re free camping we need to find daily showers. We sometimes luck out and find hot showers at our campsite – otherwise Wikicamps steps in and finds the closest shower option for us – whether it be a local swimming pool, road house, truck spot, beach or sports ground – there have always been shower options close to hand.
A cold shower is lovely in Summer!
Wikicamps Hack #10
Satellite Finder – we don’t travel with a TV but for anyone with a van this would come in super handy – Wikicamps tells you the exact location of the closest satellite so you know exactly which way to angle your antenna. No need to miss Masterchef while you’re on the road!
Do you use Wikicamps? If not – download it now on this link – if you do we’d love to hear your tips too – please let us know in the comments below!
***This post contains affiliate links – for our full disclosure please click here.
Have you used this app in other countries outside Australia?