2026 update -

A few years ago, we shared some of our favourite smartphone apps for hiking, whether exploring with friends or heading out on a solo adventure. As technology is always evolving, we’ve given the information a refresh.

While your smartphone should never replace good planning, navigation skills, a paper map, a compass or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) when appropriate, it can be a powerful tool to help you plan, navigate, monitor changing conditions and, in an emergency, help first responders find you faster.

Your smartphone is a tool

Before we dive into apps, it’s worth remembering a few things:

Always tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
Carry sufficient food, water and an appropriate first aid kit.
Plan your walk and understand the distance, terrain and expected duration.
Be prepared to back track, if you feel like you are off track go back to the point that you recognise.

Even the best apps have limitations. Batteries go flat, phones get dropped, screens crack and weather or terrain can interfere with GPS accuracy.

Depending on your adventure, consider carrying a backup navigation method and avoid relying solely on your phone for safety.

Here are some of the apps we think every Australian hiker should consider carrying in their pocket.

Emergency+ App: A Must-Have

The one app we recommend for every Australian hiking enthusiast is Emergency+.

The app uses your phone's GPS to display your location and can help you provide accurate location details when contacting emergency services. It also displays a three-word location using what3words technology.

Importantly, your GPS location and what3words address can still be displayed without mobile data coverage. However, you still need access to a mobile network to actually call Triple Zero (000).

This is one reason why remote area hikers often carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite communication device. These can often be borrowed or hired from local police stations or National Parks Offices near your hike.

Weather awareness is important

Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas, coastal regions and remote locations.

Checking the forecast before you leave is important but often isn't enough.

Using the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app and other weather and hazard related apps can be very useful in your planning and during your hike.

Offline maps can keep you on track

Many popular hiking apps now allow you to download maps before leaving home.

This means you can still view your location on a map when you're far beyond mobile reception. See more on navigation apps below.

Apps all hikers should consider:

Weather & Hazards

BOM Weather – Weather forecasts, warnings and radar.
Hazards Near Me NSW – Alerts for fires, floods and other emergencies.
Fires Near Me Australia – National bushfire information and warnings.
RiverApp – River heights, flows and flood monitoring.
WillyWeather – Detailed weather, wind and rainfall forecasts, sourced from BOM.

Emergency & First Aid

Emergency+ – Shares your location with emergency services.
Australian Red Cross First Aid – First aid advice and emergency guidance.
Australian Bites & Stings – Treatment advice for bites and stings.
What3Words – Helps pinpoint your exact location.

Navigation & Route Planning

Maps.me – Offline maps and navigation.
AllTrails – Find trails, maps and hike reviews.
Gaia GPS – Advanced GPS navigation and route planning.
Avenza Maps – Offline topographic and park maps.
Topo GPS – Topographic maps and route tracking.
OSMAnd – Offline maps, navigation and GPS tracking.

The best app is the one you know how to use

Downloading an app the night before a hike isn't enough.

Spend some time learning how it works, downloading maps, testing features and understanding its limitations on training hikes before you need it on the trail.

Technology is a wonderful companion in the outdoors, but preparation, awareness and good judgement remain your most valuable hiking skills.