Australian Road Trips smartphone app debuts

As technology improves, it was only a matter of time before someone bettered the humble touring atlas. Sat Nav may have its place, but the planning of your holiday, weekend or Sunday drive probably isn’t one of them.

Now, thanks to inventive Australian travel journalist Lee Atkinson, an iPhone and iPad application called Australian Road Trips takes the guess work your next road trip. This comprehensive and user-friendly interactive guide brings to life 25 of Australia’s best long-distance drive, as well as dozens of weekend jaunts and day trips.

Of the app’s many highlights are a trio of transcontinental expeditions (including the Nullabor crossing, the Adelaide to Darwin run and the famous Savannah Way from Cairns to Broome), as well as a number of signature journeys, such as the Mereenie Loop Road from Alice Springs to Uluru, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and the wonderful Waterfall Way.

Atkinson has also enabled the app to search selected themed itineraries that encompass national parks, tourist roads, iconic coastal routes, gourmet food and wine trails, spectacular alpine drives and beautiful country roads. All drive routes are accompanied by thousands of stunning photos across more than 265 different entries.

The app also provides driving directions, distances and things to see and do along the way. Eateries and accommodation recommendations are also made throughout each trip to ensure a pleasant and restful journey.

“The great thing about the app is that you can use it to plan your own unique trip according to your interests,” said Atkinson. “Using the sorting filters you can create a family-friendly road trip, a gourmet road trip, arty, 4WD, outback, coastal... whatever you want really. Or, it will just tell you the best foodie finds or great walking trails near you, if that’s all you want to know.”

Australian Road Trips is available for Apple iPhone and iPad for $4.49 -- which includes free updates. An Android version is currently under development.

To download Australia Road Trips search the App Store, or follow the links from www.ozyroadtripper.com.au