Our journey began in the 1990s when, as two
young adventurers, we set out on the quintessential “big lap” to escape the city grind. Equipped with a 75-series “troopy” and a custom off-road trailer, we explored the country’s coastal routes and inland tracks, seeking the freedom and connection that only the outback can offer.
While the vast desert regions captured our hearts, we noticed a significant disconnect between the needs of outback communities and the expectations of travelers. This inspired us to create ExplorOz in 2000—a platform designed to empower travelers to explore smarter, support remote communities, and truly embrace the adventure of planning and living their travel dreams.
Our decision to sell up and travel was driven by a personal catalyst: David’s cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment in the 1990s. That health scare made us realise just how short life can be, motivating us to take a leap and explore the country before we grew too old to do so. At that time, the road trip lifestyle was largely the domain of "
grey nomads," but after experiencing it ourselves in our 20s we wanted to show that life on the road was for everyone—no matter your age. We aimed to inspire others to take the plunge, disconnect from the stress of daily life, and reconnect with nature.
Having relocated from NSW to Western Australia, we spent over two decades balancing work, family, and our passion for exploration. As our family grew, we have gradually returned to long-term travel for months at a time and finally dedicating 2024 and 2025 to working as full-time
explorers. We use the
ExplorOz Traveller app every day, relying on its offline maps,
campsite listings, and curated travel info—just like you.
Today, as we celebrate 25 years of helping Australians navigate the beauty of the outback, we’re proud to see our vision come to life. With the support of our engaged digital community, ExplorOz has become a trusted source for industry-leading
tools with the
ExplorOz Traveller app and
EOTopo maps leading the way. We're here to help make your journeys easier and more rewarding, whether you're new to outback travel or an experienced explorer.
ExplorOz remains a family-run business built on a genuine love for the outdoors, a commitment to supporting the traveller community, and a belief that it’s never too late to start living your adventure.