Our journey with ExplorOz began after a transformative two-year stint traveling around Australia before we had kids. In the 1990s, we embarked on the "big lap" in our 20s with a 75 series "troopy" and a custom-built O'Briens off-road butterfly trailer. At that time, we stood out as the "blond nomads" among the predominantly retired travelers, seeking an escape from the city rat race that was wearing us down. David's vow to find a way to make a living without computers didn’t quite pan out, but our travels led to something even better.
Born and raised in
Sydney, we both needed a change, especially after David’s battle with lymphatic cancer. With extensive experience living and working in both rural and urban settings, and a passion for adventure sports like scuba diving and windsurfing, we were
well-prepared for our journey. David had already completed a solo 28-day trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base
Camp, and we both had multiple scuba certifications, including deep wreck dives.
Our trip was filled with highlights, from diving with a giant hammerhead on the Coral Sea to exploring the freshwater abyss of Ewens Ponds. However, it was the desert regions of Australia that truly captivated us. We connected with outback communities and noticed a gap between the needs of these communities and the expectations of travelers. This inspired us to create ExplorOz as a
bridge, helping travelers plan better trips and support local
services.
Launching in March 2000, during the early days of the internet, we faced numerous challenges but saw immense potential in technology. Over 22 years, we worked from
home, raised our family, and evolved our business through technological advancements and economic challenges.
ExplorOz started as the largest online digital map
shop in Australia, selling popular products and eventually creating our own map products. Our
EOTopo maps and the
ExplorOz Traveller app, launched in 2016, have become essential
tools for travelers, offering comprehensive navigation and mapping capabilities on all platforms.
Today,
ExplorOz Traveller is the leading premium Navigation & Mapping app in the Australian app stores, continuing to help travelers explore the vast and beautiful landscapes of Australia.