Here in Australia, finding the right GPS system often means navigating web sites from the U.S. or U.K. that don't always have as much relevance; just when you thought you've struck a great deal for a GPS system, overseas delivery charges are a bigger obstacle than the Great Barrier Reef. If you want to find good deals on Garmin GPS systems here, then you'll have to come to the right source. That's us.
First Things First
Accessing a site like Garmin Australia is a great place to start - there you'll find a range of GPS products that fit plenty of different Australia lifestyles, whether you're a commuter in Sydney in need of a car GPS or an adventurer in the outback who needs something a little more flexible. Fisherman, hikers, bicyclers, and runners alike will also find Garmin GPS systems available in Australia that fit every possible need; without having to locate the U.S. on a map to do it!
So that's where to start: decide on the kind of GPS system you want at Garmin's Australia hub and you'll soon find yourself introduced to a world of options and features. It's important that you know exactly what you're looking for upfront rather than improvising or selecting a certain product because you like how it looks on the web page.
What Makes a GPS Australian?
It's the maps, stupid! So many Garmin products - and any GPS products for that matter - come with pre-loaded North American maps that you'll have to do some navigating just to find the proper Australian maps. Those of us under the Southern Cross rather than the Northern Star can't exactly do a whole lot with a map of Oregon, but a map of New South Wales and Australia at large will suit our needs.
Check out the nüvi® 1250, which comes with an Australia/New Zealand version without a major hamper on the price - in fact, check any Garmin product you find on the Internet for the Australia or Australia/New Zealand preloaded maps.
Garmin GPS systems are among the best in the world, not just in western Europe or North America, so there's no reason why were here in Australia can't enjoy these excellent products as well. Remember: it's important to do your own research and know you're buying an Australian pre-loaded map before you click "order," so stay on your toes, even on the top sites like Garmin.com.