How to Navigate in Australia with Your Car GPS

Learning GPS can sometimes be a little like learning a new way to drive.  Gone are the days of consulting three different paper maps stashed in your glove compartment (though it's a good idea to keep those for backup anyway).  Gone are the days of pulling over and asking for directions, if the GPS does its job.  But when it comes to navigating in Australia, sometimes the U.S.-based GPS companies don't quite fill the order.

So how do you adjust to a new form of technology when you live in Australia?  You're about to find out.

Stick to the Australian GPS.

If you're going to buy your first GPS device and you live in Australia, you can cut the transition time by buying the GPS made specifically for you.  Telstra's Sensis maps can be geared for Australian users, focusing on a greater level of detail and accuracy to meet the demands of the Australian market.

In Australia, the two largest map-making companies are Sensis and NavTeq.  Focus on these products as you begin your search for an Australian-oriented GPS device that will suit your needs.  If money is a concern, make sure you stick to the lower-level devices that are designed for navigation novices.

Stay updated.

With the competition so heavy between Sensis and NavTeq, the race to provide more accurate maps for Australian roadways is on.  NavTeq is working hard to make sure they stay in the race, sending out its map car to map out Australia "one road at a time."

GPS devices can receive updates to your maps of Australia, which results in more comprehensive information and accuracy as time goes forward.  Don't simply buy your GPS and leave it alone; be sure to check in every month or so and see if there are any improvements you can make to the information you already have at your fingertips.

Get out there!

Of course, you won't know how well you can navigate Australia until you get out there.  No one's telling you to head out into the Outback and throw caution to the wind, but don't be afraid to explore a few roads and test your GPS a little bit.  After all, learning sometimes takes a little bit of guts.