Maps aren’t dead! Suri, Alexa and Google don’t always play nice.

One of the most sought-after items in a Visitor Centre are maps. Maps and directions. That’s right, the old school printed maps haven’t been entirely forgotten about and if anything, they are making a comeback in the popularity stakes. And why wouldn’t they? They don’t go flat, they don’t use all your mobile data and even better there’s no automated voice mispronouncing all the street names. A map also allows you to view and plan your journey on one page, not spread across multiple screens.

Touring maps are crafted with travelers in mind. They offer details on tourist drive routes, landmarks, and amenities like fuel stations and rest stops.

They are more dependable they supply reliable navigation regardless of signal strength or battery life…so long as you know how to read one!

The right map presents your entire itinerary in one view, (usually spread across a family dining table or kitchen island) for meticulous journey planning. Spotting alternate routes (after all traffic and weather conditions can close roads), gauging distances, and scheduling stops become so much easier. Highlighter anyone?

The educational significance of a map is universal, using a map instils (and shows off) valuable proficiencies like deciphering legends, grasping scales, and orienting oneself. Dust off your own skills or pass them along to complacent family members.

Maps can be a keepsake: A map becomes a memento preserving cherished travel memories for years to come.

While we aren’t suggesting everyone runs out and buys a library of street directories for their glove box. We just want to make it known maps are available here at the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre if you are one of the many people that prefer to fold a map than to download one.

We stock a range of Hema touring maps including the majority of the Australian states, the City-to-City maps (Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane are popular sellers) as well as the full map of Australia (ideal for travelers doing the “lap” of our sunburnt country, as a whole or in sections). Prices start at $15, which honestly is probably far less than the fuel you’d use driving around lost with the way fuel prices are these days! And better yet, no postage – just call in to purchase. However, if you can’t call in, we can post to you at cost rate.

Another popular map is the “Map of Big Things”. Used by some like a bingo card of destinations they’ve been and plan to go to next, it helps families plan and navigate to destinations unknown and often roads that are less travelled. The big thing map covers over 200 big things Australia wide everywhere from the Big Pineapple to the Big Merino, the Big Prawn to the Big Bogan (yep, there is a big Bogan, showcasing one town’s sense of humour). It would make a great gift for families that like to travel.

We also have a range of road atlases, including 4WD’s around Sydney or a full touring atlas of Australia for those truly committed to seeing it all.

The Hawkesbury Information Centre stocks a local range of topographic maps for the avid bushwalkers or others that like to know the lay of the land they explore. What a relief! *boom, tish.

So, if you are a folder not a swiper when it comes to maps call in and see us.