Errors in Apple's mapping application on the iPhone are "potentially life threatening," Australian police warn after several motorists were led off-track, and even stranded for 24 hours without food or water.

Police in Mildura, Victoria, on Monday urged motorists to "be careful" as officers have been receiving calls from "distressed" motorists who have become stranded in Murray-Sunset National Park after following inaccurate directions due to problems with the maps application in the new operating system introduced with the launch of the iPhone 5.

Police in Mildura, Australia, are recommending that motorists avoid Apple's Maps application on iPhone's latest operating system because it is giving erroneous directions. (Eric Risberg/Associated Press)

"Police are extremely concerned as there is no water supply within the park and temperatures can reach as high as 46 degrees Celsius, making this a potentially life-threatening issue," Mildura police said in a statement.

Apple's Maps application, on the new iOS 6 operating system, has already been the target of criticism, with reviewers pointing out missed locations, including William Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in September said the company was "extremely sorry" for the frustration its Maps application has caused, and is working to make it better.

Still, Mildura police's tests on Apple Maps on iOS 6 showed it listed the location of Mildura in the centre of the 633,000-hectare park, roughly 70 kilometres away from the city, it said.

As a result, some of the drivers using the mapping application were left stranded for up to 24 hours without food or water, and had to walk "long distance through dangerous terrain to get phone reception," the police statement said.

They recommended that anyone travelling within Victoria choose other navigation tools.

"Police have contacted Apple in relation to the issue and hope the matter is rectified promptly to ensure the safety of motorists," Mildura police said.