OUR MISSION

To transform lives through adventure, fostering positive community impact and enhancing well-being.

I Go Overland Our Story Founder Chris

OUR STORY

Fueling Adventures, Inspiring Change

Life has its challenges. I went through a traumatic experience where my mental health suffered. I was losing hope and went down a downward spiral. I was in a dark place and didn't see a positive future. At my darkest hour, I discovered overlanding. As I overlanded around Australia, I found peace and positivity. Going on adventures, being in nature, and exploring turned my life around.

I remember a moment, sitting by a campfire quenching my thirst in the middle of the Great Victoria Desert. It had been a long day traversing the sand dunes and being shaken by the corrugated track. We were in the middle of nowhere. I mean, nowhere. There would not have been another person within 200 hundred kilometres. Alone, isolated, quiet, still. A feeling came over me that I had not felt. My soul found peace in the calmness of nature. I felt at home, healed, in this beautiful landscape. At that moment, I knew that I had to inspire others through adventure so I could help their lives as it helped mine.

The Beginnings 

The I GO OVERLAND story started on those rugged trails and serene campsites of some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Driven by a love for the outdoors, the aim is to share the joy and transformative power of exploration. Whether it was navigating challenging terrains, setting up camp under a starlit sky, or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, every adventure fueled our passion and commitment.

Inspiring Through Experience 

Our YouTube channel was the first step in bringing our vision to life. Through silent vlogs, we capture the essence of our camping and off-roading experiences, allowing our audience to immerse themselves in the adventure. Each video is crafted to inspire, educate, and ignite the wanderlust in every viewer, encouraging them to embark on their own journeys. 

Early YouTube success began with a solo camping adventure into a forest during a rain storm:

This video connected with our audience with feedback like this: 

  • @animagix: "You deserve more views and subscribers. Good video. Good luck with the Channel." 
  • @GoblinzHD: "Great video again, glad you're videos are starting to get more views! Keep it up 😊" 

The videos are making an impact, and these are just the beginning. There are exciting videos in the pipeline and plenty of ideas for how this platform will inspire and enhance people's lives!

A Commitment to Education and Well-being 

We believe that knowledge is key to safe and fulfilling adventures. That's why we'll create educational content tailored for overlanders, campers, off-roaders, and adventurers. From tips on vehicle maintenance and off-road driving techniques to guidance on finding the perfect campsite and ensuring environmental sustainability, our goal is to equip our community with the information they need to explore remote destinations confidently and responsibly.

Through our YouTube videos, products, blog posts, and social media, we strive to inspire outdoor experiences, enhance people's lives, and enable overlanding adventures. As my quality of life has improved, I want to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible. 

Making a Difference 

At I GO OVERLAND, we are dedicated to more than just adventure. We are committed to driving global change and supporting communities. As part of our mission, we dedicate a significant portion of our profit to not-for-profits that create positive change. Our donations focus on these four areas: 

  1. Supporting emergency services that may be required when overlanding. 
  2. Improving mental health and well-being in rural communities. 
  3. Enhancing the quality of life for people living in poverty. 
  4. Supporting leading cancer charities, as cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide.

Supported Charities

  • Improves the lives of people living in extreme poverty by helping you make the most effective donations possible to high-impact charities.

    The Life You Can Save website 
  • CareFlight logo

    Saves lives by providing the highest standard of aeromedical pre-hospital critical care.

    CareFlight website 
  • Outback Futures logo

    Works with outback communities to bring about long-lasting, positive changes in mental health and well-being.

    Outback Futures website 
  • World Vision logo

    Empowers people out of poverty, making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

    World Vision website 
  • Cancer Council logo

    Leading the way towards a cancer-free future by reducing cancer risk, improving cancer survival, and enhancing the quality of life of people affected by cancer.

    Cancer Council website 
  • Leukaemia Foundation logo

    Delivers valuable services and support that help people with blood cancer survive and live a better quality of life.

    Leukaemia Foundation website 

Our Goals 

"And if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough." – Bono 

Our goals are ambitious and far-reaching. We aim to make a massive impact on the world. We have grand plans to build a vehicle capable of overlanding across the globe and then embark on this epic journey.

Why? This adventure isn't just about exploration; it's about witnessing poverty firsthand, identifying where help is most needed, and providing on-the-ground assistance. 

Starting in Australia, we plan to traverse the Americas, cross Africa, and explore Europe before making our way back home. We will document our journey through YouTube videos, blog posts, and social media, sharing our experiences, raising awareness, and inspiring others.

Our goal is to raise funds that will be donated to not-for-profit organisations dedicated to making a difference. 

Are you interested in supporting us on this incredible journey? Please get in touch. Your support would mean the world to us!

Commitment to the Environment

  • I Go Overland Our Story Environment

    ENVIRONMENT

    We are also passionate about ensuring the beautiful destinations we visit remain open and to be enjoyed for generations.

    We follow the leave it better than you found it approach when we are out and about. It is important, now more than ever, that we look after our lands for future generations.

  • I Go Overland Our Story Sustainability

    SUSTAINABILITY

    We only partner with companies committed to ensuring their processes are eco-friendly, and their inks are water-based, bio-degradable, and non-toxic.

    We are always a work in progress - you can trust us when we say our sustainability goals are more ambitious than crossing a crocodile infested creek.

Join the Journey 

Our community is the heart of our brand. We utilise YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to connect with fellow adventurers, share stories, and build a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Our online store offers a range of products designed to enhance your outdoor experiences and unique merchandise that reflects our adventurous spirit. 

We invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Together, let's explore the world, make unforgettable memories, and contribute to a better future. 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to show your support.  

Adventure Awaits 

Thank you for being a part of the I GO OVERLAND family. Your support fuels our adventures and our mission to inspire and enact positive change. Here's to many more journeys ahead. 

Happy Adventuring! 

Chris Gates [Founder]

"The world is a beautiful place to be, but it's even better when we make it better." - Anonymous