We had the good fortune of connecting with Ingrid Hutchinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ingrid, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
We’re Ingrid and Peter – better known these days as the Yambling Yowies. While we come from different countries, we share a lot of the same values, many of which come from how we were raised.

I (Ingrid) grew up on a ranch in Wyoming, USA, and Peter grew up on a farm in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland. Life on the land taught us both some pretty foundational lessons early on – the biggest being that if you want something, you work for it. Farm life doesn’t allow for shortcuts. You show up, you pitch in, and you learn to be resourceful.

That mindset has shaped who we are, both individually and as a couple. We’re practical, independent, and not afraid to get our hands dirty. Whether it’s navigating life on the road, fixing something that’s fallen apart (again), or planning out our next adventure, that upbringing has given us the confidence to figure things out as we go.

It also gave us an appreciation for space, quiet moments, and hard-earned achievements – all of which come in handy when you’re living out of a caravan and chasing experiences wherever the road leads, whether that’s across Australia or around the world. The way we were raised didn’t just prepare us for this lifestyle – it made us crave it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Peter’s career started with his hands quite literally. As a boilermaker and mechanical fitter, he spent years working physically hard, solving problems with tools and steel. But beneath the surface, Peter struggled with anxiety every single day. The pressure of the job, the environment, and not always feeling in control took a toll. What he really wanted was to do something on his own terms, to have the freedom to manage his time and life. That desire for autonomy and a better work-life balance, combined with the love and support we have for each other, motivated him to rethink his path. His grit and persistence, fueled by our shared commitment to succeed together, now shape how he tackles challenges, whether in work or life on the road.

For me (Ingrid), my career was a different kind of grind. I learned to manage stress and juggle competing priorities in a demanding corporate role, working 60-plus hours a week driven by a perfectionist streak and a push to climb the ladder. But like many big companies, the more you give, the more they expect and take. I took on too much, pushed myself too hard, and eventually hit burnout. Not a little burnout, but a big one that forced me to stop and rethink everything about what I wanted from life and work. It was a tough lesson, but with Peter’s unwavering support and our shared determination, I found the courage to choose a different path, one that prioritises balance, wellbeing, and living life on our own terms.

Together, our careers, one battling anxiety and chasing autonomy, the other facing burnout and seeking balance, have shaped not just our work ethic, but our values. We’re proud of what we achieved professionally, but even more excited about the freedom we’ve created now to pursue life on our own terms, an also a much slower place.

What we want the world to know about us and our brand, Yambling Yowies, is that it’s about resilience, honesty, and embracing life’s ups and downs. We’re not perfect, and the road isn’t always smooth, but every challenge is a lesson, and every journey a story worth sharing. Our story is proof that it’s never too late to change course and create a life that fits you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whether it’s our best mate from down the street or someone visiting from far away, our approach is always the same. We treat everyone like family and share what we love most. So, if you were spending a week with us exploring, get ready for an adventure full of 4WD tracks, hikes, incredible food, and some of our favourite secret spots.

We’d start with some thrilling off-road driving through rugged mountain trails or coastal tracks, breathing in fresh air and soaking up stunning views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, from majestic birds soaring overhead to curious creatures grazing nearby. Doesn’t matter what it is, each experience is like the first.

After working up an appetite, we’d take you somewhere where the food comes straight from the source. We prefer a fresh catch from local waters or produce grown nearby. There’s something special about enjoying meals that connect you to the environment you’re exploring.

Of course, we’d hit some beautiful trails for hiking, places that offer breathtaking panoramas and quiet moments surrounded by nature. And if the weather’s right, you’ll find us relaxing by the water – which is truly our happy place. So, whether that’s a mountain lake, a river, or the ocean being able to take a dip, swim, or just chilling, and soaking it all in helps decompress and reconnect with nature.

What really makes any place magical though? The people. Friendly faces who love sharing stories and welcoming visitors like family. That connection to the land, the food, and the community, this is what we treasure most.

No matter where you are, mountain or sea, it’s all about stepping back, embracing the wild, and making memories that last a lifetime. That’s what we love and what we want to share with you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, we’ve got quite a few people to thank — because this kind of lifestyle doesn’t just happen in a bubble.

First, a huge shoutout to our families. Growing up on farms in Wyoming and the Lockyer Valley taught us the value of hard work, resilience, and making things happen with whatever you’ve got. and those lessons still drive us every day. Our parents led by example. They’re the kind of people who don’t see retirement as slowing down, they still want to work, stay busy, and feel useful. They took holidays here and there, but when it came to real travel, they now carry some regrets about not making it a priority. Watching that has been a big motivator for us to live differently, to make the most of our time now, not “someday.”

We also want to thank the incredible community of travellers, the ones we’ve met on the road, online, and around the campfire. It’s a generous, honest, slightly quirky bunch who freely share tips, stories, and support. They’ve helped us fix things, find hidden gems, and laugh through the chaos when things go sideways (as they always do).

And lastly, we’d have to shout out each other. It takes a special kind of patience (and humour) to live in a small space full-time, deal with breakdowns (both mechanical and emotional), and still love every minute of it. We’ve learned to lean on each other, grow together, and make this whole thing possible because we’re in it as a team.

Website: https://yamblingyowies.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/yambling_yowies

Facebook: https://facebook.com/YamblingYowies

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YamblingYowies

Other: https://linktr.ee/yamblingyowies

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