Catriona Rowntree – Australian Television Presenter and Travel Personality

Catriona Rowntree is one of Australia’s best-known television presenters, celebrated for her warmth, infectious enthusiasm and passion for travel. Best recognised as a longtime presenter of Channel Nine’s popular travel and lifestyle program Getaway, Catriona has spent decades exploring destinations around the world and sharing her experiences with Australian audiences. Often affectionately described as Australia’s most travelled woman, she has become a familiar and much-loved personality in Australian television, with a career spanning travel journalism, radio, entertainment presenting, writing and live events.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1971, Catriona Rowntree developed an interest in media and storytelling from an early age. She studied journalism at Macleay College in Sydney, graduating in 1990 before beginning her professional career in media.

Her early experience included working in newsrooms and community radio, where she developed her interviewing and presenting skills. She eventually joined ABC youth radio station Triple J, presenting the national Weekend Request Show.

Catriona’s enthusiasm, natural communication skills and engaging personality soon attracted opportunities in television. In 1993, she joined the Nine Network’s children’s program Wonder World! as a researcher before progressing to reporting and eventually becoming one of its presenters.

These early experiences helped establish the foundations of a successful television career.

Getaway and Becoming Australia’s Most Recognised Travel Presenter

In 1996, Catriona Rowntree joined Channel Nine’s travel and lifestyle program Getaway, beginning what would become one of the longest-running presenting careers in Australian television.

Over the following decades, she travelled extensively, introducing viewers to extraordinary destinations, fascinating cultures, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable holiday experiences.

Her natural curiosity, friendly personality and enthusiasm for discovering new places quickly made her a favourite with audiences. Whether exploring luxury resorts, experiencing local traditions, sampling international cuisine or meeting interesting people, Catriona brought a genuine sense of adventure to every story.

Her contribution to Getaway has made her one of Australia’s most recognisable travel presenters, with more than 30 years associated with the program.

Television Career and Entertainment Appearances

Although best known for her work on Getaway, Catriona Rowntree has enjoyed a diverse television career across entertainment, lifestyle and special event programming.

Her television credits include Wonder World!, What’s Up Doc?, Australia’s Funniest Home Videos, The National IQ Test and The Chopping Block. She has also appeared as a presenter at the TV Week Logie Awards, bringing her warmth and engaging personality to one of Australia’s biggest television celebrations.

In addition to her travel presenting, Catriona has taken on new opportunities in lifestyle television, including hosting Country House Hunters, further demonstrating her versatility and ability to connect with audiences.

Her experience across different television formats has established her as a respected and adaptable Australian presenter.

Author and Passion for Travel

Catriona’s love of travel extends beyond television. She is also an accomplished author, having published several books inspired by her adventures and experiences.

In 2006, she released Catriona’s Australia: 100 of My Favourite Aussie Locations, celebrating some of her favourite destinations throughout Australia.

Her other publications include A Grandmother’s Wisdom, released in 2013, and The Best of World Cruising, published in 2019.

Through her writing, Catriona shares her enthusiasm for discovering new places, experiencing different cultures and making the most of travel opportunities. Her books reflect the same friendly, informative approach that has made her such a popular television personality.

Life Beyond Television

Away from the television cameras, Catriona enjoys life in regional Victoria with her husband, farmer James Pettit, whom she married in 2008, and their two sons.

Her move from Sydney to rural Victoria brought a new perspective to her life, giving her an appreciation for country living, farming and the Australian landscape.

Catriona has also pursued personal challenges outside her television career. In 2023, she achieved a long-held ambition by qualifying as a pilot, demonstrating her determination to embrace new experiences and challenges.

Her interests in travel, family, country living and adventure continue to influence her work and public appearances.

Charity Work and Community Involvement

Catriona Rowntree has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting charitable organisations and community initiatives throughout her career.

Her involvement has included supporting Mission Australia, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, the Arnott’s Foundation and Phillip Island Penguin conservation initiatives.

She has also served as an Australian Landcare Ambassador, supporting environmental awareness and the importance of protecting Australia’s natural landscapes.

Through her charitable work and public profile, Catriona has used her position in the entertainment industry to help promote worthwhile causes and encourage community involvement.

Corporate Events, Hosting and Public Speaking

Alongside her television career, Catriona Rowntree is a highly regarded master of ceremonies, event host and guest speaker.

Her extensive broadcasting experience, quick wit and ability to engage audiences make her a popular choice for corporate functions, awards nights, conferences, fundraising events and special celebrations.

Whether interviewing high-profile guests, hosting a major event or sharing entertaining stories from her travels, Catriona brings professionalism, warmth and spontaneity to the stage.

Her natural storytelling ability and extensive experience in front of live audiences make her an appealing presenter for events across Australia.

Catriona Rowntree’s Contribution to Australian Entertainment

Catriona Rowntree has established an impressive career through her passion for travel, natural presenting ability and genuine connection with audiences. From her early days in community radio and children’s television to becoming one of the most recognisable faces of Getaway, she has built a lasting presence in Australian entertainment.

Her enthusiasm for discovering the world, sharing stories and embracing new experiences has made her a much-loved television personality for generations of viewers.

With decades of broadcasting experience, a successful publishing career and an ongoing commitment to live events and charitable causes, Catriona continues to be a respected and engaging figure in Australian television and entertainment.