Catriona Rowntree

Catriona Rowntree's Biography

"Australia's Most Travelled Woman”, that's the title earned by Catriona Rowntree after more than 18 years at the helm of Australia's favourite travel show Getaway on Channel Nine. Her television career began after completing a Diploma of Journalism at Macleay College in 1990, followed by stints researching at BRW, various Sydney newsrooms, and beginning an obsession for Community Radio via putting the news to air and hosting an interview show on FM 915(Rhythm and Jazz).

In 1992 Catriona auditioned along with 8,000 other hopefuls, for a Reporters job in WonderWorld!, making it into the final 5 girls, but was piped at the post. Persistence led to victory when Catriona was taken on as a Researcher in 1993. After much begging, the following year Catriona was allowed to film one story for the show (Putt Putt Golf, where she donned a safari suit and had a ball, literally) and has been employed on-air ever since.

That soon led to hosting ‘What's Up Doc’, filmed live on weekends from GTV in Melbourne and after 3 years of sending out resumes to her favourite radio stations, the Community Radio obsession evolved into a paid gig on Triple J radio, hosing the national Weekend Request Show. So began a period of working 7 days a week in 3 states and loving every single second of it. In 1994 Catriona stepped into the Hosts seat on WonderWorld!.

The hard work paid off and the golden opportunity to roam the globe for Getaway was offered in 1996. Since then Catriona has worked on many other TV projects including the National IQ Test, Funniest Home Videos, Logies Red Carpet Arrivals and The Chopping Block. In 2006, Catriona celebrated her 10 years on Getaway by publishing 'Catriona's Australia: 100 of ‘My Favourite Aussie locations' through JDP, which illustrates some amazing locations and hidden wonders throughout Australia.

In addition to her TV roles, Catriona has been able to utilise her passion for Community work as the Patron of the Arnotts Foundation, Ambassador for OCRF, Mission Australia, and the Phillip Island Penguins. In 2010, Catriona was delighted to honour her husband’s role as Chairman of the Geelong Landcare Network by becoming an Australian Landcare Ambassador and in 2012 she has also become the Ambassador for Year of the Farmer.

Catriona has worked with many brands including Nivea, Sunsense, Goulburn Valley, Woolworths Baby & Toddler Club, and is the the Brand Ambassador for Pharmacare’s VitaGummies and Restore ranges. Catriona has also worked with Bauer (formally ACP) as a Spokesperson for Priceline a sponsor of the 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty 2012 events.

Personally, Catriona's life completely changed when marrying Victorian farmer James Pettit in 2008 and swapping her Jimmy Choo's for RM Williams. An absolute passion for the land and environment is now able to blossom in every way. Catriona and James welcomed baby Andrew into the world in 2009 and returned to her Getaway travels in 2010, their second baby Charles was born in March 2011.

Welcoming all opportunities motherhood has brought, Catriona designs a children's range of clothing with Target which has been hugely successful and growing each year. In collaboration with her baby range, Catriona is also a Brand Ambassador for Australian Wool Innovation Limited.

In 2013 Catriona released her second book ‘A Grandmother’s Wisdom’ a story of a beautiful relationship between a Grandmother and Grandchild.

As a self-confessed chatterbox, Catriona Rowntree is a highly sort after public speaker and MC – spontaneous, witty and always in control, she leaves every room engaged and entertained!