Catriona Rowntree (born 19 July 1971) is an Australian television presenter. She is best known for presenting the Nine Network travel series Getaway since 1996. The show earned her the title of Australia’s Most Travelled Woman.
Rowntree worked as a newsreader and music program host on radio before joining the Nine Network’s Wonder World! in 1992. As a travel expert, she wrote a book, Catriona’s Australia: My Favourite Aussie Locations, in 2006.
| Catriona Rowntree | |
|---|---|
 Catriona Rowntree is a reporter and presenter on the travel series Getaway. | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Catriona Rowntree |
| Born: | 19 July 1971 (age 53 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Parents: | Stephen Rowntree (father) Heather Rowntree (mother) |
| Education: | Journalism |
| Alma mater: | Macleay College |
| Occupation: | Television presenter |
| Years active: | 1991−date |
| Employer: | Nine Network |
| Spouse: | James Pettit (m. 2008) |
| Children: | Andrew, Charles |
| Relative: | Riria Smeaton (grandmother) |
| Siblings: | Andrew (brother), Lucinda (sister), Marisa (sister) |
Early Life and Family
Catriona Rowntree was born on 19 July 1971 in Sydney, Australia, to Stephen and Heather Rowntree. She was the youngest of four siblings – a brother, Andrew, and two sisters, Lucinda and Marisa.
Her father was the stricter parent, but she connected with him on a deeper level, often turning to him for support and guidance.
Her father gave each of her sibling about $1500 when they left school. She retained her family name after marriage and is proud of her family history. Catriona studied journalism at Macleay College in 1990.
Catriona Rowntree has opened up about her family’s health struggles, including her older sister Lucinda’s stage four cancer diagnosis in April 2023. Sadly, their father also battled cancer before passing away in 2013.
Where has Catriona Rowntree worked?
Catriona worked as a researcher with Business Review Weekly, 2GB, and Prime Television. She started working as a newsreader and music and lifestyle host on community radio. She later moved to ABC youth FM radio station, Triple J.
In 1992, Rowntree joined Nine Network as a researcher for the series Wonder World! She climbed to a reporter and later became a host in 1994.
While still in Triple J, she started working as the host of the children’s live show, What’s Up Doc? She eventually became the writer and producer of the show.
In 1996, Rowntree joined the series Getaway, a travel show about showing young travelers the world’s exciting destinations. She has become a household name for engaging, stimulating, and informative Getaway reports.
Rowntree is also on Nine’s special telecasts and live broadcasts. She is also known for shows like the National IQ Test, Australia’s Funniest Home Videos, The Chopping Block, and the Logies Red Carpet Arrivals.
In 2016, Rowntree had spent 20 years on Getaway. She is a patron of the Arnotts Foundation and an Ambassador for OCRF, Phillip Island Penguins, Mission Australia, Australian Landcare, and Year of the Farmer (2012).
Catriona Rowntree is a sought-after public speaker and MC when she’s not traveling or designing her range of baby clothes.
Who is the husband of Catriona Rowntree? Does she have children?
Catriona Rowntree married her long-time fiancé, James Pettit, in a private ceremony at the Geelong Grammar School. Her wedding dress, styled by Sydney designer Adam Dixon, incorporated her mother’s wedding dress.
Rowntree and Pettit initially dated from 1999 to 2005 after meeting through mutual friends. They reconnected, announced their engagement, and got married in 2008.
They welcomed their first child, Andrew John Rowntree Pettit, in 2009, and their second child, Charles Stephen Rowntree Pettit, arrived in 2011.
Rowntree has a unique souvenir habit of collecting headwear from every destination she visits after 25 incredible years of exploring over 100 countries.