Catriona Rowntree: Biography, Children, Husband, and Current Projects

Few Australian television personalities have spent as much time in front of a travel segment camera as Catriona Rowntree. For three decades she’s been the face of Nine Network’s Getaway, yet her own life has taken a quieter turn — swapping hotel rooms for a farm in Victoria alongside her husband, James Pettit. This article separates the verified facts from the speculation around her career, family, and the Quaker connection that often comes up.

Age: 54 · Nationality: Australian · Occupation: Television and radio presenter · Years on Getaway: 30 · Spouse: James Pettit

Key facts at a glance:

What is Catriona Rowntree’s background?

What nationality is Catriona Rowntree?

Catriona Rowntree is Australian by nationality, born on 19 July 1971 in Australia, according to her Wikipedia entry. She began her media career in community radio before moving to national broadcasting, hosting an interview show on FM 915 and later a segment on Triple J’s Weekend Request Show, as noted by Platinum Speakers.

Her big break came in 1992 when she joined the Nine Network’s travel program Getaway. Platinum Speakers describes her as “one of the longest-running presenters for a single program” in Australian television. Over the years, she has earned the unofficial title “Australia’s Most Travelled Woman.”

The pattern: Rowntree’s early radio experience gave her the foundation for her long TV career.

How did Catriona Rowntree meet her husband?

Who is Catriona Rowntree’s husband?

How did they meet?

Catriona Rowntree is married to James Pettit, a farmer. According to Wikipedia, the couple lives on a farm in Victoria. Her Instagram bio – which calls herself a “fresh farmers wife” – confirms the rural setting. The exact details of how they met have not been publicly disclosed, but news reports from The Age (August 2025 feature) mention a family Christmas celebration, suggesting they have been together for several years.

The couple reportedly married around 2015. Social media posts reviewed by Instagram show family-oriented content, including Christmas toys and home scenes, reinforcing the picture of a close-knit farm life.

The implication: her private life remains largely shielded from public scrutiny.

How many children has Catriona Rowntree got?

How old are Catriona Rowntree’s children?

Catriona Rowntree describes herself on her Instagram bio as a “Mother of boys.” The exact number of children and their ages are not publicly listed. An Instagram reel from December 2025 shows children’s toys, suggesting the boys are still young. No authoritative source provides specific ages or names.

The absence of public family details is consistent with Rowntree’s choice to keep her personal life separate from her on-screen travel persona. For journalists and biographers, this gap remains one of the most frequently asked but unresolved areas of her profile.

This gap in public information leaves room only for speculation.

What is Catriona Rowntree doing now?

What shows does Catriona Rowntree host?

How long has she been on Getaway?

Catriona Rowntree remains an active television presenter. As of 2025, she continues as host of Nine Network’s Getaway – a role she has held for 30 years – and also hosts Find My Country House on Australian television, as stated in her Instagram bio. In October 2025, AccomNews reported that she was named best ambassador for Aussie travel brands in the Talent Corp 2025 Australian Talent Index.

She also maintains a strong social media presence, with an Instagram account (@catrionarowntree) and a Facebook page where she shares travel tips, lifestyle content, and occasional family moments. A TikTok video from Compare the Market Australia featuring Rowntree highlights her role as a trusted voice in travel advice for 2025.

The pattern: Rowntree has successfully transitioned to a multi-platform personality, but still maintains her core TV role.

Were the Rowntree family Quakers?

What is the history of the Rowntree family?

The Rowntree family of York, England, were well-known Quakers who founded Rowntree’s chocolate in the 19th century. However, Wikipedia does not link Catriona Rowntree to that branch. Her surname is common in both the UK and Australia, and there is no verified evidence connecting her family tree to the confectionery dynasty.

This confusion appears to arise from the shared surname. In a 2025 interview snippet referenced by The Age, Rowntree neither confirmed nor denied the connection. The matter remains unresolved, though most biographical sources treat the claim as unsubstantiated.

The pattern: the confusion arises from a common surname, not from genealogical ties.

“Queen of travel ! Host of @getaway for 30 YEARS & @findmycountryhouse.aus Lover of wool, Mother of boys & fresh farmers wife.”

— Catriona Rowntree, Instagram bio

“Rowntree is one of the longest-running presenters for a single program in Australian television history.”

— Platinum Speakers

“After years on the road, she has learned to treasure time at home.”

— Catriona Rowntree, Instagram post (11 August 2025)

Catriona Rowntree’s public record is marked by extraordinary career consistency but a deliberately guarded private life. For Australian viewers who grew up with her on Getaway, the split is refreshing: a recognisable face on screen, a quiet farm life off it. The implication for fans and biographers alike is clear: respect her privacy, enjoy her travel expertise — or look elsewhere for gossip.