Sweet Escape

Getaway Reporter, Catriona Rowntree, Opens Up To Paul Ewart About Her Rural Life-Swap And Why It’S Important To Prioritise Your Heart Over Your Head

- Paul Ewart

After more than 20 years at the helm of Australia’s favourite travel show, Getaway, Catriona Rowntree has earned her title of ‘Australia’s Most Travelled Woman.’ Criss-crossing the globe several times over, she has transported us to some of the most far-flung destinations on earth. Indeed, when Good Health & Wellbeing catches up with the small screen star, she’s fresh offa flight from Alaska. But while she’s been fortunate enough to see more of the world than most of us could ever hope to, after two decades in the biz – and after getting hitched, relocating to the country, and becoming a mum to two young boys – the TV veteran has learned that there really is no place like home. And home for Catriona is a sprawling farm in rural Victoria; a setting that is devoid of traffic noise, filled with bird song, and boasts greenery as far as the eye can see. Clearly this bucolic beauty is a tonic for her soul. “I know this daily visual has a positive effect on me,” the 47-year-old gushes. “We have an orchard, I’ve got my own chook house where I get my own eggs from, we produce our own honey on the farm, and I’ve created acres of beautiful gardens. Being here with my family just feeds my soul. It’s blissful.”

Growing up amidst the hustle and bustle of Sydney, Catriona had never imagined a life away from the big smoke. However, fate intervened by throwing her now-husband, country Victoriabased farmer, James Pettit, in her path. Not that their journey to marital bliss was a smooth one.

All for love “Long-distance relationships are challenging to begin with,” she reflects. “Back then I really thought that getting married, moving to the country and having kids would be the end of my professional life. I didn’t want to bypass the career aspirations I had.”