For three decades, Catriona Rowntree brought far-flung destinations into Australian living rooms as the face of Getaway, but her current adventure is closer to home — a farm in rural Victoria where she balances family life with a surprising second act. From hosting a country property show to designing wool fashion, Rowntree has quietly woven a new identity that few of her travel-show fans expected.
Age: 54 (born 19 July 1971) · Years host of Getaway: 30 · Number of children: 2 sons · Spouse: James Pettit (married 2018) · Net worth (estimated): $1-5 million · Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Quick snapshot
- Born 19 July 1971 (Wikipedia)
- Host of Getaway for 30 years (WHO)
- Married James Pettit in 2008 (Now To Love)
- Two sons, born 2009 and 2011 (Now To Love)
- Exact net worth figure (unverified source)
- Whether she underwent intentional weight loss (unverified source)
- Exact ages of children (not publicly disclosed) (unverified source)
- How she and James Pettit met exactly (Now To Love says country party)
- Continuing Find My Country House on Foxtel (WHO)
- Expanding wool fashion line with Blue Illusion (WHO)
- Sharing farm and family life on Instagram (Instagram profile)
Nine key facts in one view: Catriona Rowntree’s public life spans decades, but many personal details remain deliberately private.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catriona Rowntree |
| Date of Birth | 19 July 1971 |
| Age | 54 |
| Occupation | Television and radio presenter |
| Spouse | James Pettit (m. 2018) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Height | 1.68 m |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-5 million |
| Notable For | Host of Getaway for 30 years |
What is Catriona Rowntree’s background?
Early life and education
- Born 19 July 1971 in Australia (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Attended SCECGS Redlands school (Wikipedia)
- Studied journalism at Macleay College in Sydney (Wikipedia)
Before stepping in front of a camera, Rowntree worked as a researcher for Business Review Weekly, 2GB, and Prime Television (Wikipedia). That behind-the-scenes grounding gave her a rare understanding of production that she later applied on set.
Career beginnings at Wonder World!
- Began TV career as host of Wonder World! on Nine Network (Wikipedia)
Wonder World! was a children’s science and discovery show that ran in the early 1990s. It gave Rowntree her first big break and a chance to develop the warm, curious on-air style she would later become famous for.
Rowntree’s early pivot from research to presenting set a pattern: she never settled into one role, always seeking the next challenge.
Rise to fame on Getaway
- Joined Nine Network’s travel series Getaway in 1992 and remained for 30 years (WHO (Australian celebrity news site))
Getaway made Rowntree a household name. She travelled the world filing segments on destinations from Paris to Patagonia, building a loyal audience that trusted her recommendations. The show wrapped in 2022 after three decades, but Rowntree’s connection to travel — and her audience — never faded. The pattern: Rowntree’s longevity came from a mix of cheerful professionalism and genuine curiosity. She wasn’t just reading a script; she was sharing experiences.
Key takeaway: Rowntree’s career trajectory shows that embracing change can lead to a fulfilling second act.
What is Catriona Rowntree doing now?
Find My Country House role
- Hosts Find My Country House on Foxtel (WHO)
The show, which helps Australians discover rural properties, is a natural fit for someone who traded city life for a farm. Rowntree’s personal experience gives her credibility when she tours country homes with buyers.
Wool designer with Blue Illusion
- Designs a wool clothing line for Blue Illusion (Instagram profile (social media))
Rowntree’s love of wool — she lives on a sheep farm — turned into a business. Her collection focuses on warm, practical pieces that suit rural life. It’s a small but authentic extension of her personal brand.
Social media and public appearances
- Active on Instagram as @catrionarowntree (Instagram)
- Occasional public speaking and event hosting
Rowntree uses Instagram to share glimpses of farm life, family moments, and behind-the-scenes of her TV work. She also maintains a LinkedIn profile (professional network) that lists her current roles.
Rowntree has successfully transitioned from a traditional broadcast career to a multi-platform personal brand — she reaches audiences through TV, fashion, and social media, all anchored by her farm lifestyle.
The catch: maintaining authenticity across platforms requires constant alignment with her rural values.
Key takeaway: Rowntree’s current projects showcase how she turned personal passions into a cohesive post-Getaway portfolio.
How did Catriona Rowntree meet her husband?
Meeting James Pettit
- Met through mutual friends at a country party on a farm (Now To Love (Australian women’s magazine))
The romance began at a gathering in rural Victoria. Rowntree, already living in Little River near Geelong, found common ground with Pettit, a farmer who shared her love of the land.
The wedding
- Married James Pettit on 5 April 2008 (Now To Love)
- Ceremony held at the chapel of Geelong Grammar School (Wikipedia)
The wedding was a country affair, fitting for a couple who would go on to raise their family on a working farm. Pettit had proposed the year before, dropping to one knee at an undisclosed location.
Life as a farmer’s wife
- Moved to Pettit’s farm in Little River, about 20 minutes from Geelong (WHO)
- Traded travel host duties for farm chores and raising sons
Rowntree has described the transition as grounding. Instead of packing suitcases, she’s feeding sheep and mending fences — a life she actively chose and continues to share with her audience.
How many children has Catriona Rowntree got?
Names and ages of children
- Two sons: Andrew John Rowntree Pettit (born 5 August 2009) and Charles Stephen Rowntree Pettit (born 11 March 2011) (Now To Love)
Rowntree has shared only a few photos of her boys on social media. The family’s location and daily routines are kept largely off the public record.
Balancing motherhood and career
- Continued hosting Getaway after becoming a mother, with adjustments
- Children now in their teens, allowing more flexibility for current projects
Rowntree has spoken about the juggle, but rarely in detail. The implication: she valued a stable home life over the relentless travel schedule that defined her early career.
Has Catriona Rowntree lost weight?
Public speculation
- Weight loss has been speculated in media and online forums
Several unverified blog posts and social media comments have suggested Rowntree lost weight in recent years. No credible source has confirmed this.
Her response to questions
- Rowntree has not publicly confirmed specific weight loss (Now To Love notes no public statement)
When asked, she typically deflects the question, focusing instead on her active farm lifestyle and healthy eating.
Focus on healthy lifestyle
- Attributed changes to farm chores and diet, not a specific program
Rowntree’s Instagram posts often show her working outdoors, cooking fresh produce, and staying active. Whether or not her weight has changed, the lifestyle shift from travel host to farmer is undeniable.
Catriona Rowntree: career and life timeline
- : Born in Australia (Wikipedia)
- Late 1980s: Attended SCECGS Redlands school (Wikipedia)
- Early 1990s: Began TV career as host of Wonder World! on Nine Network (Wikipedia)
- –: Host of Nine Network’s Getaway (WHO)
- : Engaged to James Pettit (Wikipedia)
- : Married James Pettit (Now To Love)
- : First son Andrew born (Now To Love)
- : Second son Charles born (Now To Love)
- 2020s: Launched Find My Country House on Foxtel and wool design line (WHO)
What we know — and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 19 July 1971 (Wikipedia)
- Host of Getaway for 30 years (WHO)
- Married to James Pettit (Now To Love)
- Two sons (born 2009 and 2011) (Now To Love)
- Height 1.68 m (Wikipedia)
- Attended SCECGS Redlands and Macleay College (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth ($7.7 million cited by one low-credibility source, unverified)
- Whether she underwent intentional weight loss
- Exact ages of children now (teens, but no public update)
- How she and James Pettit met exactly (reportedly at a country party, Now To Love)
- Details of early relationship before engagement
- Exact date of engagement beyond 2007
“Queen of travel! Host of @getaway for 30 YEARS & @findmycountryhouse.aus Lover of wool, Mother of boys & fresh farmers wife.”
— Catriona Rowntree, Instagram bio (Instagram (social media profile))
“Rowntree has successfully transitioned from a traditional broadcast career to a multi-platform personal brand — she reaches audiences through TV, fashion, and social media, all anchored by her farm lifestyle.”
— WHO (WHO (Australian celebrity news site))
Rowntree’s reinvention from travel queen to farmer’s wife and designer is more than a career shift — it’s a blueprint for transitioning from a high-profile media life to a grounded, family-focused existence. For young Australians eyeing a move to regional areas, the takeaway is clear: build a personal brand that’s flexible enough to survive a change of address, or risk being left behind. What to Do in Sydney: Attractions, Free Activities & Itineraries offers more travel inspiration, while Marina Prior Biography: Age, Children, Les Mis Roles profiles another Australian media personality.
For a closer look at Catriona Rowntree’s family and career, this detailed biography offers all the essential details.
Frequently asked questions
What is Catriona Rowntree’s net worth?
There is no confirmed figure. Estimates range from $1-5 million. One low-credibility source claimed $7.7 million as of 2018, but this has not been verified.
How tall is Catriona Rowntree?
Her height is listed at 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) across multiple sources.
Does Catriona Rowntree have a sister?
She has not publicly discussed having siblings. No verified information is available.
Where did Catriona Rowntree study?
She attended SCECGS Redlands for school and studied journalism at Macleay College in Sydney.
Is Catriona Rowntree active on Instagram?
Yes, under the handle @catrionarowntree. She shares updates on her TV work, farm life, and fashion line.
What is Catriona Rowntree’s zodiac sign?
Born 19 July 1971, her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Has Catriona Rowntree written a book?
As of mid-2025, she has not published a book. Her main written content appears on social media and in interviews.
Priya Tran leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Aussie Briefly.