Catriona Rowntree
For over two decades, her warm and adventurous spirit has made her the trusted travel companion for millions of Australian television viewers.
Born 1971 (age 55)·Australian television presenter·Birthday: July 19·Generation X
Biography
Catriona Rowntree grew up on a farm in Victoria, a background that instilled a down-to-earth charm she would later bring to national television. Her career began in modeling before she landed a role on the Nine Network's 'Getaway' in 1992. Rowntree didn't just present travel segments; she embodied the curiosity and joy of discovery, whether sampling street food in Bangkok or exploring an Icelandic glacier. Her longevity on the show, becoming its longest-serving presenter, is a testament to her genuine connection with audiences. Beyond 'Getaway', she has hosted charity events, authored books, and become a familiar voice on radio, maintaining a public presence defined by approachability and infectious enthusiasm for life's journeys.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Catriona was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Catriona Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Catriona's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the longest-running presenter on the popular Australian travel television series 'Getaway'.
- Authored the book 'My Family Table', sharing recipes and stories that reflect her personal and travel experiences.
- Hosted major national events including the Carols by Candlelight television broadcast in Melbourne.
Did You Know?
She was a champion equestrian in her youth and represented Australia in horse riding competitions.
Rowntree is a qualified pilot and has flown light aircraft.
She is a committed ambassador for the charity Foodbank, Australia's largest hunger relief organization.
“The best stories aren't in the guidebooks; they're in the market stalls and the back roads.”
