After 30 years on Getaway, Catriona Rowntree is hoping for another 'first'

Exclusive: Thirty years ago, Catriona Rowntree arrived at a new job expecting to see out a six-week contract – but a marriage, babies and hundreds of destinations later, she is still there.

As the long-time Getaway host, 54, celebrated the show’s Logie nomination, Catriona recalled her very first week on the job.

“On my first trip, I worked with one of the original reporters, Lochie Daddo, and he quietly said ‘Don’t ever leave.’ He knew we’d never find another job like this … well, I listened!” Catriona told nine.com.au.

While it is “the best gig in TV”, Catriona said it occasionally took a toll as she spent time away from husband, James Pettit, and sons, Andrew, 16, and Charles,15.

“Of course, it’s challenging on your home life,” she said.

“But if you can get the balance right, the joy of the job is immense.”

Catriona and her Victorian farmer husband were first set up by a mutual friend in 1999.

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With James working on the farm in Victoria and Catriona based in Sydney and flying around the globe, the pair did long distance for six years before splitting in 2005.  

Fate had other plans, however, as 12 months later James accidentally pocket-dialled Catriona’s number.

That phone call sparked a reconciliation between the pair with Catriona and James announcing their engagement in 2007.  

They are now parents to two sons, Andrew, 16, and Charles, 14.

Catriona said she looked at the show “almost as though she is the mothership”.

“Getaway has seen me through so many phases of my life, from the young ingenue starting out in TV, getting married (all the crew came to my wedding), having bubbas, losing loved ones, personal challenges, and now I’m a bloody veteran,” she said.

“The queen of travel! Who knew Getaway would see me through so many adventures and always be by my side.”

This year, the series was nominated for its first Logie in 10 years – and fittingly, Catriona was on assignment in Paris when her phone started pinging away with messages.

“My first feeling was one of joy that our behind-the-scenes team, from editors to the crews, could be acknowledged for the tireless and brilliant work that they do,” Catriona said.

While Getaway has been nominated multiple times in the past, it has not won a Logie – yet.

“Between us, we say ‘it’s wonderful to be nominated, even better to be employed’,” Catriona said. “We really do love what we do. A Logie win would definitely be a new feeling for us travellers.”