Catriona Rowntree had 'one shot' at a TV career. 30 years later, this moment defines it
Three decades ago, Catriona Rowntree was given "one shot" at TV presenting.
Now, "Australia's most travelled woman" and the nation's most recognised travel reporter, is celebrating 30 years with Getaway, as the hit travel show celebrates a milestone of its own.
But what's the key to Catriona's TV "longevity"? The star answered just that in a reflective post.
Catriona celebrates three decades of Getaway as the show turns 35. Instagram / @catrionarowntree
"Happy 35th Birthday @getaway!" Catriona shared on Instagram. "I am so proud of our beautiful travel show and so grateful to you that you love to see the world alongside us."
Stream the latest Getaway episodes for free on 9Now.
The star revealed she was back for her 30th year, sharing stunning snaps from her most recent destination.
"I'm eating my way across #noumea... I've never met a meal I haven't liked and I think that's a key ingredient (pardon the pun) to longevity being a Travel Reporter," she wrote.
The star said facing her fears and being "authentic" is the key after all these years. Instagram / @catrionarowntree
"I just love food and even when I don't I'll still give it a whirl for you."
It was in 1996 Catriona filmed her first segment for Getaway, in what would become Australia's longest-running travel show.
After getting fired from her first job in media at a public relations office, Catriona was eventually taken on as a researcher for Phil Tanner's new TV show Wonder World in 1993.
After much begging, she convinced Tanner to let her film one story for the show. He gave her "one shot", a story on putt putt golf.
Thirty years later, we've rounded up Catriona's best TV moments here:
Catriona faces her greatest fear
Like many people, Catriona suffers from galeophobia, the fear of sharks.
So naturally, she was a little apprehensive when she was told she'd be snorkelling with these highly feared ocean predators in their natural habitat – no cage, no aquarium.
READ MORE: MAFS Australia expert Mel Schilling announces she is leaving the show – after 10 years on air
"Through my snorkel you can hear the scream of terror," she looked back on the 2023 moment.
Catch the terrifying moment in the video above.
Catriona is "smothered in stingrays"
Speaking of terrifying animal encounters, Catriona has faced more than just sharks.
"[I've had] out-of-control horses where my life has flashed before my eyes, been smothered in stingrays," she remembered.
READ MORE: Meet the real-life partners of MAFS experts John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla
She credits one her "most extraordinary surreal experiences" to swimming through jellyfish lake in Palau.
"I'm up for anything because both I and my bosses quickly realised that people found it funny when I showed my fear," she once said.
"So how I react is how most people react, but on TV I think people try to be too cool for school and that doesn't work."
Catriona takes her dream trip
She's travelled the world but there was one destination that was stuck on her bucket list – until June 2023.
"27 years, that's how long it's taken, for this long time travel reporter to score a Getaway assignment to Japan and now I'm finally here!" she wrote at the time.
Catriona's travels with a very special guest
She's been a presenter for 30 years, and on occasion she's shared some travel adventures with someone very special – her mother, Heather.
One of her most memorable trips was their visit to France.
"Mum threw herself into every experience, and now we just have these amazing memories that we have shared," reflected Catriona.
Catriona reflects on her very first episode
And now we take it back to her very first episode. After all, when you think of the Getaway, the face that usually comes to mind is Catriona Rowntree.
And while she's been all around the world filming, her first-ever segment was shot right here in Australia in 1996.
The star admitted she was "inwardly terrified" at the time, but her authenticity is what has endeared Aussie viewers all these years.
"You're best to just say how you're feeling, be authentic — that's what always has worked for me, don't try to be anything that you're not," she has said.
Catriona bought this yellow shirt specially for the segment, because it had a "fun" vibe. Nine
Fans flooded Catriona's Instagram to congratulate the reporter on her milestone.
"Wow 35 years 🥳 I can honestly say I've been watching for 30+ year and it wouldn't be the same without you Catriona ❤️," one commented.
"Yes I agree no one else has the vibe our Catriona has ❤️," wrote another.
Stream the latest Getaway episodes for free on 9Now.
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