Catriona Rowntree, co-host of Channel Nine's Getaway, talks to Kate Minogue about being a newly married city girl in the country.
Getaway is still going strong. It's intense but I so enjoy it. The essence of why I wanted to get into television in the first place hasn't changed. When I was 14, I met a radio announcer who told me he was being paid to be inquisitive and share other people's stories — that's what I love about my work.
Every year has been different for me professionally and personally. About a year ago I got engaged, this year I got married, and I don't know what's going to happen next. I do accept it's a tough industry to survive in. I'm 37 but I would like to be working in my 40s and Channel Nine has just renewed a fantastic contract with me.
I also want to develop a line of travel products. Whatever I pack in my own suitcase I want to share with other people. But it's actually difficult to organise. I've had to develop a plan.
I live a double life. I'm constantly travelling. But my home now is my husband's [James Pettit] property in Victoria. To my surprise I'm very happy — it forces me to slow down. I like the fact that I can live here and enjoy the city just an hour's flight away.
We were in a long-distance relationship. I am close to my family in Sydney and I thought I couldn't leave them. James and I broke up for a year, but life brought us back together. I was making my way down to the Great Ocean Road and I thought I'd look at his property for the last time. James accidentally rang me. It certainly gives you faith that everything happens for a reason. As one door closes it leads you towards another door opening.
We got married last April. I was clear with James that I wasn't going to be the farmer's wife that helps with the stock. I'd watched the show The Farmer Wants a Wife and I didn't relate to that. But I found out the reality is totally different. I can help in all sorts of ways around the farm and James loves the fact that I love my job and he can come into my world sometimes, and vice versa. I have kept my place in Sydney, so I always have somewhere to hang my cap.
I was feeling very clucky after my honeymoon. I hope having children is in store for me. But my grandmother said, "Your life will change, so just enjoy this moment of being a husband and wife — don't rush". I call Nan "the oracle". She is 95 years old and her advice is like cheat notes on life. Nan has been around the track a few times and she can drop some pearls if you are willing to listen.
Travel tips
Start drinking plenty of water before the flight.
Don't overeat on the plane.
Set your watch to the time of the place you're visiting.
Take a herbal sleeping tablet for the first three days, once you arrive at your destination.
Try to be active the day you land, but don't exert yourself.
Get some sunlight for vitamin D. "It's all about tricking your body to adapt," Catriona says.
Avoid falling asleep during the day, wait until at least 7.30pm.
Remove as much technology from your place of rest. "You need to deactivate your brain from technology," she advises.
Wish yourself well. "I put a red ribbon on my suitcase for positive feng shui," she says.
Home