Australia’s queen of travel, Catriona Rowntree has been lucky enough to visit most corners of the globe in her illustrious career. The vivacious travel blogger took time away from her latest endeavour, journeystocome.com to answer our quirky questions for the Last Word.

If I could describe myself in three words they would be…

loquacious, inquisitive, Cancerian.

I was born in…

the heart of good ol’ Sydney town. Born and bred baby!

My favourite travel destination is…

the next journey I get to share on my travel site, Journeys to Come! I feel rude playing favourites and my bucket list constantly changes anyway. I like to always look forward to the NEXT adventure.

On the weekend I like to…

be with my boys. Wake up to cuddles and share a family brekky. Then whip down to the local market for a supply of fresh fruit and veg and an arm full of flowers to fill the house with. A bit of gardening maybe, whip up some Anzacs or packet muffins (I feel no shame) and then I’m happy to be guided by my family. If they’re happy, I’m happy.

My first job was…

out of school, it was as a researcher at BRW. I couldn’t believe I could be paid to do a job I enjoyed so much. I promptly spent all my first pay on shoes. So worth it!

If I could meet anyone it would be…

the person who for years was at the top of my list was Jana Wendt, my idol, and when a friend arranged a surprise lunch between just us two, well I couldn’t wish for anything more. She was above and beyond all my expectations. Today, I love that everyday I’ll meet someone who’ll inspire me – a Felucca captain in Egypt, a Buddhist Monk in Bhutan; it’s one of my favourite joys of travel.

The highlight of my career so far has been…

longevity. It took me so long to get in, once I did I was so enthralled by those around me, people like Liz Hayes, Ray Martin and my beloved Jana.

My daily routine consists of…

I don’t really have one when travelling, it’s nuts. When I’m home, my son wakes me up with a cuddle, the world’s best alarm clock. After my shower I do five minutes of exercise and I hate every minute, then I always sit down for eggs as I can trust them to sustain me until midday. I linger at school drop off, it’s terrible but I love to chat to everyone. Then it’s full on power mode until school pick up. It’s freakish what I can get accomplished so that when I’m with my children they have my full attention. I love it, I’ve created through sheer bloody effort a life I love.

My most annoying habit is…

I’ve sadly inherited all of my mum’s worst traits. A shopaholic, who runs late and can’t do fractions. Oh the shame…