‘Getaway’ tackles scary sharks and Irwin’s legacy in epic 27th series

It’s been running for 26 hugely successful years, and Australia’s longest-running travel TV series is showing no signs of slowing down as it makes an return to screens across the country.

Channel Nine’s Getaway is back with a bang in its 27th series premiere on Saturday, as the hosts take on deadly sharks, the world’s highest waterfall climb, and the Sunshine Coast’s newest holiday park.

Host Catriona Rowntree is back, after first starting on the show in 1996, and credited its success with Aussies’ passion for travel. She said: “Twenty-six years after ‘Getaway’ premiered, we continue to explore the globe, and Aussies’ passion for travel seems to be infinite”.

Rowntree will finally battle her fear of sharks in the first episode of the new series, as she snorkels in Fiji’s beautiful tropical waters. In fact, preview photos show her taking the plunge in nothing but a bikini, with a scary silhouette below her. But will she keep her cool?

Meanwhile, fellow host Jason Dundas heads to Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island to tackle Wildwire, the world’s highest waterfall climb. With hidden pools, spectacular views and some huge drops along the way, he’ll have to combat any fear of heights to capture the footage for viewers at home.

Elsewhere, musician David Reyne shares the delights of Mornington Peninsula and Charli Robinson is in Queensland to check out the Sunshine Coast’s newest holiday park. It may just give you some good ideas for holidays with the family in the coming months.

And Nine is promising an action-packed series in the weeks to come, as Dundas enjoys an in-depth chat with Steve Irwin’s son Robert at Australia Zoo, as the entire family continue his legacy. Popular country music trio The McClymonts will also have a go at playing “quirky golf”.

“As well as discovering holiday spots in our own backyard, our international travels this series will bring you to Hawaii, Egypt, Bali and Singapore, just to name a few,” Rowntree says of the latest season. “As always, we’ll inform, entertain and surprise you with some amazing locations. You’ll be inspired to start planning your next holiday. Too much travel is always a good thing!”

The show has enjoyed more than two decades of success, touring right round the world to share some of the most sought-after holiday spots, as well as some hidden gems to inspire Aussies’ future travel plans.

Getaway returns on Saturday, February 17 at 5.30pm on Nine and 9now.

Are you a fan of ‘Getaway’? What would be your biggest fear to combat on a holiday?