Catriona Rowntree raves about Aussie city for a surprising reason - as it surpasses Sydney and Melbourne for thousands of tourists: 'Seamless'

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Move over Melbourne and Sydney, because Adelaide just got a glowing review from one of Australia's best-travelled TV hosts.

Veteran Getaway presenter Catriona Rowntree, 53, took to Instagram to shower praise on the South Australian capital.

'You only get one chance to make a first impression,' she wrote to her 121 thousand followers, before declaring that Adelaide scored an 11/10 in the tourism department.

According to Catriona, it wasn't just the sunshine, Shiraz or sandstone buildings that swayed her generous score, it was something far more humble: clean streets and clear signage.

'To enter a city seemingly devoid of rubbish, graffiti, with easy signage, a seamless airport… it makes a big impression,' she wrote.

And she's got a point.

With its Insta-worthy wine regions, a great art scene, historic architecture, and impressive night life, there's no wonder it's catching the attention of jetsetters like Catriona.

Let's also not forget that Adelaide was named 'most beautiful city in the world' in prestigious Architectural Digest list in 2024.

Veteran Getaway presenter Catriona Rowntree, 53, took to Instagram to shower praise on the South Australian capital

'To enter a city seemingly devoid of rubbish, graffiti, with easy signage, a seamless airport…it makes a big impression,' Catriona wrote to her 121 thousand followers

The South Australian capital edged out several global cities including New York, Paris and Barcelona.

Seasoned traveller Catriona, who has been to every corner of the globe during her 27 years hosting travel show Getaway, gave a shoutout to every unsung local hero helping to keep the streets pristine.

'We notice the little things.'

The post sparked a wave of hometown pride, with South Australians flooding the comments to agree.

One wrote, 'Adelaide's best-kept secret is out,' while another added, 'We love her AND we love our bins.'

It's not the first time Catriona has raved about one of Australia's 'hidden gems', previously giving Queensland's Maleny Lodge a perfect 10 out of 10 score.

Located in the vibrant Queensland town of the same name in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Melany Lodge is just over an hour-and-a-half drive's north from Brisbane.

Catriona was lucky enough to stay at the 'gorgeous' boutique accommodation while she was filming in Maleny for her Channel Nine series Country House Hunters Australia.

TV presenter Catriona Rowntree has given her stay at Maleny Lodge, in Queensland's Glasshouse Mountains, a 10 out of 10

Maleny Lodge sits in the vibrant Queensland town of the same name in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, just over an hour-and-a-half drive's north from Brisbane

The rooms are filled with antique-style furnishings, artworks and trinkets to revitalise the stunning property and create a tranquil and relaxing stay for its guests

'Maleny Lodge, high up amongst the Glasshouse Mountains, is where I chose to stay the moment I found out I was filming in this region for Country House Hunters,' she said in an Instagram video.

'I get really excited when I'm given the location, trying to find accommodation that I can recommend to you, which doesn't cost a bomb and supports the local community. Isn't this place gorgeous!'

The Aussie TV icon said she loved how owners Lucy and Andrew Pink cleverly converted the wardrobe in one of the bedrooms into a mini bar, as well as the dreamy clawfoot bath tub.

'It was built back in 1905 for a well-to-do family who had loads of kids, later changing hands to become a boarding house and recently new owners gave it a very swish upgrade,' Catriona explained.

'Love it - hope you do too. Found in the heart of Maleny. I give it 10 out of 10!'