Echuca: A Riverboat Destination
The Murray Region in Victoria's north-west is known for its fine produce, wonderful, natural beauty and glorious sunshine.
Standing at the heart of the Murray region, the town of Echuca (also called Echuca-Moama) is an ideal destination in which to get to know the history and delights of the mighty Murray River.
Echuca is an Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of the waters' and the town once stood as Victoria's busiest inland port.
The hustle and bustle of industry has slowed but Echuca's fascinating history is easily discovered with a self- guided heritage walking tour around Echuca Wharf or through the refurbished old steam port. Watch shipwrights at work, canter along in a horse-drawn carriage or take a look at several historic paddle steamers.
Wooden paddle steamers once navigated the length of the Murray, carrying wool and other supplies along river trade routes that extended through Victoria, New South Wales and north towards Queensland. Why not join a paddle steamer cruise to imagine life as it was then, and experience the lovely river views?
If you want to know more about the region's history, make a visit to the Echuca Historical Museum located within the old police station. Here you can view collections of photos and documents, and see engines and household items from a bygone era.
Echuca's warm climate makes it the ideal place to have fun on the water. Swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing are all popular activities. Away from the water you might join a horseriding trail, take a tour of the nearby wetlands or picnic in one of the lovely local parks.
Echuca was originally home to the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal group and you can discover some of the Indigenous history with a walk along the Yamyabuc Discovery Trail in nearby Barmah State Park and Forest.
Echuca is well catered for with shopping centres, boutiques and handicrafts, and the town is dotted with a variety of cafés and restaurants. The Beechworth Bakery, Echuca is a local institution. Enjoy freshly baked cakes, pies and other treats while relaxing on a wide deck overlooking the tranquil Campaspe River. The Echuca Hotel is another popular spot with its sprawling beer garden and wide selection of brews on tap.
Don't miss Echuca's Food and Wine Trail. Pick up a trail guide at the Visitor information Centre, and get ready to experience a selection of local vineyards and cellar doors, quality food products and wonderful restaurants.
Echuca's accommodation options range from caravans and cabins, to historic guesthouses, self-contained cottages and river resorts. Experience a unique accommodation experience with an overnight stay on a paddleboat cruise or by hiring a houseboat. Discover the beautiful river at close quarters and be lulled to sleep by the gently lapping river.
