Fall in love with river life in Echuca
Discover a place that’s built on rich river heritage, but with a distinctly contemporary feel. A place where history is all around you, because the locals are determined not only to preserve it, but to continue making their own little piece of history each day. Take a moment to read more about the historic Murray River town of Echuca, and you will wonder why you haven’t visited already!
Situated a leisurely 2.5hr drive from Melbourne, Echuca, meaning “meeting of the waters”, is on Yorta Yorta Country at the confluence of the Murray (Dhungala), Goulburn (Kaiyala) and Campaspe (Yakoa) rivers, a place of sacred ancestral connection for the Wallithiga Clan.
Back in the day
As the closest Murray River town to Melbourne, Echuca was once Australia’s largest inland port and home to a fleet of paddlesteamers which began operation in 1853.
For over 100 years these Paddlesteamers collected wool, wheat, redgum and other goods from isolated outback stations and redgum timber from the Barmah Forest, making these products from the interior of the country, available to help shape the Australia we all know and love.
Today, the only cargo onboard is visitors from all walks of life, enjoying a leisurely cruise and taking in the surrounding natural scenery.
The paddlesteamers depart from the Echuca Wharf which has been preserved and represents the pageantry of the river trade’s heyday, offering insight into its pioneering days.
You can while away the time exploring the port precinct or take a tour and get a fun history lesson from one of the captivating tour guides … the Port After Dark tour is recommended if you prefer a walk on the dark side.
It’s not ALL about history; not even close
For many, Echuca is an annual homage, where friends and families gather on the banks of the river to reconnect and share blissful days camping, boating, fishing or SUP boarding, momentarily forgetting the routines of everyday life.
For others, it is a chance to explore all the nooks and crannies of the river on an indulgent luxury houseboat with close friends; hopping off from time-to-time to do some wine tasting or enjoy a delicious meal.
If you have limited time, a weekend getaway could include a visit to the quirky and unique Great Aussie Beer Shed to learn about our love affair with beer, followed by a tour, tasting and lunch at the impressive Echuca Distillery, where twin brothers, Peter and David, are already winning international awards for their agave spirits after only a couple of years in business.
An early check-in and afternoon nap at the Clocktower suites will revive and get you ready for a night out at the American Hotel, to enjoy a hearty meal and some excellent entertainment from local musicians to keep you feeling happy and content.
Sunday is for lazy breakfasts and connecting with nature. Stop off for a breakie roll at one of the great cafés in town; then collect your pre-booked e-bike from Green Pedal Cycles, to spend a few hours exploring the riverside tracks.
Alternatively, if riding a camel is on your bucket list – as random as that is – Echuca’s Billabong Ranch can help you tick it off the list.
Looking for some buzz and excitement?
While some of us crave a break from crowds, there are those who love being part of the buzz at a big event and Echuca has a few of those up its sleeve throughout the year, catering to a multitude of tastes whether it be music, wine, sports or bygone trades.
In Winter the Echuca Moama Winter Blues brings in talented acts from across the country; Moama Lights transforms the Murray’s natural splendour into a mesmerizing spectacle as twilight descends and the annual Steam, Iron and Trades Revival, caters to those who love engines and learning about bygone trades.
In Spring Sweat vs Steam – a unique running event that challenges participants to beat the oldest operating wooden hulled paddlesteamer to the finish line – is a great way to shake off the colder months; and the Perricoota Pop & Pour Festival brilliantly showcases the regions food and wine offering.
Summer is when Echuca truly shines with the Riverboats Music Festival and annual waterskiing event, the Southern 80, which celebrates its 50th year in 2025.
Go the regions
And if all that still isn’t enough to keep you occupied, you can always explore some of the region’s gems, with the Campaspe silo art trail, a visit to the Kyabram Fauna Park, or attending one of those more unusual events you find in the country, such as the Elmore Tractor Pull, or Great Aussie Lilo Race in Barham (yes, it’s a thing!).
Come on, the river is waiting! Plan your next escape to Echuca today.
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