Located around 2.5 hours from Melbourne and Ballarat, and three hours from Geelong, visitors to Echuca Moama are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting off the beaten track and exploring the charming towns, idyllic forests, exciting national parks and serene waterways that make up the riverside region.
Whether you prefer to walk, cycle, boat or drive, there is an ever-changing array of landscapes to take in on the Victorian and New South Wales sides of the river. We have chosen some of our favourites to whet your appetite, however you can find more Echuca Moama walking and cycling trails here, as well as a range of drives and itineraries.
WALK
Gulpa Creek Walk – Murray Valley Regional Park, Mathoura NSW
Starting from Crane's Bridge in Mathoura, the Gulpa Creek Walk is located in the Murray Valley Regional Park and is a 5km, Grade 3 return walk on an easy, flat path alongside the creek. If you’re feeling energetic, when you get to the end of the track you can cross the wooden bridge and stroll along Poley’s loop for a further 1.5km before turning back, making it an 8km round trip walk through the majestic river red gums.
Koondrook Red Gum Forest Walk, Koondrook VIC
Located around one hour from Echuca Moama, the Koondrook Red Gum Forest Walk offers two loops through the unique ecosystems and historical sites of Gunbower State Forest - the Turtle Loop, a 13.2km, 3.5 hour return flat trail and the Eagle Loop is a 9.1km, 2.5 hour return flat trail. Starting at the historic Condidorios Bridge, the trails will take you past ancient Aboriginal sites such as shell middens, oven mounds and scar trees, as well as many artefacts from early European settlement.
CYCLE
Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail, Moama NSW
Located in the Moama precinct of the Murray Valley Regional Park, this purpose built 7km mountain bike trail is set among the iconic Murray River landscape of river red gums. The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels and provides a mix of fast rolling terrain, with features including wall rides, drops and flowing bridges, and skill areas including a pump track, berms, jumps and rollers.
Campaspe River Ride, Echuca VIC
Starting at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, this 7km ride takes you through the historic port precinct and across the Warren Street Bridge to Campaspe Esplanade where you can see many species of ducks and birdlife. Wind your way along the Campaspe River all the way to the Ogilvie Avenue bridge where you will then meander back through the quiet residential streets of historic Echuca.
BOAT
Edward River Canoe & Kayak Trail
Located in the Murray Valley National Park, this trail provides 61km of river to explore. The Edward River Bridge picnic area is a great launching spot for the trail. Spend a few hours on the water or take a multi-day adventure, stopping at the many picturesque locations along the way. The Edward River is a peaceful, lesser-known alternative to the Murray, making it a good paddle location for all ages and experience levels.
DRIVE
Silo art at Colbinabbin and Rochester
Take in the local section of the Australian Silo Art Trail at Colbinabbin and Rochester. Painted in 2018 by mural artist, Jimmy D’Vate, the GrainCorp Silos at Rochester feature an Azure King Fisher and Squirrel Glider. The Colbinabbin silos were painted in April 2020 by artist, Tim Bowtell, and tell the story of the railway and its significance in the Colbinabbin district.
Check out the Campaspe Arts Trail map for more art experiences in and around Echuca Moama.