Echuca sits on the Victorian side of the Murray River and is one half of the twin towns that make up the destination, Echuca Moama.

Echuca is home to around 15,000 people and is a thriving regional city that oozes history, relaxation, nature, flavour and adventure.

While the development of Echuca dates back to 1853 when a punt started operating to transport livestock across the river, the town really flourished following the arrival of the first paddlesteamer from South Australia later that year. This signaled the beginning of the boat building and riverboat trade, the golden era for Echuca. 

By 1872, the Port of Echuca was clearing 240 boats a year, was the second largest port in Victoria and the largest inland port in Australia. At its peak, the wharf was 300m long and supported eight saw mills. Part of the historic wharf still stands today and is accessible via the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.

Today, Echuca is home to the world’s largest operating paddlesteamer fleet and the Port of Echuca is a living monument to the region’s past. The High Street is bordered by the Murray and Campaspe Rivers, meaning you are never too far from the comforts of the contemporary town centre or the serenity of the red gum bushland and calming waters of the river.

There’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions in Echuca, and water-based activities operate year round to ensure adventure seekers can experience the region’s many and varied waterways.

The thriving food scene takes visitors on a culinary journey through casual bars, cafes, pubs, and clubs, and on to the riverside wineries, modern fusion restaurants, cellar doors and farm gates.

Echuca enjoys an action-packed festivals and events calendar, including the Riverboats Music Festival, Southern 80 Ski Race, Winter Blues Festival, and spring racing carnivals.

Echuca highlights:

• Cruise down the river on an historic paddlesteamer.
• Wander the streets of the Port precinct, visit the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre and take an After Dark Lantern Tour.
• Eat at a riverside winery, restaurant or café.
• Join an E-bike winery tour or hire a bike and create your own tour.
• Take in a museum, including the Echuca Historical Museum, TwistED Science, or the Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum.
• Take a carriage ride through the Port and High Street.
• Hire a paddleboard, canoe, kayak or pontoon boat and cruise the river at your own pace.
• Visit local producers to sample chocolates, wine, craft beer, artisan baked goods, oils, smallgoods and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Go horse riding along the river with Billabong Ranch.
• Walk or ride along one of our many trails, including Banyule State Forest, which is right in the heart of Echuca.