If you’re yearning for a little getaway, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to try this spring, such as the tulip-filled Bendigo, the wildflowers of the Grampians and the fluffy cows of Churchill Island. And if you’re looking for pleasant spring walks, coupled with a heavy dose of nostalgia, why don’t you try going north to Echuca? Located on the Victorian border, just over 2.5 hours away from Melbourne, this riverside town is bursting with the charm of a bygone era. Find a fleet of authentic paddlesteamers, drifting merrily along the Murray River, as well as a historic port. When you’re not on the water, find plenty of other outdoor adventures, or dive into Echuca’s culinary scene. With so many wonderful things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Echuca was recently named as one of the top towns for tourism in Australia.
Echuca
Located on the land of the Yorta Yorta people, Echuca was once home to the third largest port in Australia, behind Sydney and Melbourne, and the largest inland port in the country. Perfectly situated on the Murray, Echuca was a bustling trading centre in the 1860s. It also became the main shipbuilding centre for the river transport industry, clearing 240 boats a year.
Trade began to decline once the country was hit by financial crisis in the 1890s, and the railway network in New South Wales and Victoria took away demand. But, today, you can still get a glimpse of its past, by exploring the Port of Echuca, and hopping aboard a paddlesteamer cruise.
Paddlesteamers and river boats
The Echuca Moama region is home to the largest operating paddlesteamer fleet in the world, so if there was absolutely one thing to do in town, it’s ride one of these nostalgic vessels. At the Echuca Wharf, you’ll find leisurely boats departing each day.
Journey along the Murray and take in scenic views of the unfolding landscape on one of these lovingly restored vessels. You’ll find casual one hour trips, as well as sunset dinner cruises, trips to a winery, and even longer overnight stays. On these luxurious cruises, you’ll wind your way along the river, dine under the stars and embark on guided onshore tours of the Murray region.
If you like staying on the water, there’s also houseboats available for hire.
Port of Echuca
The Port of Echuca is one of Australia’s most intact river precincts. Built in 1865 from local river red gum trees, the Wharf itself is a living museum. Stroll along the impressive timber structure, which is three storeys high to accommodate for fluctuating river levels. Pop into the Discovery Centre, and learn more about the Port’s history with variety of interactive displays. Entry to the Port is free, but you can book a guided tour for an additional cost, and gain further insight to the past. These guided tours take an hour to complete, and run daily at 11:30am and 1:30pm.
Nature
With milder weather, spring is the perfect time to stay outdoors and explore all the natural sights around town. If you love a good walk, there’s plenty to choose from. Try the Scenic Trail Walk, a 6km loop that will give you views of both the Murray River and the Campaspe River. Try the Campaspe River Walk, a 5km trail that follows the river, through natural bushland and into the town. Or, go for the Banyule State Forest walk, a 5km return journey that will take you from town, along the Murray and into a forest of majestic gum trees.
Hop across the border into Moama, and stroll along the boardwalks of Horseshoe Lagoon, or go on a walk through the forest to Moama Beach.
If you’d like to feel even more immersed in the landscape, there’s a few forests and parks nearby that are just waiting to be experienced. Head to Barmah National Park, just 30 minutes away from Echuca, and meander along the trails through the forests and along the waterways. Here, you’ll find the largest red gum forest in the world, with trees over 500 years old and up to 30 metres high. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, this park is sure to delight, with over 200 species of waterbirds recorded in the area. Look out for night herons, sea eagles and azure kingfishers, as well as more familiar birds like parrots. You’ll also spot other native wildlife, such as emus and grey kangaroos.
Head in the opposite direction to Gunbower National Park and State Forest, one hour away from Echuca. Here, you’ll find more river red gum trees, wetlands, native wildlife and over 170 species of birds. Go for a canoe ride along the Murray or enjoy a scenic drive through the forest.
Food and drink
Right near the Port of Echuca, within an 1800s carriage house, you’ll find the cellar door for St Anne’s Winery. Pop in and taste their award-winning range of wines. For a little more adventure, take an e-bike tour from Echuca to the St Anne’s Winery in Moama. After taking in the river views, taste their wines on arrival, and treat yourself to a cheese platter while you’re there.
Head out to Cape Horn Vineyard, which is wedged between the Murray and Goulburn Rivers, for more wine tasting, along with wood-fired pizza.
If spirits are more your thing, check out Echuca Distillery for small-batch vodka, gin, agave spirit and whisky. Sample their range in their on-site dining space, Bar Lee, and graze on tasty share plates.
Swing by Beekeepers Table for breakfast and lunch, and purchase some local honey to take home. Feast on charcoal-grilled meat from Greek restaurant, Opa Echuca, treat yourself to Asian dishes at Monkee & Co, or have classic pub fare at venues like American Hotel or 1895 The Royal.
Sweeten up your stay by purchasing some lollies from the Echuca Heritage Sweet Company or chocolate from Echuca Chocolate Company.
Pop into town on the first and third Saturday of the month for the Echuca Farmers Market. Find plenty of seasonal fruit and veggies, as well as baked goods, preserves and more local produce.
More things to do
Marvel at The Great Aussie Beer Shed, a quirky museum packed with 24,000 beer cans from Australia and around the world, as well as other related products, like old brewery equipment and bottles. There’s also horse drawn carriages and classic cars.
Speaking of carriages, you can go on a ride from the Port of Echuca through town. These horse carriage rides are available on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
For horse riding, go to Billabong Ranch Adventure Park. There, you can enjoy trail rides, or try other fun stuff, like camel rides, archery, pedal boats and mini golf.
If you prefer a garden stroll, duck across the border into Moama for the Moama Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes. Or, stay in Victoria and drive 30 minutes away from Echuca to see the Gargarro Botanic Garden, which is home to a collection of native plants, as well as a cafe. Go a little further out to Strathmerton to see Cactus Country, Australia’s largest cactus and succulent garden.
Getting there:
Drive north along the Calder Freeway to get to Echuca from Melbourne. The drive is typically between 2.5 and 3 hours long.
Echuca is also accessible via public transport. Starting from Southern Cross, the journey takes about three hours.
