Historic river towns Echuca

Welcome to Echuca and Moama, Australia's paddle steamer capital!

Never been to Echuca Moama before? - click here lots to experience in Echuca Moama in 48 hours.

The historic Port of Echuca, Australia's Paddle Steamer capital, has a rich colonial heritage. It's also the perfect place for a carefree holiday with plenty to see and do and it's just 2.5 hours from Melbourne.

Learn more out Echuca Moama's History

Discover a wonderful climate, beautiful riverside locations, splendid sightseeing, and a surprising array of shops, accommodation, dining and restaurants, festivals and events.

Learn about the old Port of Echuca and the amazing riverboat days. See the lively paddlewheelers and working steam engines. There's fun for the whole family.

Experience the mighty Murray River on a river cruise, rent a houseboat, go fishing, swimming or simply paddle a canoe. It's a delightful way to unwind.

Wake up to clear country air and a chorus of birds. Explore nearby towns, magnificent red gum forests, wetlands and fauna parks. Soak up a lifetime of memories.

Share the fun at a club and play the pokies. Dine out at stylish restaurants or enjoy the many cafés and eateries; the choice is yours.

Come and enjoy Echuca and Moama, for a week, a weekend, or even a day! Visitors never forget the feeling they have when they first sight an historic paddle steamer churning its way down the Murray; it is a feeling of time standing still. The Echuca-Moama region is famous for transporting visitors back in time as they become immersed in the history and atmosphere of the region.

One of the unique qualities that Echuca has to offer is the faithful restoration of the town buildings and public areas. From the historic port area, to the streetscapes with large verandahs, wide streets and smiling townspeople. Echuca is set to charm even the most seasoned of travellers.

Local Attractions

Echuca-Moama offers some of the best food and wine experiences in the Goulburn Murray Waters region. Fine dining with formal and more casual bistro options feature regional wines and innovative cuisine that cater for all tastes and budgets.

Just over the river into New South Wales, Moama offers visitors a range of experiences. The many sports clubs are favourite destinations for all ages, whether it is a friendly game of bowls or a flutter on the pokies. Magnificent golf courses and sporting experiences are offered by Moama's clubs.

Echuca-Moama has a lot to keep visitors busy. The National Holden Museum, Sharps' Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade and World in Wax, Red Gum Works and the Echuca Historical Society Museum are all located within the town and historic river port precinct. It is easy to leave the car and enjoy the sunshine and temperate weather whilst strolling amongst historic buildings and visiting many local attractions.

Walking and cycling tracks based around the Murray river and magnificent red gum forests are a great escape for all. Forest areas at Barmah, Moira, Perricoota and Rushworth all offer slightly different bushland experiences. Whilst wildlife abounds in these natural areas, many prefer to visit the Kyabram Fauna Park to get a first hand experience with native animals. For the ultimate indulgence, soak up the luxury of Madison Spa Resort.

Activities

Fishing

Echuca - it literally means the 'meeting of the waters' and although the Echuca-Moama area is probably better known for its water skiing, there is some great fishing to be had for those in the know. Many fishing experts believe that Echuca-Moama is the most under appreciated freshwater fishery along the Murray.

The best fishing is to be had either downstream of Echuca towards Torrumbarry, where the river is wide and deep, or upstream, where it narrows and races through the magnificent Moira and Barmah Redgum Forests. Good catches of the infamous Murray Cod, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch and occasionally, Redfin are found in these areas.

Wining & Dining

Food! Local gourmet produce and innovative chefs make for a great combination and at Echuca-Moama the two come together with some of the best dining options in the Goulburn Murray Waters region.

Fresh, contemporary food styles are a feature, whether at a top restaurant or a local club. There is a selection of fine dining and budget options for singles, couples and families. Blue skies and temperate weather make ideal conditions for al fresco dining. Many Echuca hotels, restaurants and cafes have outdoor eating options.

Walking and Cycling

One of the best ways to enjoy Echuca-Moama is to get out, take in the fresh air and sunshine and either walk or cycle around the area. There are a couple of scenic routes that take advantage of the flat terrain, whilst at the same time providing glimpses of this area not available by car. There is a five kilometre walk or ride, with an additional ten kilometre option. Further information on each of these can be obtained from the Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre.

Cohuna (Down River) - Tocumwal (Up River)

History of Echuca & Moama Echuca (Victoria) & Moama (NSW) is known as the paddlesteamer capital of Australia. It’s an ideal holiday destination only 206km or two and an half hours north of Melbourne. With so much to choose from you’ll always be on the go. Travel on a paddlesteamer, hire a houseboat, go waterskiing, fishing, canoeing or swimming. Experience the rich history or have a ball with today’s exciting attractions. You can also absorb the incredible beauty of nature with magnificent red gum forests, wetlands and parks. There’s shopping, great restaurants, gorgeous cafes and all sorts of accommodation to suit everyone's needs. Echuca Moama has a wonderful climate and really is sensational all year round. Founded in 1853, Echuca became the largest inland port in Australia, second only to the Port of Melbourne. Like many bustling and successful towns for its time breweries and brothels boomed. A combination of wealth with the finest of fashions and bare-knuckle fights lasting for hours. As the stories go you could also catch a cod as big as a man. The town became the trading hub from as far as Queensland, utilising the Darling and Murrumbidgee Rivers to transport their wares like wool and harvests of wheat, eventually by rail to the Port of Melbourne. The centre of Echuca during it’s heyday was the huge redgum wharf built in 1865 with restoration beginning in 1973. The historic port is now home to the largest collection of paddlesteamers in Australia. Many of them have been fully restored and offer daily cruises along with insights into a trading river from over 100 years ago. At one time it’s recorded that more than 240 boats had their wares transferred in one year. You can easily enjoy short trips, lovely lunch or dinner cruises or overnight stays on an historic paddlesteamer. The historic Port of Echuca adjoining the wharf is a living museum. Historic buildings, horse-drawn carriages, gravel roads, blacksmith and woodturner all creating a wonderful atmosphere recreating the 1800s. There’s much to see and do in Echuca and surroundings once you’ve explored the historic port district. You can also have a riverbank picnic or drive amongst ancient redgums of the Barmah State Forest. See amazing wetlands that are home to over 200 species of waterbirds and other fauna. Excellent dining in local restaurants including the renowned Oscar W’s Wharfside, overlooking the Murray. Visit some of the many outstanding wineries with cellar door tastings. Shop at boutique stores along Echuca’s historic High Street, which contains many historic buildings with spectacular facades. Plus a full range of accommodation choices and other stunning attractions including the popular clubs in the region. Echuca & Moama is the perfect base for a great holiday on the Murray River with its stunning Mediterranean climate and diverse holiday options.  Photos courtesy: rivermurrayphotos.com