Echuca Moama is possibly the heart of the Murray River. Situated on the Victorian/New South Wales border, the twin towns straddle the Mighty Murray, with Moama in the North and Echuca in the South. A trip to Echuca transports you back to life in the late 1800’s, where paddlesteamers travelled the river and the port bustled with life. The town has a quaint charm, similar to Ballarat or Bendigo, and there are plenty of things to see and do. 

 

Echuca became a prominent Australian location in the 1870’s when the Port of Echuca was Australia’s largest inland port (and third largest port behind Sydney and Melbourne). Echuca was a major player in the transport of goods to Melbourne, as paddlesteamers would bring wool, wheat, grains and livestock, among other commodities, to the redgum wharf before they were shipped to Melbourne by rail. However, by the 1890’s the expansion of the railway system and the improvement in Victoria’s roads saw Echuca begin to decline and the paddlesteamer fleets dwindle. Today Echuca is a relatively small town, however it bustles with life during Summer as a popular holiday destination for Victorians.

 

Enjoying The Murray River

There are so many ways to enjoy The Murray River while visiting Echuca, whether you take a private craft out on the water or enjoy a ride on a Paddlesteamer. We experienced the river in a few ways while we were staying in Moama (and crossing the border multiple times a day going between the twin towns).

Our first trip out onto the river was via a hired motorboat from Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire. For $50 we cruised up and down the river, past the Echuca wharf and the majestic paddleteamers, waving to the paddleboarders and kayakers who were out enjoying a stunning summer’s day. The same business also hires out canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, BBQ boats, pontoons and fishing boats and can be found at the Victoria Park Boat Ramp, a little bit downstream from the Echuca wharf.

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Our next river experience was a swim. We entered from Moama Beach,  where there was parking, shade and a nice picnic area. We floated along with the current and cooled off after a VERY hot day while we checked out the houseboats that were a prominent feature in the river. Moama Beach  also provided a nice view of the rail/road bridge that connects the two towns, allowing us to contemplate the Victoria/ New South Wales divide that is so essentially us (Troy was born and raised in Melbourne, while I am a Sydney girl through and throughs much of a Sydney girl as you can get). 

Our third experience of the river was onboard the P.S Canberra, a paddlesteamer built in 1913. While at one point P.S Canberra had been converted to diesel, it has since been reverted back to its original steam power and is the oldest of the current paddlesteamer fleet operating in Echuca.  We took a one hour cruise onboard, with the kids fascinated by being able to watch the inner workings of the paddleteamer and enjoying the views from the top level. They also have a fully licensed bar and the kids can have a go at steering the paddlesteamer- fun for everyone! While we went with Murray River Paddlesteamers, cruises are also available through Echuca Paddlesteamers. Book ahead during Summer, or other busy times of the year, if you are after a particular time of day or are wanting to board a particular paddlesteamer.

 

The Port Of Echuca and The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

The Port of Echuca is a series of shops and displays that run adjacent to the existing wharf along Murray Esplanade.There is plenty to look at and you get a feel for the history that is essentially Echuca. Inside the Port of Echuca Discovery CEntre you are able to view and explore the displays which help to paint a clear picture of life in Echuca, circa 1870. Within this area you are able to view the original section of wharf, a steam display which shows exactly how steam power works, and the Evan’s sawmill. The cargo shed is an interactive section for children, with a focus on Echuca’s history. Entry into the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is free, although paid guided tours are available.  
 

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The Old Penny Arcade

The Old Penny Arcade and Sharps Movie House is located along the Murray Esplanade and is not necessarily obvious. Once inside, the penny arcade is actually in a small section of the shop, partitioned off with a curtain. I must admit that as I paid for our entry, I was sceptical. However, this turned out to be SO much fun. Each person was given a set amount of pennies to use on the machines and a lovely young worker showed us how to use the old arcade machines. Much to my delight there was even the same fortune telling machine that appears in the Tom Hanks movie ‘Big’ that I remember watching as a kid! (Apparently everyone of my vintage or older tells the poor kid the same story- he had never seen the movie!) After being shown how to use the machines, which are all originals, we were left to use our pennies as we wished. From love machines, strength testers and an old fashioned crank manoeuvred claw machine, we had a blast playing them. Larissa even managed to score a bag of popcorn from the claw machine, which is probably more successful than using today’s electronic versions! This was a nice foray into history and some good, old fashioned fun. 

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For the Sweet Tooth

If you have a sweet tooth, then Echuca has plenty to offer! Check out the fudge at The Olde Penny Arcade or shop for sweets at either the Echuca Heritage Sweet Co. or the Echuca Chocolate Company. If ice cream is more your thing, then we recommend that you head to Echuca Ice Creamery on High Street for a massive choice of delicious flavours. 

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Billabong Carriages

Billabong Ranch is located outside of the main town of Echuca, but they do operate horse drawn carriage rides around the town centre. They can be found along Murray Esplanade- just look for the signs on the poles, or follow the carriages that you will see around town. We enjoyed our ride, as did the kids, and we were able to sit up at the very top of the carriage. For a fantastic view.

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The Great Aussie Beer Shed

The Great Aussie Beer Shed was……different. It is located about 10 minutes out of town and is home to the Big Beer Pot, amongst a collection of other interesting bits and pieces. The Beer Shed has very welcoming hosts who are more than willing to spin you a yarn and have a chat about what has been collected over many, many years. There are vintage cars, carriages, beer kegs, old toys, old appliances, as well as other unusual and sometimes rare artefacts. Adults could spend ages visiting The Beer Shed, wandering around exploring the collections, however, it is harder to keep the little ones attention. The collections are not necessarily in any particular order, nor are there any information signs to explain what items are if you don’t readily recognise them. This place is worth a visit if you are a history buff and the best thing is that the entry price included a beverage (alcoholic or otherwise) and a stubby holder. 

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Other sites and attractions in Echuca that we didn’t get to experience but may be worth a visit:

• TwistED science centre

• National Holden Museum

• Billabong Ranch

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Overall, our family enjoyed our adventures in Echuca Moama. There was plenty to do, lots of beautiful places to explore and the mighty Murray to cool off in!