Explore Echuca Moama which will transport you back in time. Echuca is a picturesque region set upon the beautiful Murray River, complete with the original Paddle steamers. The Murray River is the third-longest navigable river in the world. Its located just 2 hours and 40 minutes from Melbourne and 1 hour from Bendigo. It’s the perfect place to spend the weekend or the Week here while exploring other regions. In this blog, I will Highlight the best affordable things in Echuca Moama.
Take a tour on a paddle steamer
Echuca has the largest fleet of paddle steamers in the world. A good way to see the Murray River is on a paddle steamer. Day tours start from $30 for a one hour cruise. Overnight cruise for 2 nights start from $1044pp. Echuca is not complete with at least going down to the port and seeing these grand boats choofing down the river. Click Here for more information on the river cruises.
Explore the Murray River
The Murray is famous for its water activities and whether like speed boats or want to take it a bit slower, there’s something for everyone. Some popular water sports on the Murray are waterskiing, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding which all can be organised through various local operators click Here. .
You could even live like some of the locals by hiring a houseboat for the weekend or a pontoon boat for the morning or afternoon. Click Here for more information.
Step Back in Time and Explore the Port of Echuca
The Port of Echuca area feels as if time has forgotten it. With a dirt road, horse-drawn carts, original buildings and the massive wooden wharf you will really feel as if you have transported back to the 1800s. In the 1870s the Port of Echuca was the third-largest in Australia, third to Sydney and Melbourne. While wandering the port make sure to stop past Sharps Magic movie house and penny arcade to buy some fudge there is many flavors to choose from.
Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
Entry to the Port of echuca center is free entry. It’s an interactive learning center where you can learn about the history of the wharf and the paddler steamers. There is a paddle steam display when you first enter. There is also a cargo shed with educational, engaging, and entertaining spaces for kids of all ages. The shed also has costumes, games, and instruments. At the wharf, you will also be able to buy your Paddle steamer tickets and board the Paddle steamer.
Explore the Silo art trail
Silo Art has become a big thing out here and a good way of bringing tourism to some of the smaller towns. You can follow the 200km art trail to the 8 scattered silos. The closest Silo is located in Rochester which is 20 minutes from Echuca. We stopped past a few while we explored the region.
Explore the bike trails
The Scenic drive circuit
it’s a 5.3km loop along the Murray River. At the time we visited finding the start point with the construction was a little confusing. It’s best to park at the oval near the Echuca holiday park, from there you will see pedestrian walkway through the construction. The path is a beautiful path through the forest and to the mouth of where the Murray and Campaspe Rivers connect.
Banyule Forest
There is a beautiful trail a little bit more off-road as they are single tracks and FWD tracks through the forest. We followed the Murray around the forest then returned the same way. It’s a beautiful path and well worth exploring with plenty of stops for a swim along the way.
Five Mile Mountain Bike Track
The mountain bike trail is 7km of man-made mountain bike trails in Murray Valley Regional Park, Located near Echuca and Moama. The trails are suitable for all skill levels and are one of the best places for biking in the area.
Horseshoe Lagoon
Just over the bridge on the Moama side, you’ll find this fantastic boardwalk that meanders through the wetland and ends at the Moama wharf looking out to the Murray River. It’s a nice and easy walk that immerses you in nature.
