Echuca, located on the Murray River in northern Victoria, is a historic river town famous for its paddle steamers, colonial-era streets, and stunning riverside scenery. Once Australia’s busiest inland port, Echuca is now a top holiday destination for history lovers, outdoor adventurers, and food and wine enthusiasts.
From cruising down the Murray on a paddle steamer to exploring heritage buildings and enjoying local wineries, Echuca offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and history.
Top Attractions in Echuca
1. Port of Echuca Discovery Centre 🏛️🚢
- A living museum showcasing the history of the Murray River paddle steamers.
- Walk through heritage-listed wharves, blacksmith workshops, and steam engines.
- Learn about Echuca’s importance as Australia’s busiest inland port during the 19th century.
2. Paddle Steamer Cruises on the Murray River 🚢🌊
- Take a ride on one of the world’s largest collections of operating paddle steamers.
- Best paddle steamers for a scenic cruise:
- PS Emmylou – A luxury paddle steamer offering overnight stays.
- PS Pevensey – Featured in the TV series “All the Rivers Run”.
- PS Adelaide – One of the oldest operating paddle steamers in the world.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise, lunch cruise, or a historic tour along the river.
3. Echuca Wharf & Historic Precinct 🏛️
- A beautifully preserved area filled with historic buildings, vintage shops, and old-world charm.
- Visit:
- The Star Hotel – A former underground speakeasy from the 1800s.
- The Great Aussie Beer Shed – A quirky collection of Aussie beer memorabilia.
- The Blacksmith Shop – Watch live demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing.
4. National Holden Motor Museum 🚗🏁
- One of Australia’s largest collections of classic Holden cars.
- Features rare and vintage Holdens, car memorabilia, and interactive displays.
- A must-visit for car enthusiasts and history buffs.
5. Billabong Ranch Adventure Park 🐴🏹
- A great family-friendly attraction offering:
- Horse riding along scenic trails.
- Mini golf, archery, and rock climbing.
- Animal farm with kangaroos, emus, and farm animals.
6. The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum 🍺🏚️
- A fun museum dedicated to Aussie beer culture and farming history.
- See a massive collection of vintage beer cans, brewing equipment, and Aussie memorabilia.
7. Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Winery 🍷
- Located on the banks of the Murray River, offering stunning views.
- Try:
- Cool-climate Shiraz and Chardonnay.
- Outdoor wood-fired pizzas and picnic hampers.
- Offers canoe access for wine lovers arriving by river!
8. St. Anne’s Winery 🍇
- One of Echuca’s best-known wineries, with tastings of award-winning wines.
- Famous for rich reds, sparkling wines, and fortifieds.
9. Murray Esplanade & River Walks 🚶♂️🌿
- A beautiful walking trail along the Murray River.
- Perfect for morning strolls, cycling, and birdwatching.
- Look out for platypuses and native wildlife.
10. Aqua Island Water Park (Summer Only) 💦🌞
- A floating inflatable water park on the Murray River.
- Features waterslides, obstacle courses, and trampolines.
Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips from Echuca 🚗🏞️
1. Barmah National Park & Barmah Lakes 🌳🦅
- Home to Australia’s largest red gum forest.
- Take a canoe or boat tour through the Murray wetlands.
- Great for birdwatching, fishing, and bushwalking.
2. Torrumbarry Weir & Lock 26 🌊
- A historic weir and lock system controlling the Murray River.
- Fishing, picnicking, and scenic river views.
3. Gunbower Island & Koondrook 🌿🐨
- A hidden gem for kayaking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
- See koalas, pelicans, and kangaroos in the wild.
4. Kyabram Fauna Park 🦘🐍
- A wildlife park with over 600 native Australian animals.
- Get up close to koalas, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and crocodiles.
Echuca’s Food & Drink Scene 🍽️🍷
1. Must-Try Local Specialties
- Fresh Murray River fish – Try golden perch and Murray cod.
- Locally made cheeses and gourmet produce.
- Boutique wines and craft beers from the region.
2. Best Restaurants & Cafés ☕🍽️
- The Mill Echuca – A converted flour mill serving modern Australian cuisine.
- Morrisons Riverview Winery & Restaurant – A winery with riverside dining.
- Redgums Restaurant – A classic fine-dining spot with Murray River views.
- Shebani’s Tastes of the Mediterranean – A unique Greek and Middle Eastern-inspired café.
3. Best Pubs & Wine Bars 🍺
- The American Hotel – One of Echuca’s oldest pubs, with great food and live music.
- The Shamrock Hotel – A historic Irish pub serving classic pub meals.
- The Riverbank Moama – A stylish wine bar with craft beer and tapas.
Where to Stay in Echuca 🏨
Luxury & Boutique Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Tindarra Resort – A beautiful riverside retreat with villas and an infinity pool.
- CocknBull Boutique Hotel – A stylish heritage hotel with stunning river views.
Mid-Range & Family-Friendly Stays ⭐⭐⭐
- Mercure Port of Echuca – A comfortable stay in the heart of town.
- Quest Echuca – Modern self-contained apartments close to the river.
Budget & Camping Options 💰🏕️
- NRMA Echuca Holiday Park – A family-friendly holiday park near the river.
- Discovery Parks – Moama West – A great spot for camping and cabins.
Best Time to Visit Echuca ☀️🚢
- Summer (December–February) – Best for boating, swimming, and riverside dining.
- Autumn (March–May) – Perfect for winery tours and scenic walks.
- Winter (June–August) – Best for cozy paddle steamer rides and pub dining.
- Spring (September–November) – Great for wildflowers, cycling, and outdoor adventures.
How to Get to Echuca 🚗🚆
- By Car 🚗
- From Melbourne: 2.5-hour drive via the Calder Highway.
- From Bendigo: 1-hour drive.
- By Train & Bus 🚆🚌
- V/Line trains run from Melbourne to Echuca daily.
- Here are some of the closest towns to Echuca:
- Moama: Just across the border in New South Wales, about 2.17 miles (3.5 km) away.
- Kyabram: About 35 miles (56 km) to the south.
- Shepparton: Around 45 miles (72 km) to the south-east.
- Deniliquin: Approximately 50 miles (80 km) to the north-west.
- Tocumwal: About 55 miles (88 km) to the north-east.
Why Visit Echuca?
Echuca is one of Australia’s most historic and scenic river towns, offering stunning paddle steamer cruises, rich heritage, and an exciting food and wine scene. Whether you’re exploring the historic port, enjoying the Murray River, or indulging in local wines, Echuca is a must-visit destination in Victoria.
🚢🏞️✨ Plan your trip to Echuca and experience the magic of the Murray River