Echuca Moama

Discover the Murray’s living legend

The romance of the river is alive and well in Australia’s paddle steamer capital, where the twin towns of Echuca Moama ooze a rich history. But this is no museum piece – with so many sights, activities and major events, the Echuca Moama region radiates an energy and feelgood factor that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

The town was put on the map by legendary ex-convict Henry Hopwood, who started up a river punt and small hotel in 1853 to take advantage of the increasing cross-river traffic.

Snapshot of Things To Do In Echuca Moama

1. Get a real taste of life in the 1800's with a cruise along the Murray on an original paddlesteamer
2. Why not take the Wharf to Winery cruise from Echuca?
3. Hire a bike – pack a picnic, hire a bike from Green Pedals and tour around the beautiful region. They also have guided tours for a personal touch.
4. Explore more of Echuca Moama's history at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.
5. Enjoy Australia’s larrikin spirit at the National Holden Museum and the Great Aussie Beer Shed.
6. Bring the whole family to the Billabong Ranch Adventure Park for horse-riding, pedal boats, playgrounds and so much more.

When paddle steamers began plying the Murray from 1860, Echuca transformed into the busiest and most prosperous port town on the Murray River. Today the nostalgic whistle is still a familiar sound; the wharf is home to the world’s largest fleet of operating riverboats. Cruises run throughout the day aboard six beautifully restored steamers, and overnight cruises are also available.

Echuca’s other star attraction is the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre where you can step back in time to 1860 and visit an authentic steam port, explore the revitalised wharf, and watch the steam-driven saw mill in operation.

Echuca Moama is far from living in the past though. The lively spirit can be experienced in major events and festivals such as the world’s biggest waterski event, the Southern 80 held in February each year, and the Riverboats Music Festival also in February and the Winter Blues Festival in July.

Riverside fine-dining restaurants, chic wine bars, alfresco cafes, country-style bakeries and friendly pubs mean visitors are spoilt for gastronomic choice. Wine touring is also popular, with a dozen or so cellar doors in the region.

With three great rivers – Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe – converging here, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, biking and bushwalking are naturally big attractions, and nights spent relaxing on a houseboat is sheer bliss.

Echuca Moama Port Visitor Information Centre

Address: Shop 1, 41 Murray Esplanade, Echuca
Phone: 1800 804 446 or 03-54810555
Opening Hours: Open 10am to 4pm every day, closed Christmas Day.

Learn more about Echuca Moama