On the banks of the Murray River, Echuca offers a world of must see sights and activities. Surrounded by red river gums and stunning natural beauty, the mighty Murray River is home to a rich heritage and historic paddlesteamers. Nestled at the junction of the Murray and Campase Rivers, Echuca offers a captivating blend of old world charm, tranquillity, adventure and modern vibrancy. Whether cruising aboard a paddle steamer, paddleboarding or stepping back in time at the historic port, Echuca offers a plethora of river based and outdoor activities. In the hub of the township, a vibrant culinary scene awaits with everything from dining on the banks of the river to chic wine bars and authentic pubs. With something for everyone, immerse yourself in the Echuca art scene with galleries, exhibitions, theatre and street art.
Why Explore Echuca
Only 3 hours drive from Melbourne, getting to Echuca is easy with a great network of clearly signed roads and highways. Either via the Northern Highway or Hume Freeway, there are plenty of charming spots to explore along the way. For those without a car, there is always the option of direct bus services or the railway. Surrounded by natural beauty and with a population of about 15,000, Echuca offers a tranquil lifestyle blended with rich history and modern amenities.
See and Do
- Explore the Murray River
Set on the banks of the mighty Murray River, explore and enjoy the famous waterway that stretches for 2700 kilometres. Lined with magnificent red gums and sandy beaches, the Murray River is home to plentiful wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Hire your own houseboat and set your own pace for relaxation, or take the boat out for a day of fishing. Soak up the year round warm climate with a cool swim or head out on a canoe or kayak to explore the tree lined waters and secluded creeks of Barmah National Park.
- Enjoy a Paddlesteamer Cruise
Offering a nostalgic and unique way to experience the Murray River, Echuca is home to the world’s largest operating paddlesteamer fleet. Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the river with scenic views of the tree-lined banks and abundant wildlife. Once passenger and cargo transportation back in the 1880s, these fully restored vessels offer daily cruises and sunset cruises during spring and summer. You can even charter a paddle steamer for a special occasion or event.
- Discover Echuca’s History
Steeped in history, Echuca is rich with stories of the Murray River, the Port of Echuca, pioneers and the people who shaped the town. The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is a tribute to those memories. With exhibits, tours and interactive displays, the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is a focal point for learning about the history of Echuca. The centre boasts audiovisual displays that explain the story of the famous river system, the history of paddle steamers and how they connected the colony to the outside world. Displays include Meeting of the Waters Indigenous display, Evans Brothers sawmill display, and working steam exhibits. Guided tours are conducted several times throughout the week.
- Immerse Yourself in Local Arts and Culture
A vibrant arts and culture scene awaits in Echuca with a plethora of art galleries, exhibitions, workshops and events in both contemporary and traditional art. With a reputation as a forward thinking art precinct, Echuca has a range of public art displays including murals and sculptures dotted around the township. Galleries to visit in Echuca include the Alton Gallery, The Foundry Arts Space, Whistlestop Studio Gallery, and the Customs House Gallery.
- Walking and Cycling Trails
Surrounded by the Banyule Forest and Murray Valley Regional Park, Echuca has a multitude of walking and cycling trails to choose from. Whether you are after a meandering stroll or a more rugged walk, Echuca has something for everyone. Enjoy the serenity of the Scenic Trail walk which traverses along the edge of the Murray River through native bushland. The Campaspe River walk follows the river through the urban area of Echuca and is ideal for walkers, joggers and cyclists. For cyclists, there are trails for all levels of ability from a slow meandering bike ride along the river to off-road paths to accommodate all fitness levels. Hire an e-bike for the day or set off on one of the bike to winery tours that run throughout the year.
- Echuca Heritage Walk
Discover Echua’s vibrant heritage with a self-guided walk. Simply download the map online to discover the magical history and iconic sites Echuca has to offer. Enjoy a stroll through the township with its heritage buildings and many plaques. The Echuca Heritage walk emphasises the development of the town since the 1880s, its significant buildings and the rich paddle steamer history of the Murray River.
- TwistED
One of Echuca’s many exciting attractions is TwistED Science which is designed for all ages of curiosity. Situated in the Port of Echuca precinct, TwistED is an award winning family destination with hands-on fun and engaging activities. Check out the amazing Climb, an augmented reality gaming and climbing wall. You can even test your reaction speed, eat a bug, build a dinosaur, and meet some unusual wildlife.
- Sharps MovieHouse & Penny Arcade
Experience history at Sharps MovieHouse & Penny Arcade. Step back in time with old black and white movies and original Penny Arcade machines dating back 50 to 110 years. Enjoy Australia’s oldest soccer game, golf game, the gypsy fortune teller and even test your strength. Check your lovability and, if game, get electrocuted. Relax in front of the screen and watch the old classics like Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. For a tasty treat, enjoy Echuca’s freshest fudge and nougat with more than 20 flavours to choose from.
Food and Drinks
- Feast on Local Food
In the heart of the Riverina Murray Food Bowl, Echuca is renowned for its gastronomic delights. Come on a culinary adventure with this diverse and exciting food scene with a variety of wineries, restaurants, craft breweries, artisan creations and local produce. Sip a glass of wine on the river or explore vineyards like St Anne’s Winery, Morrisons Winery and Restaurant and Cape Horn Vineyard and Riverside Bar. As a destination for foodies and wine connoisseurs, Echuca offers local quaint cafes with handmade delicacies, elegant restaurants and craft breweries and distilleries. With over 50 cafes, restaurants, bars and farmgates across Echuca, it is an iconic food and wine destination on the Murray River with the freshest locally farmed produce and thriving gastronomic scene.
- Chocolate Company
The Echuca Chocolate Company is a must visit for the chocolate lovers of the world with every type of chocolate you can think of. A delicious range of chocolates, sweets and chocolate liqueurs with some unique flavours and designs awaits, and you will not be disappointed. From the moment you walk in the door, your senses will be assailed with an overwhelming sweet smell of chocolate. The chocolatiers use specialty ingredients to craft the flavoursome truffles and bars and the chocolates are all hand-made on site.
- Winery Tours
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Echuca region as you are escorted to a range of wineries for wine tasting and even a decadent lunch. Echuca winery tours include visits to local wineries and sometimes the odd distillery stop. Known for its riverfront location and natural beauty, Echuca is also known for its stunning vineyards. Winery tours can be done by a chartered bus, private car, and even by e-bike for the adventurous.
- Breweries
Enjoy the old school, country hospitality and amazing beers when you visit the Bandicoot Brewery in Echuca. This 100% family owned and independent brewery has produced a range of award winning beers with the owners obsessed with simply making great beer. Come in and taste some of the Bandicoot favourites like the pale ale, Russian imperial stout and the popular IPA.
- Pubs, Clubs and Wine Bars
A reflection of Echuca’s blend of history, culture, and hospitality, there is a rich variety of pubs, clubs and wine bars to choose from. If you are after a quiet beer at an historic local pub, check out The Royal. Steeped in a history that spans more than 125 years The Royal is known for its laid back and homely environment and amazing food. Built in 1989, The Bridge Hotel has its fair share of history having been restored back to the grand building of its heyday. For wine buffs, you can’t go past a visit to The Social Wine Bar. Set on the banks of the Murray River, The Social offers the best of wines, cheese and local beers in an old world building with a stylish modern interior.
- Gin Distillery
The Echuca Distillery is a great place to visit and taste the array of 100% pure craft spirits made from naturally derived botanicals. Relax on the outdoor seating while deciding your favourite flavour of gin or indulge in the menu centred around small plates and share style dishes in the award-winning Bar-Lee restaurant inside the distillery.
Where to Stay
- Hotels and Motels
With a diverse range of options for accommodation, Echuca is the best place for finding a place to stay. Echuca boasts everything from luxury resorts to cosy riverside cabinets, bed and breakfasts and family friendly caravan parks.
- Houseboats and Paddlesteamers
Escape to the quiet serenity of the Murray River aboard a boutique paddle steamer where you can stay for one night or 5. The Emmylou paddlesteamer boasts 8 luxury cabins to ensure an indulgent stay. Alternatively, unwind on a relaxing holiday on one of the houseboats. Take a group of friends, your family or just a partner on a luxurious houseboat with all the comforts of home and a river view that will leave you breathless.
- Self Contained Accommodation
If independence is more your thing, Echuca has a wide range of self contained accommodation options from apartments, self contained units and resort style stays for every budget. Echuca Holiday Units offer one and two bedroom layouts with everything you need on hand, while The Wisps of Wool Retreat sits just 300 metres from the Murray River and invites you to settle into easy country living. For those who fall in love with the region’s rhythm and want to make it their own, Yallarah also offers house and land packages that let you build a lifestyle rather than just visit.
There are a plethora of things to do in Echuca from enjoying a paddle steam ride up the Murray River to tasting the local gastronomic delights and immersing yourself in its vibrant history. Whether you are looking for a romantic riverside getaway or a thrill seeking adventure, Echuca has something to offer everyone.