Echuca-Moama - a very special destination
Echuca-Moama is a dream holiday destination for anyone who loves water sports or just wants to enjoy a leisurely holiday in a delightful environment. The region boasts sunny days for most of the year, and is an easy two and a half hour drive from Melbourne. The wonderful climate combined with top class sporting and leisure facilities tempt visitors to get out and have a wonderful time.
Echuca-Moama is Australia's paddle-steamer capital and has a rich colonial and riverboat heritage at the Port of Echuca. The original buildings in the historic port area have been restored and visitors are able to experience a working steam port. There is so much to see on the Murray River - from watching the lively paddle-steamers and working steam engines to taking a river cruise, hiring a houseboat, fishing, swimming or going on a self-guided walking tour.
Discover the magnificent red gum forests, wetlands and fauna parks; or visit places such as the National Holden Museum, Sharps Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade, the Great Aussie Beer Shed, Billabong Carriage Rides, the Echuca Heritage Sweet Company and the Echuca Historical Society Museum.
The majestic Murray River provides fantastic fishing opportunities throughout the year. This is the place to catch a Murray cod, the region's most famous river fish or a delicious redfin or yellowbelly to throw on the barbie.
One of the delights of going on holidays is eating out. The Echuca-Moama region offers visitors a wide choice of memorable dining options with a different cuisine style for every meal.A number of local restaurants are featured in prestigious good food guides and regularly win Industry and Restaurant of the Year awards. For a truly memorable dining experience, try the Regional Tastes Degustation at the award-winning Oscar W's Wharfside, which showcases the best food, wine and service in a unique location overlooking the Murray.
There is lots of great accommodation located in and around Echuca-Moama which range from high end to family-friendly motels.There is also a great selection of self contained holiday units and villas and a wonderful variety of B&B cottages.Caravan parks with on-site cabins are another popular option. Visitors can also stay on a houseboat and drift leisurely along the scenic Murray River.
Another terrific way to explore the river is to hire a barbecue boat with cooking and cooling facilities for an alfresco meal. Then there are canoes, kayaks and motor boats for hire for lovers of water sports. Paddlers are provided with full safety gear and can be driven upstream enabling them to go down the lazy river at their leisure.
History comes to life at Echuca-Moama at the many museums, where you can step back in time and relive the beginnings of the region. Then there are the fascinating historic buildings such as the century old buildings near the wharf - the Bond Store, Customs House and old hotels which now sport colourful shops, restaurants and museums.
Time your visit to Echuca-Moama with one of its celebrated annual events, which this year include the following:
Southern 80 Ski Race, February 2008
The world's largest water-ski race that attracts an elite line-up of international and Australian skiers who traverse 80 km of bends and straights on the Murray River.
www.southern80.com.au
Echuca-Moama Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival, February 2008
Celebrate spectacular jazz and blues, contemporary food styles and great Aussie music along the banks of the mighty Murray River during Echuca-Moama's Jazz, Food and Wine Festival. www.echucamoama.com/jazz
Echuca Cup Carnival, March 2008
Echuca Cup Day featuring the Deniliquin RSL Echuca Cup. This is a great day out with live bands, fashions on the field, free children's activities, and great local food and wine.
www.echucaraces.com.au
Rotary Steam Horse and Vintage Rally - June 2008
This magnificent display of steam traction engines and wagons, portable steam engines, early farm machinery, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles makes for great family entertainment over the Queen's Birthday Long weekend.
Enquiries: 1800 804 446
Winter Blues Festival - July 2008
Within the Echuca Heritage Port Precinct, relax and enjoy the ambiance of the historic area with its restaurants, cafes, pubs, cellar door outlets, attractions, and sensational specialty shops whilst listening to great blues music. www.winterblues.com.au
Houseboat Open Day - July 2008
Stroll along the river bank and view the boats ranging from two to 12 berth, budget to luxury. Enter a draw to win a holiday on a houseboat of your choice.
www.echucamoamahouseboats.com.au
Port of Echuca Heritage Steam Festival, October 2008
See the display of traditional steam engines and enjoy the stunning fireworks display.
www.portofechuca.org.au
Echuca-Moama is the perfect destination for the whole family to enjoy, a place where the Murray River sights, sounds and the activities are endless.
Getting there:
- From Sydney, Qantas and Regional Express (Rex) fly to Albury up to Albury from Sydney to Albury up to four times a day. Echuca-Moama is a three-hour drive from Albury Airport.
- From Melbourne, Echuca-Moama is a two-and-a-half hour drive.
For further information visit www.echucamoama.com