Echuca is a border town on the banks of the Murray and Campaspe Rivers. Connected by a bridge and directly across the river on the New South Wales side is the town of Moama. Located in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria, Echuca is the administrative centre and largest settlement in the Shire of Campaspe and is the closest town along the Murray River to Melbourne.
Echuca's warm climate and charming location makes it a popular holiday destination. There are forests and parks, safe swimming areas and plenty of spots for boating and fishing. By far Echuca’s greatest claim to fame is its impressive fleet of paddle steamers - the largest in the world! The town has a proud history and tours in Echuca offer visitors plenty of opportunities to learn all about it.
The twin towns of Echuca and Moama are Australia’s paddle steamer capital, home to the world's largest fleet of operating riverboats. In the 1870s, Echuca was Australia’s largest inland port, with hundreds of steamers racing along the Murray River. It became an important river port and railway junction due to the short distance to Melbourne.
One of the most famous Echuca tours is aboard one of these beautiful, historic paddle steamers. The majestic PS Emmylou Paddlesteam Cruise is one of Australia’s most recognisable paddle steamers and takes guests back to the romance of the riverboat days.
A one-hour cruise meanders along the mighty Murray River past red gum lined banks. The rhythmic sounds of the steam engine and paddlewheels are interrupted only by the hooting of Emmylou’s whistle. This is one of the best Murray River Cruises on offer and a pleasurable way to enjoy this iconic part of Australia.
After a relaxing paddle steamer cruise along the Murray River, take time to stroll through town. The paddle steamer cruises start and finish at the Echuca Port and Discovery Centre, where you can walk the path of Echuca’s river pioneers and learn more about the town’s 19th-century river trade.
The exhibits include Nationally Heritage-Listed Echuca Wharf and the paddle steamers and barges moored there and along the riverbank, the Evans Brothers sawmill display, working steam exhibits, and the Port of Echuca Railway Station and its A2 steam locomotive. There are guided tours of the Port area conducted by local history experts who share some fascinating stories of Echuca's bustling river trade.
Walk along Murray Esplanade past heritage buildings now home to a variety of lovely shops and cafes. While in town, visit The Echuca Historical Society Museum and the National Holden Museum, with an amazing car collection from the 1950s through to the 2000s.
Echuca is 214 kilometres north of Melbourne. A Echuca holiday is a popular getaway for Melburnians as it takes just two and a half hours. Stopping off at the historic gold rush town of Bendigo along the way makes for a great road trip.
Echuca is on the Aboriginal land of the Yorta Yorta people. The Aboriginal translation is 'meeting of the waters.'
The nearest town is Moama, just a few minutes across the border in NSW.
The population of Echuca as of 2022 is just over 15,000. It continues to grow, especially with retirees discovering its wonderful facilities and natural beauty.
Yes! Echuca holidays take in a region that is bursting with great spots to visit. Murray Valley National Park, the Echuca Moama Silo Art Trail, Campaspe Arts Trail, the River Forest Drive, Ballarat to Echuca Road Trip or the Cobb Highway Touring Route, named after the iconic coach company.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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