Echuca

Echuca Sights & Activities

The mighty Murray River flows through NSW and Victoria and forms the state border (see map). Echuca on the Victorian border has a proud history of being the main inland trading port for the Murray and many of the interesting sights and attractions in Echuca relate back to the time the area was a bustling port.

In the 1800s, roads and rail to the inland of Australia were of poor quality. Farmers used the Murray River to get their wool, timber and wheat to the Port of Melbourne via paddle steamer to Echuca.

Today you can recreate this journey by hitching a ride on one of the many beautifully restored paddle steamers that journey along the Murray River. The main wharf is located at the Port of Echuca. River cruises lasting from one hour to a few days leave from, on or near this port, on their way along flowing rivers.

The Port of Echuca is a tourist attraction in its own right, with its historic wharf, working steam engine displays, museum and wonderfully renovated buildings and hotels. A Port of Echuca tour is an interesting way to learn more about this fascinating part of Australia's history.

Echuca boating is not just limited to paddle steamers. Many people visit Echuca to hire a boat or houseboat to explore the river and its scenery at their own pace. Some just go in search of the famous Murray Cod – fishing in Echuca is almost as famous as the paddle steamers.

Day trips out to the vineyards near Echuca, or wine tours tasting the best of the cellar doors, are other popular pastimes.