Choose your adventure: the best things to see and do in Echuca
Under a 3-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD and right on the banks of the mighty Murray River, you’ll find Echuca, a Victorian town with a history lesson to give, food & wine trails to sample and a spot of boutique shopping to do. It’s a tourists’ delight! The team at Discovery Parks - Echuca have put together a list of their favourite local experiences that guests must absolutely see and do when in town.
TAKE A RIDE ON A PADDLESTEAMER
Cruise down the Murray River on one of the five paddlesteamers that operate on a daily basis. One even has a restaurant on board so you can settle in for the afternoon! The steamboats do 1 to 2-hour daytime cruises and, you can even experience the Murray at night with some operating evening cruises and the SS Emmylou doing overnight cruises. Tickets are available at Riverboat Dock or the Port of Echuca.
EXPERIENCE YESTERYEAR AT THE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Take a step back in time at the new Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. See the displays or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the paddlesteamers, the Murray River and the town of Echuca all in one place. There is a small admission fee.
DRIVE INTO THE HOLDEN MUSEUM
Check out this display of Holden Cars from the first ever Holden to the latest models manufactured. If you’re a true-blue car enthusiast, this is the perfect tour for you. There is an admission fee.
HAVE A BREW AT THE GREAT AUSSIE BEER SHED
Buy a stubby holder on arrival and get a free drink – it’s the perfect companion as host Neil shows and tells you through lots iconic Aussie memorabilia and paraphernalia. It’s a ton of fun with lots of laughs and giggles. There is an admission fee.
GET SMART WITH TWISTED SCIENCE
This is one for families. The kids will have no idea that they’re actually learning while on holidays. The interactive science displays are fun for all ages, but the kids will particularly love the hands-on, and sometimes messy, experiences.
HEAR THE STORIES OF EARLY ECHUCA
Run by volunteers, this old historical building is full of photos and archives. Learn about the early settlement and life in the Echuca Moama area.
FAMILY FUN AT BILLABONG RANCH
This place is perfect for school holiday fun with horse riding, pedal boats, rock climbing, indoor mini golf, archery, a hand-son animal farm and lots more to keep the family entertained. There's even an on-site cafe for mum and dad to relax. Pay admission on arrival.
TAKE A WINE TOUR
There are several wineries in the area, it’s hard to pick just one to visit. These are some of our favourites:
- Morrisons Winery in Moama: it has a restaurant and the food and wine is absolutely beautiful.
- Cape Horn Winery: a small winery not far from our park and it overlooks the Murray. They have a great selection of wine and serve wood-oven pizzas.
- St Annes Winery – This cellar door is in the Port of Echuca. Try the Port, it’s made in wine vats that are over 100 years old!
EXPLORE THE MURRAY YOUR WAY
Hire a Pontoon Boat from Discovery Parks - Maidens Inn, Moama and cruise down the river to the Port of Echuca. Pull up on a sand bar and have a picnic.
CRUISE CLOSE TO NATURE
Kingfisher Cruises are an environmental ride through the Barmah Wetlands on the Barmah Lake past the Red Gum Forest. See birds and wildlife in their natural setting. Bookings essential.
BE A ZOO KEEPER FOR A DAY
Kyabram Fauna Park is a half hour drive from Echuca. The park is home to native Australian animals, birds and reptiles. You can book a Zoo Keeper for a Day experience and get up close with the animals. There is a small admission fee which is used to maintain the park.
WALK THROUGH THE TOWN CENTRE
Stroll up and down High Street. Enjoy window shopping at the specialty shops, admire the historic buildings and stop for a bite at heaps of tasty cafes and restaurants.
Are you ready to explore, taste and shop Echuca like a local?
