Maiden’s Inn, Moama

The mighty Murray River has a place in the heart of many Australians – it’s an iconic part of our history and a vital life force. On its fertile banks between the borders of New South Wales and Victoria sit the twin towns of Echuca and Moama. This historical jewel is an essential touring holiday stopover, with Discovery Parks – Maiden’s Inn, Moama. The stunning surrounds will leave you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time to our early colonial history. Paddleboats ply the river, with high tea a specialty – it feels like a world away from reality. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, wineries for the adults and the nostalgia of days gone by at the Holden Motor Museum.

Echuca Port

Did you know that Echuca was founded by Australia’s version of Charles Dickens’ artful dodger? Ex-convict Henry Hopwood was a cheeky hustler – known for his dalliances with the ladies and dodgy activities. The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is a must-see destination. Discover the history, explore the oldest working paddlesteamer in the world and visit the heritage red gum wharf.

Paddleboat Cruises

The charm of paddleboat cruising should never be underestimated –  you can close your eyes and imagine what it must have been like a century ago in this gorgeous part of the world. One-hundred-year-old riverboats cruise the waters of this beautiful setting, allowing you access to secluded spots of our great Australian river landscape. It’s brilliant fun for kids, too.

Holden Motor Museum

Even if you are not a car or motoring enthusiast, this fascinating museum is well worth a visit. The Holden is a part of Australia’s heritage – you might not realise how much until you visit. One of the largest one-brand car museums in Australia, it makes for an especially poignant visit as Holden wraps up operations in Australia.

Jindabyne

Whether you are a mad keen snow bunny or just wanting to take in the spectacular vision of the Snowy Mountains during winter, this Discovery Holiday Park destination is a must. Jindabyne is an ideal location to explore the region and is basecamp for adventure holidaying year-round. There’s no business like snow business, however, and this little town is a magnet for fellow snow lovers who flock to nearby Thredbo and Perisher–Blue ski fields. If the snow-related activities aren’t your idea of fun, fear not – there’s horseriding, cave exploration, fishing, mountain biking and (literally) breathtaking hikes.

Gaden Trout Hatchery

From little fish, big fish grow. Discover the journey from hatchling to sports fish at the Gaden Trout Hatchery, located on the Thredbo River near Jindabyne.

Lake Jindabyne

Take a boat, canoe or kayak out for a frosty morning activity like no other on Lake Jindabyne. Apparently, if the water is low enough, you can even see the church steeple from the drowned old town. Bursting with brown, rainbow and brook trout, the fishing is year-round, 24/7 on Lake Jindabyne. It’s a fishing lover’s paradise!

Yarrangobilly Caves

The Yarrangobilly Caves in Mount Kosciuszko National Park are a must-see when staying in Jindabyne. There are easy to difficult walks and hikes you can do, in addition to the cave walk. For an amazing day trip out – or if you’re feeling all the bruising from your ski antics – then a soak in the naturally heated thermal pool could be just the ticket.

Eden

The aptly named Sapphire Coast is ‘beautifully uncivilised’, and is one of Australia’s premier coastal wilderness areas. Crystal-clear blue waters hug a rugged coastline, filled with natural wonders and historical man-made delights dating from colonisation. Eden, in particular, is internationally renowned, thanks to its world-famous whale-watching season. One of the few places in the world where migrating humpback whales stop to feed and fatten up on their journey, it’s known as the ‘humpback highway’. A fundamental part of Australia’s history and a gloriously beautiful setting to boot.

Oysters and Fishing

From fresh oysters, mussels and prawns to monster tuna and kingfish – Eden is a seafood lover’s paradise. The deep harbour (one of the deepest in the southern hemisphere) means that it’s a renowned fishing port, with a fleet of trawlers and vessels operating from Snug Cove, so you can get the pick of the freshest catch in the country.

Hiking in Ben Boyd Park

The rugged and wild Ben Boyd National Park is one of the biggest draw cards of the region. For both short walks and long coastal hikes, this is a fabulous part of our country. With walks for all skill levels, it’s a family-friendly adventure that you’ll remember down the years.

Whale Watching

Considering its history as a whaling town, it’s no surprise that one of the main tourist attractions is now the whale-watching season. Discover more at the fascinating Killer Whale Museum.
 

It doesn’t matter which way you choose to do your Aussie winter adventure – as the cliché goes, it’s all about the journey, not the destination! So you may start out steeped in history on the New South Wales coast, chasing whale tales and making your way to the lifeblood of the Murray River and Maiden’s Inn, Moama before heading further inland to the mighty Snowy Mountains. Or you might do it in reverse – think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure story. It’s about embracing the stunning and wild beauty of this incredible country, revelling in its seasons in all their glory. At Discovery Holiday Parks, we’re all adventurers at heart.