Explore Echuca Moama - See, Eat and Stay!
By Cruising With Honey - 21:52
Explore Echuca Moama - See, Eat and Stay
Dreaming of a country escape where delightful charm meets contemporary cuisine? Somewhere you can escape the city buzz and be immersed in the serenity of nature?
I’ve found just the place that will rejuvenate your soul and restore your faith in humankind.
Welcome to Echuca Moama, the twin towns just north of Melbourne, Victoria and lying right on the Murray River.
At first glance, this region is similar to so many country towns in Australia, but scratch the surface and you’ll uncover a gem you’ll want to visit again and again.
My 3-day Weekend Guide to Echuca Moama
Three days might not sound long enough to see all Echuca Moama has to offer, but you’d be surprised how much you can actually fit in! Here’s my guide to some of the wonderful experiences you too can discover.
Step back in time
Echuca Moama has a fascinating history peppered with resilience, enterprise and a spirit of innovation. Did you know Echuca was founded by an ex-convict and it grew into Australia’s largest inland port?
Start your day walking down the Murray Esplanade. Your first stop should be at the Information Centre where friendly staff will guide you on all the places you can visit. Take your time to have a chat and take some brochures.
As you make your way down the strip, wander into the interesting shopfronts. I particularly loved the Whistlestop and meeting the talented Glenda Cornell whose stunning paintings captivated me.
A few steps away, the Echuca Blacksmiths were busy transforming hot metal into gorgeous roses, a unique and almost lost artform.
The bustling Discovery Centre is the perfect place to get an insight into what life was like in the 1800s. Make your way out the back and check out working steam engines of the paddlesteamers that still cruise daily from the wharf.
Look out for the horse drawn carriages and jump aboard for a fun tour around the port and High Street.
Tantalise The Tastebuds
From chic cafes to rustic bakeries, old fashioned ice cream shops and upscale restaurants, you won’t go hungry in Echuca.
I love a good Aussie pie and Beechworth Bakery has a huge selection of savouries and sweets to fill your tum. Honey tip: Try the Country Chicken pie that has the flakiest pastry and is jam-packed with flavour. The coffee was very good as well.
For the sweet tooths, do not pass the Echuca Chocolate Company without sampling their yummy chocolates and taking home a box of their handmade yummies. Honey tip: Sample their liqueurs – decadent and delicious.
Lunch and breakfast options are plentiful, including Fuzion Café where breakfast is served all day. I wish I had more time to try Opa a Greek restaurant on High St that boasts authentic dishes ( next time for sure).
If you love Honey (not me, but that sweet bee nectar) pay the lovely Leanne and Brad from My Dad’s Honey on the wharf. They serve an extensice café menu and offer an array of honey products. Honey tip: Grab a bag of the lozenges, they’re perfect for sore, dry throats.
If you’re looking for something a little different for dinner, The Mill is a great place to try if you want to sample dishes from several cuisines. Touted as a contemporary bar and restaurant, the ambience in The Mill is sublime and full of historical touches.
What to do
A visit to Echuca is not complete without a cruise in the famous paddlesteamers. I was fortunate to have a 3-night adventure with Murray River Paddle Steamers on the charming Emmylou.
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If you haven’t got time for a multi-day cruise, Murray River Paddle Steamers offers daily 1-hour sightseeing tours and lunch and dinner experiences aboard their other paddleboats.
Honey tip: Take the whole family, especially the kids on a sightseeing tour. They’ll be fascinated by the steam engine and paddle wheel.
The Moama Bowling Club is large, modern club with an impressive bowling green. Try your hand at barefoot bowls! There are several eateries inside, including The Bistro.
Where to Stay
There are so many hotels and motels to stay in Echuca ranging from boutique to larger properties. Honey tip: book early if you’re planning on visiting during the school holidays or long weekend.
The property has a swimming pool and breakfast between 7 am – 9am for an additional fee. The 4-star hotel is in a handy location close to the main shops and train station.
I was hosted at the Mercure in a Deluxe King Room, which features a King bed, sofa, modern bathroom with a large bath tub.
Breathe in the country air
While I’ve only scratched the surface, what I did uncover was that the beauty of Echuca Moama really lies in the heart of the locals. Living in Sydney, people just don’t have the time for a friendly chat, a yarn to share or just a simple smile and g’day. You’ll find this all in Echuca Moama.
So take a break from the big smoke, slow down and breathe in the country air, sit by the Murray River and look up at the mighty gum trees. Revel in the natural beauty of Australia and enjoy our backyard.
