Think back to your own childhood holidays in the Murray region. Standing on the deck of a paddlesteamer pretending to steer, pedalling round the caravan park till dark, learning to water-ski behind someone's uncle's boat. Holiday sleep-ins pushed to the side, because there was too much fun to be had. Turns out that feeling's still there, and it's just as good for your kids as it was for you.
A Murray holiday is the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun that’s every bit as good as you’ve been telling everyone it was for years. That caravan park that you stayed in is still there, and some you’ll find are basically resorts now. Boat hire means you can get out on the water without trying to coordinate the extended family and the food scene is so good the kids will be off playing while you’re sitting back with drink in hand.
Here’s some inspiration to see whether your old stomping ground or somewhere new is calling.
If a classic Murray river holiday is on your mind, you can’t go past Echuca Moama. The wharf still stands at its heart, but the town has grown up since you last visited. There are lots of incredible places to grab a meal, and you can even get a barista made coffee before you head down to the heritage port. Perfection!
If the paddlesteamers look familiar, that's because the same historic fleet still services the river today. The PS Pevensey still runs on its original 1911 steam engine, and the PS Alexander Arbuthnot still takes a leisurely cruise past the river gums that have been precariously leaning towards the water since before your grandparents' time. The ritual of riding the river hasn't really changed much. Taking the kids to find the wheelhouse, the whistle blowing on approach to the wharf and the same low chug of an engine that's older than us all. What's new: the joy of watching our kids experience what we did all those years ago.
Museums of the past could be a little look but don’t touch. Not today. A visit to TwistED Science will have the whole family enthralled. Climbing and exploring is encouraged with a range of hands-on installations that combine science and play.
The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is the perfect place to see a working steam engine in action, see how an old-fashioned sawmill worked before heading to the Cargo Shed Kids Space. Best of all, you’ll leave having learnt a little more about how the river made Echuca a thriving port city.
A pie from the servo. Getting a couple of dollars from mum and dad to spend on lollies (and working out how to stretch it so you could get all of your favourites like freckles, lollypops and sherbet bombs). Core memories. Those things haven’t gone anywhere, but if your palate also enjoys a more adult food and drink scene, you’re in luck.
Around here, you’ll find Morrisons Riverview Winery & Restaurant. Set on 15 acres that overlook the vineyard and river, this venue has an on-site brewery and restaurant plus a playground and family-friendly spaces where the kids can run around whilst the adults settle in for a long lunch. Around 20 minutes from Echuca Moama, you’ll also find Cape Horn Vineyard set alongside the river with live music, wood-fired pizza and a sprawling lawn that’s perfect for a picnic rug and some outdoor games.
There’s also plenty of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars in the centre of town too.
A visit to Yarrawonga Mulwala could be a memory, or a first. If you’ve visited in the past, you’ll be happy to know that it’s exactly as good as you remember. And, if it’s your first time, you’re about to find out what all the fuss is about.
Spending time on the water is an essential experience. Lake Mulwala is great for fishing, water skiing and general boating. Best of all, you don’t need your own boat to enjoy it. A Barby Boat is ideal for those who want to play captain, cook up a barbie and throw in a line. If a cruise is more your style, a trip on the P.S. Cumberoona will allow you to sit back and enjoy the scenery while the crew take care of it all.
A trip to Yarrawonga Mulwala is incomplete without a visit to Tunzafun Amusement Park. Challenge the family to a mini golf tournament and ride the spinning cups until you’re a little dizzy. Watch the smile on your kids’ faces as you enjoy the ultimate ‘yes’ day.
When it’s time to eat, the lakefront clubs and cafes make it easy. Then, once it’s dark head down to the Mulwala Water Ski Club foreshore for the free Laser Light and Sound Show. We dare you not to start dancing along as lasers flash and move across the water to the beat of your favourite hit songs.
The Murray has that effect on us too. So, if you can picture yourself on that kind of holiday that you loved as a kid, but with all of the amenities and attractions that make for a great holiday now you’re the adult, there’s really only one thing to do...
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