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Come for the NSW Golf Open and stay a little longer in Echuca Moama

Rich River Golf Club, Moama

13 Feb 2023 by Mel Townsend

Come for the NSW Golf Open and stay a little longer in Echuca Moama

The NSW Open Golf Championship is widely known as one of the most celebrated annual events on the national sporting calendar, bringing some of Australasia’s best golfers together. This year the 92nd Championship will be held at The Murray’s very own Rich River Golf Club, Moama, from 16-19 March 2023.

Over the years the Championship has hosted many of Australia’s finest golfers including World Golf Hall of Fame inductees Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, and Peter Thomson, attracting thousands of fans, competitors, and officials eager to join the festivities.

Getting there

Making your way to Echuca Moama for the Championship is just the beginning of all the fun. Road trip your way from Melbourne - after a quick three hour drive you’ll find yourself in the region, or hit the road from regional NSW or Sydney for a bit of a longer journey, allowing a few stops along the way to stretch your legs and refresh.

If long road trips aren’t your cup of tea, take to the sky from Sydney to Melbourne or Bendigo before hitting the road for a quick drive to Echuca ready for all the golf action.

Where to stay

Stay close to the event and book a room right at the heart of the Championship at Rich River Golf Club. Find yourself mingling with golfing superstars and as close to the event as possible in one of their deluxe, executive spa or apartment suites with access to the onsite pool and sauna.

If you’re looking to mix up your time in the region, extending your stay in Echuca Moama before or after the event, slip seamlessly into the relaxed Murray River lifestyle before heading back home with some of these accommodation options.

For a truly memorable experience, gather your friends and voyage the mighty Murray aboard a houseboat. Houseboats can cater to up to 12 people with their luxurious cabins and hot tubs allowing you to charter your own adventure, going as fast-paced or slow as you like.

Relax into The Murray’s country lifestyle and stay at the CocknBull Boutique Hotel flanking the Campaspe River, you’ll find their courtyard garden the perfect place to perch yourself with a hot cuppa and a book overlooking the river.

Alternatively, the Campaspe Lodge is also located adjacent to the Campaspe River, adjoining the Echuca Hotel with bistro food and their sunny beer garden right at your fingertips.

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Echuca, a stone’s throw from the Murray River and the historic Port of Echuca, Quest Echuca may be the modern apartment accommodation for you.

For relaxed accommodation, the Georgian Motor Lodge and Riverboat Lodge Motor Inn in Echuca are also both great options for groups, families, or couples.

If you’re looking for something a little more tranquil, Madison Spa Resort is an adult-only accommodation option, equipped with an oasis-style outdoor pool, Roman Bathhouse, and sauna.

Nestled on the banks of The Murray, Cadell on the Murray provides the ultimate riverfront views ideal for groups travelling together with deluxe, queen, and family suites surrounded by bushland. Find a variety of activities at your doorstep from tennis courts, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a heated pool and even a private boat ramp that guest can make use of.

Taste the region

If you’re looking to savour the flavours of The Murray, you’ve come to the right place. There’s good reason the region is widely known as one of Australia’s best food bowls, with an abundance of fresh and local produce right on its doorstep.

For a tasty meal with family or friends that won’t have you missing any of the Championship action on the greens, head to the Rich River Golf Club Restaurant and enjoy their bistro dining menu accompanied by panning views of the course.

Find St Anne’s Winery Moama cellar door nestled amongst the vineyards offering tastings, cheese platters or a coffee on the lawn overlooking the lake, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Head to the American Hotel Echuca for their lunch and dinner menu starring everything from pizzas to burgers and American classics, all paired with an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. If you feel like keeping the good times rolling, head upstairs to the American Rooftop for a line-up of DJ’s and some of the region's best entertainment.

For all your coffee and brunch needs, visit The Nook on High, a cosy café and providore located in Echuca’s Port Precinct with the building itself dating back to 1883.

Start your morning with freshly baked goods at Echuca’s Beechworth Bakery or gather up supplies for a picnic lunch perfect to enjoy by the Murray River.

For a dose of caffeine or an afternoon cocktail, The Odd Captain is open daily and late on weekends in the Port of Echuca.

If dinner paired with an activity has your name written all over it, Moama Bowling Club will be right up your alley. Book the greens for a game of barefoot bowls before sitting down for a tasty pub style meal at the bistro, something a little lighter at the café, or grab an ice-cream, yoghurt or frozen treat at their dessert bar, Frinkle.

Where to play

A great way to get a lay of the Echuca land is to explore the nature trails with assisted pedal power, hiring an e-bike for a half day, full day or guided tour with Green Pedal Tours. Explore the Port of Echuca tour, head out on a winery tour or customise a tour just for you and your friends.

If exploring with a personal chauffeur is more your kind of day out, tour in style with Flash Fairlane Car Services. Head out to a winery, historical or picnic tour or simply a joy ride in their line-up of 1959 Ford Fairlanes; Bessie, Christine, Matilda and Bonnie.

Exploring the Port of Echuca by day is one thing, but navigating your way through the port’s underground tunnels guided by lamplight with Port After Dark Tour is a whole different experience. Journey back in time with their private night tours and discover secrets of the past.

How does adding a little slice of Mexico to your holiday sound? Wander through Cactus Country’s 12 acres of gardens, the largest of its kind in Australia. You can pick up a cactus to take home from their goodies shop or sit back and soak up the garden views with a side of homemade nachos, cactus cake and cactus ice cream, or a frozen margarita.

If you’re a car lover, you’d best take a walk down memory lane at the National Holden Motor Museum in Echuca, a museum dedicated to preserving Holden cars of each model and make through every generation.

Of course, if the Championship has inspired you to put your skills to the test, hit the greens at the regions premier golfing club Rich River Golf Club teeing off from their 18 hole golf courses, 17 bay Driving range, or practice with their Golfing Simulator, in between the competition.

Ready to plan your next getaway in Echuca Moama? Let Echuca Moama Tourism plan the ultimate day trip or mid-week escape for you and book a package choosing activities and experiences that suit your taste.

Has all this golf talk got you planning up your next golfing getaway with some mates? We hear you.

Check out these Murray River golf deals, perfect for your next holiday, all you’ll need to do is book your dates and pack your clubs.