PS Pevensey, Echuca
In need of a getaway? Let this be your sign to lodge a little extra annual leave and create a long weekend of your own and unwind in The Murray.
Three days spent in region will have you experiencing the wonders of the Murray River, relaxing by a warm fire, learning more about the culture and heritage, and bouncing your way across a couple of different towns - without feeling rushed to see it all.
Eager to hit the road? Check out our itinerary for how to spend a long weekend in The Murray from Melbourne to Echuca Moama, Deniliquin, and home.
Did someone say road trip? Your adventure begins to unfurl as soon as you hit the road. The drive from Melbourne to Echuca will take just under three hours to complete, swapping the city for country fields in no time at all.
First up, you’ll want to make a stop past Shiraz Republic in Cornell for a tasty bite to eat and a detour past their cellar door and taproom. Sample their latest Chardonnay & Rosé releases alongside their current vintages of estate-grown Shiraz wines. More into the products of bine rather than what’s grown on a vine? They also brew craft beer onsite (the Cornella Brewery) that’s best sampled with their Tasting Pallet. Open every day from 11am, their woodfire pizza menu makes for a delicious lunch on the road. If you’ve got a bit of extra time up your sleeve you can pre-book for the vineyards ‘Rent-A-Row’ experience that will have you picking, crushing, and pressing your very own bottle of wine.
Hit the road again for a quick 10 minutes before passing the Colbinabbin Silo Art, which are well worth jumping out of the car to admire the art up close, snap a couple of pictures, and stretch your legs. Painted by artist Tim Bowtell in 2020, the silos depict the significance of the railway in the Colbinabbin district as local farmers appealed for the railway to be constructed in 1881 to transport produce and livestock to Melbourne.
Now that you’ve made it into Echuca, the best way to embrace the history of the town is with a trip to the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre - home to the iconic Murray River paddle steamers.
Walk in the path of Echuca’s river pioneers while uncovering the history of the paddle steamers through interactive displays. Book a guided tour of the Port area and the heritage-listed Echuca Wharf, or grab the free Port Picnic Bikes and explore at your own pace.
If you feel like gliding down the river for a nostalgic moment, a paddle steamer cruise is a must-do experience while in Echuca –Australia’s paddle steamer capital. Spend the afternoon cruising down the mighty Murray River aboard the boiler-operated historic riverboats.
Finish the day the Murray River way, sampling the local produce of the area.
Drive over the Murray River and find yourself in NSW for dinner in Echuca’s twin town Moama. Secure a table at the Junction Moama who share their devotion to seasonal, local produce with a share plate menu accompanied by a curated selection of local beer and wine.
If you’re keen to keep the good times rolling, back across the border, make your way to one of the local pubs in Echuca like the American Hotel, the Shamrock Hotel, or the Star Hotel Echuca which all regularly host live music and Friday night happy hours.
For luxury accommodation along the banks of the Campaspe River make your way to CocknBull Boutique Hotel to rest your head or if you have a caravan in tow pull up at Discovery Parks - Maidens Inn, Moama, Discovery Parks - Moama West, Moama Waters, or Tasman Holiday Park for a cabin or glamping experience.
Perk yourself up for the day ahead with a coffee from one of Moama’s local cafés before hitting the road to Deniliquin.
The Hammond Providore Moama will have you caffeinated with their blend of Stremio Coffee alongside a tasty breakfast and lunch menu filled with fresh wholesome food and treats. Just down the road, Three Black Sheep is also a great place to head for a delicious breakfast and coffee.
With breakfast sorted and a quick one-hour drive from Echuca Moama, you’ll find yourself in Deniliquin home to The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection. Bringing history to life, The Depot will have you reliving the past through their collection of vintage memorabilia and vehicles that tell the stories of life at home and on the road. Think everything from Hollywood to traditional rescue vehicles, Australian trucking and transport, and cars from all over the globe.
Don’t hit the brakes on the auto tour before cruising into Cruizin* Diner. Located in the same complex as The Depot this 1950s American-inspired Diner is the perfect place to dine in quirky style. Sip on milkshakes from red vinyl booths topped with neon signage and taste your way through their menu listening to classic jukebox tunes.
If you’re a rev head ready for more country motor experiences a visit to the Ute Muster Museum is a must-do. Located on the legendary Deni Ute Muster site, the museum steps you through the story of how the Ute Muster began in 1999 with interactive screens and informative displays.
You can even snap a photo of your ride in front of the famous Deni Ute Muster gates.
If blue singlet contests, akubras, and bull riding aren’t quite your kind of Australiana, turn your stride to one of the Deniliquins scenic walks. Located on the edge of the Murray Valley Regional Park and the banks of the Edward River, taking to one of the many walking trails will not disappoint.
The beach-to-beach walk starts at McLean Beach, following the path along the banks of the Edward River past river red gums and sandy beaches, into the Island Sanctuary, and the Murray Valley Regional Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the birds, kangaroos, koalas, and other wildlife along the way.
After a day spent exploring Deniliquin a tasty dinner and a glass of vino are in order. Enjoy the local flavours and book a seat at the Long Table Café an on-farm restaurant that has a tasty paddock-to-plate menu. You can also take a farm tour while on the property and check out their herb garden and orchard and meet their Boer goat, pigs, and horses.
Keep close by the river and stay at one of the many caravan parks and resorts or opt for something a little different like glamping in Olina the Caravan, a farm stay at North Bundy Station Stay or camp off the beaten track in Woperana campground located in Murray Valley National Park.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and a coffee from The Crossing Café. If the sun’s shining, sit out on the timber deck and soak in the views, or head inside and keep warm beside the fire.
If you prefer your coffee on the go, grab a takeaway cup and explore the lagoon system along the 1.4km Lagoons to River walking trail. Passing through the Waring Gardens, Scott’s Park, Blake Botanic Reserve, and Brown’s Park it’s a peaceful way to start your morning among the wildflowers and local wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the indigenous heritage of the land at the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre . The centre hosts a display of cultural heritage artifacts, Wamba Wamba Language learning displays, local information as well as a gallery featuring exhibits from visiting and local artists.
A fantastic way to learn more about the land is to book a Cultural Knowledge Tour with one of the centre's guides. The walking tours go for around an hour through the Island Sanctuary and North Deniliquin Forest with a focus on indigenous food and medicine plants, local stories, and a scar tree tour. You can also expect to see a few curious kangaroos along the way too.
Stop by one of the local pubs for a meal like the Exchange Hotel, the Globe Hotel, or Mclarens before heading home with a full stomach and a robust knowledge of the region.
