Echuca Wharf, Echuca. Image credit: Echuca Moama Tourism
Have you been feeling a little cooped up lately?
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head for some good, old fashioned country fun, exploring the Murray River region and the historic Port of Echuca.
Get your Spotify playlist ready and pack the car for a weekend in The Murray following this guide.
Have you ticked off any stops on the Australian Silo Art Trail yet? If not, now’s your chance to tick off two in a row in Colbinabbin and Rochester.
Located two hours’ drive from Melbourne, the Colbinabbin silos are six-silos-wide and play canvas to an artwork that depicts the importance of the region’s railway system and farmers.
Rochester, a further 30 minutes’ drive towards Echuca has possibly the cutest silo artworks on the Australian Silo Art Trail, portraying endangered wildlife in the region.
Set your camera to panorama to take a snap with the massive works of outdoor art.
There’s nothing quite like exploring the region’s bushland and forest than at saddle speed.
Explore the beauty of the Aussie bush by horseback with Billabong Ranch as you follow river trails on a one-hour ride.
If you have a little more time up your sleeve after your ride, explore the ranch’s fun park which includes activities like rock climbing, mini-golf, archery and an animal nursery.
Park your car along High Street in Echuca to grab a bite to eat at a local café before heading to the St Anne’s Winery cellar door.
Located in the old Echuca Carriageworks Shed, the area is steeped in history and St Anne’s has three generations of winemaking experience – so they know their stuff.
Swirl, sniff and sip your way through their selection of award-winning wines with a complimentary guided tasting – from sauvignon blanc and pinot gris to a full-bodied shiraz – while keeping warm by the fireplace.
Be sure to try the wineries port too – one of St Anne’s Winery specialties.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in the region – from country hotels, modern hotels and historic hotels.
Follow this link for a full list of places to stay in the area.
Known as a living monument to the 1870s, the Port of Echuca was once the third largest inland port in Australia.
Learn about its history with a visit to the Discovery Centre, which includes a working exhibit of the Evan Brother’s sawmill and an original working Steam Display.
Walk along the banks of the river to see the PS Adelaide, the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer in the world that’s still operational.
After exploring the outdoor centre and interpretive displays, board a one-hour sightseeing cruise to experience these vessels first-hand and take in the sights along the riverbank. Sightseeing cruises on the weekend are available on the century-old PS Canberra, PS Alexander Arbuthnot , PS Adelaide, or PS Emmylou (in line with other scheduled cruises).
If you prefer a river experience paired with morning tea, choose a Café Cruise by MV Mary Ann, who has been welcoming guests for over 25 years. They also operate an afternoon cruise at 2pm, if you prefer a relaxing cruise and a bite to eat before your drive home.
Don’t head back to Melbourne without sampling locally made delights, such as chocolate and gin.
You can find Echuca Chocolate Company on High Street, with their shop full of home-made delicacies such as chocolate truffles, chocolate bars and chocolate liqueur.
Taste a local tipple by Echuca Distillery and sample vodka or gin tasting boards with flavours like hot cross bun gin and musk rose vodka. They also sell their boozy concoctions, so you can take home a bottle of your favourite.
Grab a table at the American Hotel (aka the ‘Yank’) to refuel on American-style fare, such as smoked pulled pork, grilled cheeseburger or American poutine.
With live entertainment each Sunday from 6pm, you may want to consider extending your trip one more night and driving back home the following morning.
If you have a bit of extra time up your holiday sleeve and want to extend your weekend exploring the Murray River region, check out more drives and road trips here.
