The small riverside town of Echuca is known for its historic redgum timber wharf and fleet of paddle steamers, symbols of the town’s history as a trading destination back in the 19th century. The town is located at the border of New South Wales on the Murray River, which is the longest in the country stretching some 2,700 kilometres. This river is the source for an abundance of birdlife, surrounding parks, and provides a number of options for exploring nature with kayaking, hiking, and biking. Specifically, the Murray Valley and Barmah National Parks sit just under an hour’s drive from Echuca, offering an easily accessible escape into the rugged Australian bush.

Echuca itself is known for its restaurants, even with some nationwide recognition for upscale dining. Most importantly, though, its historic paddle steamers paint a picture of what life was like at the peak of the town’s trading boom. Stand on the wharf and watch them as they carry visitors up and down the river.

The closest international airport is Melbourne Airport (MEL), more than 2.5 hours away. Public transportation to this town is limited, so it’s best to rent your own vehicle and drive through the rolling countryside on your way to your holiday home in Echuca. Once in town, most amenities can be accessed on foot, including riverside walks, trails, and restaurant patios. Having a car is also helpful for getting out of town and checking out some of the picturesque nature the region has to offer, including Christies Beach a few kilometres upstream or Murray Valley Regional Park, just 20 minutes away.

Spring here is temperate and generally dry, the perfect time to explore the surrounding region. Summers in Echuca are hotter and see very little rainfall. The middle of the summer is also when the town comes alive, playing host to the largest water skiing race in the world. The winter brings much more rainfall and colder temperatures, so make sure to pack sturdy shoes and waterproof jackets.

Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

Take a five-minute drive from the Echuca town centre down to the banks of the Murray River to experience this open-air museum. You will learn about the rich history of the town through its sawmills, shipbuilding heritage, and the town’s iconic boats, the paddle steamers. These relics are a piece of living history that still function to this day.

Echuca Wharf

Many people visit Echuca to see the wharf alone. It was originally built in 1867 and offers views of the river and paddle steamers, but the enormous structure is a testament to the legacy of Echuca as one of the major trading ports in the country. Despite some dismantled sections, 75.5 metres of the original 332-metre wharf still stands today and is a place to spot paddle steamers launching on the Murray River. There is plenty of free parking near the wharf, and you may also book a ride on the paddle steamers, which still operate on coal and steam.

Murray River Canoe Trail

There are four canoe trails that extend through the Murray Valley and Barmah National Parks, the shortest being the 30-minute round trip from Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Rices Bridge. There is easy water access and it’s a great way to explore the river, see the houseboats lining the shores, or visit Broken Creek and Rices Bridge. They are also protected wetlands that are home to a number of waterbirds, such as royal spoonbill and Australian white ibis.