The Murray River Tourist Information
The Murray River Tourist Information
Echuca Moama
You cannot time-travel into the past more authentically than at the historic port of Echuca. When you move around the port area you are seeing the original not a recreation. And what a sight it is! The old river red gum wharf towers high in the air. There are three layers of wharves to allow for the huge rises and falls of the river. The restoration of the port area has been going on since the National Trust declared it to be a historic area. Even historians are allowed some fun; the old brothel has been restored with Doreen, a mock Scarlet Lady, smilingly inviting customers.
Echuca was begun by one of our convict heroes, Henry Hopwood, who ran a ferry across the river, an entrepreneur who ended up rich and respected. If the kids think they have been here before it is because this was the setting for the television series All the Rivers Run and the Paddleship Pevensey used in the series is here for them to see.
If the kids get a bit impatient with history take them to the Penny Arcade with genuine old arcade machines (a change from the electronic games) and a movie theatre showing old Australian shorts. And they can look at figures ranging from Nellie Melba to Bob Hawke in the World in Wax Museum.
For car-lovers of all ages there is also a Holden museum. The shopping offers moleskin skirts, hand-crafted red gum tables and countless other Australiana. You can see woodturners and blacksmiths using traditional tools and buy their products at The Redgum Works.
A cruise on a paddle-steamer is irresistable. Romantics will be lured with the pleasures of an overnight cruise, whilst for others there is always a chance to get to know your fellow passengers and join in the fun of life on the Murray.
Everything is on offer in accommodation from the simple to the sophisticated including caravan parks and camping grounds on the banks or close to the River Murray. Make up a party and throw a party on one of the larger boats. Or travel more intimately in one of the smaller floating penthouses. To sleep to the sound of the river is an unmatched experience.
