Established in the early 1840s, by the late 1800's Echuca had grown to become the largest inland port in the Southern Hemisphere. A mighty red-gum wharf stretched 1.2km along the river, and a fleet of up to 240 paddlesteamers continually delivered agricultural produce for transfer to freight trains bound for Melbourne. In recent years Echuca has re-invented itself as a holiday destination steeped in history. Visitors today can experience the past in the historic port precinct and the restored wharf offers the opportunity to re-live the 1800s.
Paddlesteamers are still a common sight travelling the local waters of the Murray, albeit for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. The rivers eco-system is still home to unique and ancient forests of river red gums, extensive wetlands and untouched semi-arid areas that can be accessed by wetland tours. Echuca also has a great range of original buildings which has enabled a meaningful renovation of the old street scape.
Of course Echuca Moama is not just about its port. It is a vibrant modern city, with many attractions for the visitor. Why not visit the galleries and museums, get lost in a maze, play a round of golf, spend an evening at the speedway, or have a flutter on the pokies. The Echuca - Moama district now boasts fourteen wineries and cellar doors. Arriving at a winery for lunch and wine tasting aboard an historic paddlesteamer is a very unique experience, or perhaps a quiet stroll along the many bush walking tracks is more to your style. When it's time to eat, the choice of restaurants and other dining options will amaze you. So with wonderful climate, beautiful river, splendid sight seeing and a suprising variety of shops, eateries, festivals and events, Echuca - Moama is the perfect place for a care free holiday with plenty to see and do, and we are just over two hours drive from Melbourne.
So what’s bloody stopping you? Ring the Big River Motel.