Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Echuca, Australia

Situated along the Murray River, the inland port of Echuca stands as one of Australia’s prominent heritage landmarks, embodying the spirit of the nation’s 19th-century pioneers more than many other locales.

The historic timber wharf in Echuca remains preserved in the essence of the late 1800s, and moored here is the largest collection of paddlesteamers globally.

The Discovery Centre showcases the role these vessels played in supporting the nascent colony during the 19th century. Visitors can explore preserved riverside industries and embark on a paddlesteamer journey dating back to 1912. Echuca is a destination with numerous museums, wineries, a craft brewery, and a variety of family-oriented rural attractions, making it a suitable location for at least a weekend visit.

1. Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

As an entryway to a world of indoor and outdoor experiences, the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre serves as the foundation for any exploration of Echuca.

Your visit commences at the Discovery Centre, which is rich with artefacts and interactive displays that narrate the story of inland navigation in Australia, detailing how paddlesteamers facilitated the colony’s connection with the wider world during the 19th century.

Subsequently, visitors can examine the preserved riverfront industries.

This includes the operational Evans’ Sawmill from the 1900s, essential for the shipbuilding industry, alongside an exhibition showcasing functioning steam engines and pumps.

While the wharf will be discussed later, the Cargo Shed Museum delves into the working history of the wharf and the paddlesteamers.

Additionally, located just behind is the rail siding, where you can investigate an authentic breakdown and guard’s van, learning about the link between the wharf and the railway system in Australia during the 1870s.

2. Echuca Wharf and Murray Esplanade

The heritage-listed Echuca Wharf, elevated above the Murray River on a weathered timber structure, is profoundly evocative.

Take a moment to reflect on the murky waters of the Murray, the river red gums lining the banks, the historic cranes, and the stunning paddlesteamers docked below or moving past on the hazy waters.

Photo opportunities abound in every direction, particularly along the Murray Esplanade, flanked by restored port structures that hark back to the days when Echuca was the state’s second-largest inland port.

These historical structures have been transformed into museums, hotels, restaurants, and various tourist attractions, many of which are noted herein.

Make sure to visit Shackell’s Bond Store, established in 1859, now home to the nostalgic Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade.

3. Murray River Paddlesteamers

No visit to Echuca is complete without embarking on a paddlesteamer for a journey along the Murray River.

The standard package includes a one-hour excursion on the PS Canberra, constructed in Goolwa at the mouth of the Murray in 1912. Initially part of a fishing fleet, it joined the tourist fleet in 1944. Children are often given the opportunity to take the helm, and guests can observe the engineer maintaining the steam engine with red gum wood.

Throughout the voyage, the captain provides an informative narrative regarding the significant port and its paddlesteamers.

If you desire a more extended on-water experience, consider a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the PS Emmylou.

Though the vessel itself is modern, having been built in 1980, it is powered by a restored wood-fired Marshall & Sons steam engine from 1906.

4. National Holden Motor Museum

If Australia needed a national car, it would undoubtedly be the dependable Holden.

During the 1950s and early 1960s, this brand dominated half of the national car market.

Echuca is proud to be home to the world’s oldest Holden museum, inaugurated in 1993 and now housing a collection exceeding 50 vehicles.

The National Holden Museum is located a few streets from the historic wharf and is the largest single-brand car museum in the country.

The museum details the origins of the marque, tracing back to its beginnings as a saddlery business in the mid-19th century, and follows its development through the 20th century to present times.

You will encounter numerous exciting rarities, such as a factory 350 Statesman, an FC Hearse, an HR X2 Premier, an EH Standard Sedan, and the very first Monaro to roll off the assembly line.

5. The Great Aussie Beer Shed

A quintessentially eccentric attraction, the Great Aussie Beer Shed can be described as a substantial homage to iconic Australian brands and artifacts.

The main attraction is an astounding collection of over 17,000 beer cans sourced from across Australia and beyond.

This impressive display is complemented by an extensive array of beer memorabilia, including vintage signs, barrels, bottles, brewery equipment, handles, and tap tops.

The museum diversifies its collection by also featuring Coca-Cola memorabilia, antique petrol bowsers, kitchen appliances, and other nostalgic items likely to evoke fond memories for Australians.

6. Billabong Ranch

Situated a short distance outside of Echuca, this family-oriented activity center caters to a diverse range of visitors.

While space constraints limit the details available, highlights of Billabong Ranch include an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, a climbing wall, a pedal boat lake, a disc golf course, and a bungee trampoline.

Additionally, this is a working ranch where children can interact with baby animals at the nursery and enjoy pony rides, along with a captivating museum dedicated to horse-drawn machinery and transport.

Moreover, you can embark on a horse trail ride with options available for 1, 2, or 3-hour experiences following along local creeks or the Goulburn and Murray Rivers.

7. TwistEd Science

This organization offers engaging educational experiences for schools and children’s parties throughout Victoria, with a permanent attraction based in Echuca.

TwistEd Science excels in presenting intricate scientific concepts through interactive activities.

Across a lineup of award-winning stations, children can construct flying machines, explore future food concepts, design ball runs, assess their reaction times, and create virtual rivers, among many other activities.

A recent exciting installation features an augmented reality climbing wall, combining video gaming with healthy physical activity.

Additionally, TwistEd Science boasts a live insect collection available for interaction, while Bee Curious allows visitors to observe a functioning beehive.

8. Echuca Historical Society Museum

Nestled beneath ancient Moreton Bay fig trees, the historic Echuca Police Station and Lock Up, established in 1869, now serves as a charming local history museum.

This volunteer-operated museum, open seven days a week, shines a light on the pioneer era and early settlement along the Murray River.

Visitors can view numerous historical artifacts that vividly depict the riverboat days, the emergence of the railways, and the growth of the timber industry.

The society additionally manages an archive containing an extensive library of photographs, newspapers, and documents—including flood records, river charts, and information regarding the paddlesteamers that navigated the Murray during the 19th century.

9. St Anne’s Winery

This renowned winemaker operates a storefront right on the Murray Esplanade, conveniently situated near the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.

St Anne’s maintains vineyards at nine different locations in Victoria, producing a variety of wines, including a herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp and earthy Chardonnay, a spice-rich Shiraz, a lush Muscat, and various Tawny Ports.

Housed in a renovated former carriage-builder’s shed, the cellar door in Echuca features century-old barrels containing 3,000 liters of Port.

The venue is air-conditioned during summer, allowing guests to enjoy wine by the fireplace in winter.

St Anne’s also operates another riverside cellar door in Moama, situated a ten-minute drive from Echuca amidst the vineyards, where you can pair their wines with a platter from Echuca Farmhouse Cheeses.

10. The Strawberry Pick

Berry season in this region typically spans from October to late May.

If you find yourself in Echuca during this period, there is a pick-your-own strawberry farm located just off the Murray Valley Highway.

A unique aspect of the Strawberry Pick is the admission fee structure, allowing visitors to sample strawberries while they pick; you can enjoy a taste of each of the four varieties (Albion, Cabrillo, Monterey, and San Andreas).

The friendly staff at Strawberry Pick will guide you to the ripest picks and provide tips on optimal harvesting techniques.

11. Bandicoot Brewing

Bandicoot Brewing is a fully family-owned enterprise located in a repurposed factory along the Northern Highway, south of Echuca.

This craft brewery was established without substantial financial support.

Instead, the brewers contribute decades of experience and passion, meticulously planning every detail of the operation to ensure quality.

Consequently, they offer an extensive menu of 13 award-winning beers, ranging from a smooth Blonde Ale (Barbed Wire Blonde) to the bold Southern Courage, a 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout.

The brewery operates on Thursdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays, providing a variety of options for all preferences at the tasting room, whether you favor hoppy, fruity, or malty beers, or are looking to try something different, such as a Scotch ale aged for three years in Shiraz barrels (Saint). Bandicoot Brewing adopts a BYO food policy, and various local establishments offer a range of food options, from fish and chips to pizza and Chinese cuisine.

12. Five Mile Picnic Area

Located on the NSW bank of the Murray, a few minutes from Echuca, the Five Mile Picnic Area offers a serene environment for relaxation by the river.

Surrounded by beautiful groves of river red gums, this location falls within the Murray Valley Regional Park, allowing for dog visitors.

In February, it serves as an excellent vantage point for watching the Southern 80 boat race, and it features a boat ramp for those looking to launch canoes, kayaks, or rowboats.

Fishing enthusiasts can participate in the annual fishing classic, while the highly regarded Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail runs nearby.

13. Whistle Stop Studio Gallery

Situated a short distance from the wharf is a working studio and gallery located within a charming, heritage-listed railway station dating back to the 1880s.

This station, originally located in Strathmerton, approximately 90 kilometers to the east, was relocated to Echuca’s waterfront in 2002. The establishment is owned by artist Glenda Cornell, who creates artworks across various mediums, welcoming visitors to observe her work process.

Abstract forms, alongside depictions of wildlife and paddlesteamers navigating the Murray River, frequently appear in her artworks.

All displayed pieces are available for purchase, and the gallery also features hand-felting and ceramics created by local artists.

14. Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre

Upon arrival in Echuca, the plethora of options may seem overwhelming; hence, a visit to the visitor information centre on Murray Esplanade is a prudent choice.

Staff members are friendly and informative, offering a touchscreen information terminal, along with typical leaflets, brochures, and local souvenirs.

One of the significant advantages of visiting the centre is the capability to acquire tickets for tours and paddlesteamer cruises without enduring long queues.

Furthermore, the building itself is historic and merits attention; it was originally a pumping station constructed for the Victorian Railways Department in 1877.

15. Southern 80

Water-related activities are integral to life in the Echuca-Moama region.

On the second weekend of February, one event distinctly captures the essence of this part of Australia.

The Southern 80 is a water ski race typically involving teams of four: a driver, an observer, and two skiers, drawing hundreds of competitors and tens of thousands of spectators.

The Five Mile Boat Ramp is located exactly 20 kilometers by water from the finish line at Victoria Park, Echuca.

On Saturday, teams from 39 different categories depart from the ramp toward Victoria Park, while on Sunday, they navigate the entire 80-kilometer course downstream from Torrumbarry Weir to the same finish line.

The elite Super Class teams can achieve speeds of 200km/h on the straightaways.

Nevertheless, the Murray River’s winding course around Echuca emphasizes technique over sheer speed.