Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Moama, Australia

On the north bank of the Murray River, just inside New South Wales, Moama represents one half of a twin town straddling both the river and the state border.

This proximity provides excellent access to Echuca, which developed into Australia’s largest inland port during the 19th century.

Echuca’s historical significance has been carefully preserved, seen in its 400-metre wooden wharf, riverside industries, and the largest fleet of paddlesteamers globally.

Experience a cruise on one of these magnificent, wood-fired vessels.

The Murray serves as a continuous presence during your visit to Moama, where you can explore ancient river red gum forests, riverside picnic spots, and sprawling vineyards that extend to the river’s edge.

1. Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

To fully appreciate the rich history of Echuca’s port precinct, your initial destination should be this attraction, which offers captivating indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

Your journey begins with an advanced introduction to Australia’s inland waterways, the paddlesteamers, and the trade networks that connected Echuca to the broader world.

You will then proceed to explore elements of riverside industry, including a sawmill and operational steam engines.

Then, you will witness the grandeur of the wharf, which has been meticulously restored and is accompanied by informative signage.

Within this area, you’ll find the cargo shed, which houses another intriguing museum that delves into the world of paddlesteamers and their operators.

2. Murray River Paddlesteamers

Echuca’s other hallmark is its evocative fleet of historic paddlesteamers docked at the wharf.

Initially, these beautiful vessels were central to the town’s economy; now they offer sightseeing excursions along the Murray River.

The fleet includes three ships in regular service: The PS Canberra (1913), the PS Pride of the Murray (1924), and the PS Emmylou, a vessel launched in 1982 that is powered by a restored, wood-fired Marshall & Sons steam engine dating back to 1906. Multiple trip durations are available, and on a typical one-hour journey, you can enjoy commentary regarding the historical port and fleet. Observers might also see the engineer fueling the engine with river red gum logs, while children will have the opportunity to briefly take the helm.

3. St Anne Vineyards

This winery has been operating for over forty years, with vineyards established in various locations throughout Victoria and New South Wales.

St Anne remains a family-run operation, producing Muscat, fortified tawny Ports, robust Shiraz, crisp Chardonnay, and complex Sauvignon Blanc.

You can visit two St Anne locations in the Echuca-Moama area.

One location features a modern winery situated directly on the Moama bank, boasting a cellar door constructed using traditional rammed earth techniques.

Here, you can sample the winery’s offerings paired with a local cheese platter while overlooking the vineyards, and take a stroll around the scenic grounds.

Additionally, there is a St Anne cellar door located in the Echuca Port Precinct, housed within a beautifully restored carriage builder’s workshop.

4. The Great Aussie Beer Shed

A unique labor of love, this museum pays homage to iconic Australian products, and is sure to evoke nostalgia for anyone familiar with life Down Under.

The centerpiece of the Great Aussie Beer Shed is an extensive collection of more than 17,000 beer cans, gathered from across Australia and worldwide.

This is complemented by a plethora of beer-related memorabilia, including signage, brewery equipment, barrels, tap handles, and various other artifacts.

Additionally, the museum displays a vast range of vintage kitchen and laundry appliances, Coca-Cola collectibles, and antique petrol bowsers.

5. Five Mile Picnic Area

In line with the tranquil atmosphere and open spaces along the Moama bank of the Murray, you will find a riverside picnic area located a short distance west of the town.

This area is part of the Murray Valley National Park and is a favored site for relaxing in the shade of the towering river red gums, launching a canoe or kayak, or casting a fishing line.

A single-track mountain biking path is also available, and pets are welcome in the picnic area.

In February, the Southern 80 water ski race commences at this very location on Saturday, initiating a 20-kilometre course that meanders east to Victoria Park in Echuca.

6. National Holden Motor Museum

The Holden car brand is a quintessential component of Australian culture, akin to Vegemite and the koala, having been an integral part of Australian life for nearly 80 years.

This museum, located near the wharf in Echuca, showcases Holdens dating back to the 1940s, while also detailing the company’s mid-19th-century beginnings in saddle manufacture.

The collection features rare models, such as an FC converted into a hearse, the first Monaro produced, and a factory 350 Statesman.

Additionally on display are unrestored original models, unique factory-optioned cars, and various models from the brand’s peak period in the 1960s.

7. Barmah National Park

Further up the Murray lies a riverside national park that harbors the largest river red gum forest worldwide, spanning approximately 60,000 hectares.

This tree species can reach heights exceeding 45 meters and is known for its longevity, often living for up to 500 years.

The park’s borders host a Ramsar wetland, supporting a diverse array of waterbirds.

You can wander among the river red gums, uncover historic Aboriginal sites, camp beside the water, or engage in fishing for golden perch and Murray cod.

Sandy beaches line the banks, providing opportunities for swimming in refreshing waters or launching a canoe for a leisurely paddle along this renowned waterway.

8. Billabong Ranch Adventure Park

This attraction, located east of Echuca, operates as a working ranch where visitors can participate in trail rides throughout the Riverina region, guided by a qualified instructor.

Trail rides can range from one to three hours, exploring routes along the Goulburn or Murray Rivers or heading towards a winery.

Back at Billabong Ranch, a variety of activities await.

Children can interact with baby animals at the nursery, enjoy pony or camel rides, engage in climbing wall activities, try mini-golf, pedal-boat on the lake, use the bungee trampoline, or enjoy frisbee golf.

9. TwistED Science

Located at the southern end of the Murray Esplanade, this facility specializes in imaginative hands-on learning experiences for both children and adults.

TwistED Science manages engaging and informative school visits and parties in and around Melbourne, but in Echuca, there is a permanent attraction where creative ideas can flourish.

Here, children can construct airplanes, investigate the future of food, and create a virtual river.

One notable installation is a climbing wall enhanced with Augmented Reality, immersing visitors in three distinct interactive video games.

10. Echuca Historical Society Museum

Another avenue to explore life at the port during the 19th century lies within the local historical society museum, situated opposite the Murray.

This museum is housed in an 1867 National Trust police station and lockup, shaded by mature Moreton fig trees.

The collection provides insights into the European settlement of the Echuca-Moama area, detailing the timber industry and the effects of the railway.

You can expect to see preserved clothing, household tools and appliances, portraits, industrial machinery, police artifacts, and much more.

The society also manages the town’s archives, which contain extensive records, photographs, newspapers, and documents depicting floods and the various paddlesteamers that have navigated the Murray.

11. Rich River Golf Club

Rich River Golf Club features a meticulously maintained golf course situated among the lakes adjacent to St Anne’s Vineyards in Moama.

This club welcomes non-members to enjoy its two 18-hole courses.

The par 72 East Course is designated as the championship course, promising a challenging yet fulfilling round.

Meanwhile, the par 71 West Course has undergone recent renovations to provide an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

Families will also find a new mini-golf course, and individuals wishing to refine their swing can utilize the 17-bay driving range.

As of 2020, green fees at Rich River were set at $50 for 18 holes, or an unlimited daily rate of $80.

12. The Strawberry Pick

On the banks of the Murray, strawberries are in season for seven months of the year, extending until late May.

This pick-your-own farm on the Echuca bank was established in 2015 and cultivates four varieties: Monterey, Albion, San Andreas, and Cabrillo.

Upon arrival, you will pay for your punnet and receive instructions on locating the ripest berries and the easiest picking techniques.

After a successful harvest, enjoy a seat at a shaded picnic table and sample items from the farm’s menu featuring strawberry delicacies, such as scones with homemade jam, sorbets, ice cream, and milkshakes.

13. Aqua Island Moama

Located a short distance downriver, there is an inflatable water park situated in a lake on the NSW bank of the Murray.

Accessible within minutes via Perricoota Road, it promises to be a summer attraction that children will undoubtedly enjoy.

Aqua Island features an extensive array of swings, jumps, wobbly bridges, runways, ladders, ramps, and a slide.

Adults, too, can partake in an exhilarating experience tackling these Ninja Warrior-style challenges, with the facility also available for corporate events.

Life jackets are provided, and lifeguards are always on duty for safety.

14. Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre

It is fitting that the visitor information center for the Echuca-Moama region is located in a heritage building.

This venue, an old pump house dating back to 1877, once supplied water for steam locomotives, hydraulic wool presses, and cranes along the riverfront.

Currently, it serves as one of the primary stops in Echuca where visitors can seek guidance for their next activities, obtain accommodation information, browse the shop for souvenirs, and collect a variety of brochures.

Most importantly, this center enables guests to secure their paddlesteamer journey in advance, eliminating the need to wait in line later in the day.

15. Southern 80

Each February, Echuca-Moama becomes the finale for a renowned water ski race on the Murray River.

As previously mentioned, the Five Mile Picnic Area serves as the starting point for the shorter race on Saturday, culminating at Victoria Park in Echuca.

On Sunday, the main event follows a route downstream to Victoria Park, commencing 80km away at Tirrumbarry Weir, navigating over 120 bends and achieving speeds exceeding 200km/h.

Typically, teams compete in high-speed yet technical formations of four, consisting of a driver, a spotter, and two skiers.

Under normal circumstances, there are more than 900 competitors, attracting thousands of spectators along the riverbanks.