Fast facts
- Home to the largest operating riverboat fleet in the world
- Situated on the Murray River, Echuca-Moama is a State border crossing town
- 790 km south of Sydney, population 16,000
Why go there
Here you can experience the riverboat days. Holiday on a houseboat or enjoy lunch on board a paddle-steamer on the mighty Murray River.
With more than 50 gourmet outlets and 14 cellar doors to visit, you'll find local and regional food and wine in abundance.
History
Moama was founded in 1845 when James Maiden established a river-crossing punt and an inn on the NSW side of the Murray River.
Henry Hopwood arrived on the southern side in 1850 and set up a rival punt and pub.
The first part of Echuca wharf was constructed in 1865, allowing paddle-steamers to unload wool and cargo.
Things to do
- Cruise the Murray River aboard an historic paddle-steamer.
- Discover Echuca Wharf, a testament to the riverboat pageantry of yesteryear. It offers an extraordinary insight into the area’s pioneering days.
- Take a cruise through the Barmah Wetlands, an area of international importance. See the world’s largest red gum forest and hundreds of species of wading and migratory birds.
Events
- Southern 80 Ski Race, in February, the largest waterski race in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 boats negotiating twists and bends over an 80-km course.
- Echuca-Moama Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival, in February, for local food, regional wine and fine jazz music on the Murray River.
- Rotary Steam, Horse and Vintage Rally, in June, brings together steam tractors, horse-drawn wagons and historic engines.
Don’t miss
- A paddle-steamer cruise and wine-tasting with Echuca-Moama Wine Tours.
- Old-time fun at Sharps Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade.
- Getting lost at Ozmaze, a unique maze in the shape of Australia.
- More than 40 restored Holden cars at the National Holden Museum.
- A bird’s-eye view of the Murray River with Aus-Air.
