Echuca (meeting of the waters) sits on the junction of the Murray and Campaspe and just downstream from the Goulburn River. It is Australia’s Paddle Steamer capital with a rich and exciting colonial heritage. It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with plenty to see and do only 2.5 hours from Melbourne.
Day 1 (L,D) HOME, SHEPPARTON, ECHUCA
Following Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pick up (interstate passengers arrive day prior) as we travel into central Victoria we enjoy a morning cuppa at Tahbilk Winery Wetlands Café prior to continuing to Shepparton for lunch. We visit Shepparton Heritage Centre before the short journey to Comfort Resort Echuca Moama, our home for four nights.
Day 2 (B,L,D) TORRUMBARRY, ECHUCA
A relaxing day as we explore Echuca, once Australia’s second busiest port and the main transport hub for a huge area served by the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Darling Rivers. The arrival of rail in the 1880’s spelled the end of the river trade. We take a short drive to Torrumbarry Weir and Lock. Originally built in 1923, we visit the interpretive centre giving the history of the weir and lock. Following lunch we visit the Port of Echuca, cruise the Murray on an authentic paddle steamer. Free time later this afternoon to browse in the many art/craft & antique shops or relax at our motel.
Day 3 (B,L,D) BARMAH, ECHUCA
Visit nearby Barmah to join a river cruise with a certified eco “guide” to give commentary about the hundreds of species of water birds, animals and native fish that have made the Barmah wetlands and forest their home. After an interesting cruise we enjoy lunch at “The Barmah” before returning to Echuca to visit Chanter Estate Historical commercial & military display.
Day 4 (B,L,D) DENILIQUIN, HAY
Our journey today takes us into southern NSW, first stop Denliquin, Peppin Heritage Centre. The museum is dedicated to the Peppin family who developed in the 1800’s a Merino sheep that could withstand and thrive in the harsh Australian conditions. We continue to Hay and our lunch stop, “Shear Outback”. Meet shearers, shedhands, sheep and dogs who work in the shearing and wool industries. The experience is interactive, educational and entertaining. Later we return to Victoria and the Comfort Resort Echuca Moama.
Day 5 (B,L) TONGALA, RUSHWORTH, HOME
Homeward bound, we visit the Golden Cow at Tongala and enjoy a guided tour and morning tea. On to the historical town of Rushworth, once the stopping place in the early 1850’s between Bendigo and Beechworth gold diggings before gold was discovered close to the future township in August 1853. Time for lunch and browse among the historical buildings before our journey ends all too quickly as we return to Melbourne arriving approximately 4:30p.m. Metropolitan home/hotel/airport drop offs concludes a most enjoyable stayput holiday.
