Where to eat, play and stay in Echuca Moama
Murray River twin towns Echuca and Moama offer much more than a trip down memory lane in a paddlesteamer. Check out these must-see places to eat, stay and play.
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Straddling the red-gum lined Murray River, Echuca Moama is home to Australia’s largest paddlesteamer fleet.
With wineries, great cafes and a blues festival, the twin towns that were once the nation’s largest inland port now boast so much more.
Here are some of the top places you can eat, play and stay in this great river-bound region:
DINING OUT
To start your day with a guaranteed good coffee and smashed avocado to rival the hippest of Melbourne cafes, venture out to Three Black Sheep (Moama).
Good java isn’t hard to find though, with Odd Captain (Echuca) and Black Pudding (Echuca) in the historic Port area and BYL (Echuca) all good options.
For lunch, you cannot go past The Sweet Meadow (Echuca).
This plant-based cafe has the most Instagrammable, delicious food in town and it also happens to be vegan.
JUNCTION AT MOAMA BOWLING CLUB, MOAMA
One of the region’s most sophisticated venues, adults-only Junction has sensational modern Australian food and prides itself on showcasing local produce.
AMERICAN HOTEL, ECHUCA
From “dude food” dishes such as nachos and wings to more substantial meals, the “Yank”, as it is known, is a solid choice.
MONKEE & CO, ECHUCA
Serving an eclectic mix of Asian dishes, this laidback restaurant does not take itself too seriously, but the food, best shared, is always flavourful.
Get more Victorian travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun on May 23.
WHAT TO DO IN ECHUCA MOAMA
You cannot visit the Central Murray Region and not “get on the water”, and there are many of ways to do that.
The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is a good starting point for those interested in the paddlesteamer past of the region.
It features interactive displays, access to the historic wharf and paddlesteamer rides.
Echuca Paddlesteamers (Echuca) and Murray River Paddlesteamers (Echuca) offer paddlesteamer rides, while Brett Sands Watersports (Moama) provides something more high-octane — water-skiing.
Stand-up paddleboarding is the coolest way to cruise the river though, so hit up Echuca Moama SUP (Echuca).
For an affordable, chilled-out afternoon for the whole family, there are few better options than barefoot bowls on Moama Bowling Club’s shady, covered rinks — with a full bar and restaurant only a few steps away.
Desert landscapes filled with cacti and succulents await at Strathmerton’s Cactus Country.
Divided into eight sections, the more than 4ha gardens include Farmer Jim’s awe-inspiring valley of the hybrid giants.
BLUES TAKEOVER
Some of Australia’s top blues and roots artists take centre stage when the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival returns from July 23-25.
Festival chair Peter Williams says visitors can enjoy music while cruising on a paddleboat, or cosy up in a historic pub, contemporary bar or riverside winery.
Tickets are essential for all performances to manage audience numbers.
winterblues.com.au or echucamoama.com
A SHORT DRIVE AWAY
Pretty Barham Koondrook, another Murray twin town, is an easy one-hour drive from Echuca Moama, making it a perfect day trip.
Many of the attractions, such as canoeing and bushwalking, are centred on or around the river, but there are also wineries, such as Barham Vines, and niche farm-gate experiences.
Try everything from free-range pork at Bundarra Berkshires to avocados at Barham Avocados.
THREE TOP STAYS IN ECHUCA MOAMA
TALO RETREAT, MOAMA
Experience the ambience of camping in complete comfort in luxury yurts located within the Moama on Murray Resort.
Unwind in a private outdoor spa, relax in a hammock and connect with the peaceful surrounds.
BELLA CASA HOUSEBOATS, MOAMA
Take the family, friends or signify cant other along to enjoy a Mediterranean experience on a houseboat on the Murray River.
Cruise to scenic spots, wait for fish to bite, get involved in recreational watersports.
Or rest and relax on your floating home, which comes with onboard spa, as you enjoy all the region has to offer.
THE CARRIAGES VINEYARD, ECHUCA
Nestled among the vines, the two antique rail carriages painstakingly restored by David and Lyndall Johnson evoke the charm of a bygone era but with all modern conveniences and comforts.
The intimate yet spacious spa retreat accommodation with three double bedrooms allows guests to experience the peace and ambience of a country lifestyle.
Get more Victorian travel inspo and ideas in Space magazine, in your Sunday Herald Sun on May 23. Discover more: visitvictoria.com/murray
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