A weekend in Echuca-Moama: What to eat, drink and do

Famous for its paddlesteamers, Echuca – on the Murray River, two hours north of Melbourne – now has lots more to offer, on and off the water.

Famous for its paddlesteamers, Echuca – on the Murray River, two hours north of Melbourne – now has lots more to offer, on and off the water.

If you’re heading to Echuca and its NSW neighbour, Moama, for a weekend away this autumn, here are our picks of the best places to eat, drink and relax.

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND GEELONG IN A DAY

WHY FOODIES ARE STRIKING GOLD IN BALLARAT

1. TOP BREAKFAST SPOT

Three Black Sheep (290 Perricoota Road, Moama), home to the region’s best coffee, is the best place to start your 48 hours.

This cafe is a favourite with locals for a reason; super-friendly staff, compact but perfectly formed menu and an expanse of lush grass.

Oh, and the finest smashed avo north of Northcote!

2. GRAB A COFFEE

There are several cool cafes in Echuca, including guaranteed good coffee spots Odd Captain (609 High Street) and Black Pudding Delicatessen (525 High Street) in the historic Port of Echuca area.

The delicious vegan waffles at The Sweet Meadow, 650 High Street, Echuca.

Then there’s BYL (50 Nish Street), that’s “bring you own lunch”, and Johnny & Lyle (433 High Street), where milkshakes come in old-school silver cups. Instagram-worthy The Sweet Meadow (640 High Street) cafe is the hip new vegan kid on the block.

3. HIT THE MURRAY RIVER

No matter the time of year, a trip to Echuca wouldn’t be complete without “getting on the water”.

Echuca Paddlesteamers (30 Murray Esp) and Murray River Paddlesteamers (57 Murray Esplanade) offer paddlesteamer rides on five different boats.

Relax on board a Magic Murray Houseboat, Echuca.

Or try Brett Sands Watersports (66 Merool Lane, Moama) for waterskiing lessons.

But stand-up paddleboard is the hippest way to enjoy the river.

For $25, Echuca SUP (Scenic Drive, Echuca) will take you upstream, provide gear and a quick lesson, and meet you after a one-hour paddle downstream to shady Victoria Park.

4. TIME FOR WINE

Morrisons (123 Merool Rd, Moama) is an absolute must if wine is a personal preference.

Perched on the riverbank, this winery and restaurant has sweeping lawns and a chilled vibe. Their wharf to winery tours, which are a must during the Flavours of Echuca Moama festival, sees visitors on board a paddlesteamer enjoying an afternoon of the best food and drink the region has to offer.

5. BEST PLACES FOR DINNER

There are plenty of dining options, from pubs dishing up country-style grub to high end restaurants.

Try the American Hotel (239-249 Hare St), which has a brilliant rooftop bar, or The Shamrock (579-583 High St), known for its 101 parmas.

There is also modern Australian at The Mill (2-8 Nish St) or Asian goodness at Monkee & Co (531 High St).

Junction at Moama Bowling Club (6 Shaw St, Moama) is perfect for a special occasion.

6. STAY IN A YURT

Enjoy the ambience of camping in a luxury yurt at Talo Retreat at Moama On Murray Resort (69 Dungula Way, Moama).

The resort also has cabins and camping.

There are plenty of other accommodation options, ranging from basic to luxe, across the twin towns.

For more expert advice on great places to explore in regional Victoria this autumn, pick up a copy of Your Happy Space autumn magazine with this week’s Sunday Herald Sun.