The Murray towns you can’t miss
MAKE the most of crisp autumn days enjoying the gourmet delights and tourist sights of two famous Murray towns.
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MAKE the most of crisp autumn days enjoying the gourmet delights and tourist sights of two famous Murray towns.
ECHUCA
Where to stay
The four-star Mercure Port of Echuca was an unexpectedly glamorous find in the heart of the heritage port precinct. It’s perfectly positioned within walking distance of the paddle steamers, shops, restaurants and bars. We loved the Nespresso coffee machine, spacious room and modern bathroom. There was even a free-standing, egg-shaped bath perfect for mums who need to be pampered on a weekend off.
What to do
Take a leisurely stroll around the port area. From there you can book a paddle steamer cruise, ride in a lovely old stagecoach and marvel at an antique wagon made entirely of logs carrying the biggest log you’ve ever seen. A highlight for us was St Anne’s Vineyard Cellar Store located in an original carriage builder’s workshop. We watched staff decant port from the 100-year-old barrels.
Where to eat
We loved Ceres, which is on the main street of the port district in a lovely old chemist’s building. We shared a $69 grass-fed porterhouse (for two) cooked to absolute perfection. We were lucky enough to have one of the new young Italian chefs, Simone, (that’s “See-mon-ay”) join us at the end of the meal to share his passion for imported Italian cheeses. Afterwards, we popped upstairs to “Next Level Ceres” for a hit of live music, tapas and a cocktail.
For the kids
We loved the kid-friendly dining at Three Black Sheep, a new family-friendly cafe in nearby Moama. We breakfasted on fresh, healthy food overlooking golden autumn grapevines. Despite the high number of children and prams, it had a relaxed vibe and great coffee. Kids will also want to visit Sharp’s Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade shop in the port district. You will love the vintage Pacman game out the front, and they will love the fudge made on site.
Don’t miss this
On the road to Swan Hill, driving via Barham, you will find the gourmet heaven of Restdown Wines in Jungle Lane, Caldwell. It’s off the beaten track, so you’ll have to ring ahead to let your hosts Jo and Don Hearn know you are coming. Visit their concrete cellar-door bunker and taste certified organic wines made on site. Make time for lunch, featuring only organic, homegrown and local produce, including Jo’s own exquisite tomato relish and quince paste.
The locals love it
Don’t forget to stop at The Long Paddock Food Store in Koondrook on the way to Swan Hill. It’s always packed full of locals and savvy out-of-towners.
Signature dishes include salt and pepper calamari with chilli flakes (gluten-free) and a to-die-for pork belly. Afterwards, pop across the road to Mates Royal Hotel, which is run by the mother of the Long Paddock’s owner Kylie. There you can enjoy a cleansing ale while the kids play on an old tram out the front.
SWAN HILL
Where to stay
The BIG4 Riverside at Swan Hill offered a change in pace from the Mercure, but was no less comfortable. It’s one of Australia’s best-located caravan parks, with absolute riverfront sites lining the banks of the Murray. It has a pool and barbecues with outdoor TV screens.
What to do
Just a few minutes stroll along the river from the BIG4 is Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement. Enjoy the live music from the Happy Wanderers and make sure you check out the 1854 corrugated iron house. It’s one of the state’s first prefab houses and has one room lined in historic newspapers. We had a 3-in-1 multipass (family $195), which offered access to the Pioneer Settlement, the Heartbeat of the Murray and a cruise on the PS Pyap. This made it all great value.
Where to eat
For dinner we went to Java Spice, and ate in one of the traditional Balinese huts that are dotted around the lush tropical garden. Owners Trish and Pete threw in their day jobs 10 years ago to follow their dream despite being turned down by just about every bank manager in town. A decade later, this gem is packed every night and is a true testament to the notion that passion and persistence (and imported chefs) will get you everywhere.
For the kids
The kids will absolutely love the Pioneer Settlement’s Heartbeat of the Murray lightshow. Lights, water and lasers are beamed high into the sky, providing a backdrop for a multimedia storytelling spectacular. It really has to be seen to be believed. Be prepared to get a little wet if you’re in the front row, but it’s totally worth it. Dress warmly.
Don’t miss this
Take a leisurely cruise up the Murray on the paddle steamer PS Pyap, admiring the bird life and towering river redgums lining the banks. Make sure you look out for the astonishing Murray Downs homestead, built in 1866. The house has 20 main rooms and you can see the grand gardens – including 100-year-old rose bushes – from the boat. Book ahead as it’s very popular.
The locals love it
Spoons Riverside is the restaurant of choice for locals-in-the-know. It’s just a few minutes walk from the BIG4 and has a deck overlooking the water fringed by magnificent old gums. Feast on dishes such as the Mallee Tasting Platter and enjoy the gift shop. It’s the best in town.
One more thing …
Look out for the frisky hay bales on the side of the road from Kerang leading into Swan Hill.
The writer was a guest of the Murray Regional Tourism Board.
ESCAPE ROUTE
MURRAY RIVER
GETTING THERE
Echuca is a two and a half-hour drive north of Melbourne. It take about an hour and 40 minutes on the Murray Valley Highway to reach Swan Hill from Echuca.
STAYING THERE
Mercure Port of Echuca’s winter special has prices starting from $109 including breakfast (subject to availability). See mercure.com
BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill is offering members a ”stay 7 pay 6 deal” until August 31. Ph 1800 101 012.
DOING THERE
Heartbeat of the Murray Experience. A 3 in 1 Multi Pass by Day, Night and River costs adults $72, concession $64, children $54, family $195, extra children $15. Includes two days consecutive admission to the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, Pyap cruise and Heart of the Murray Experience. See pioneersettlement.com.au
MORE
See visitthemurray.com.au, echucamoama.com and swanhillonline.com
Originally published as The Murray towns you can’t miss
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