Echuca/Moama – Twin Towns with the lot

The twin towns of Echuca and Moama straddle the Murray River border between Victoria and NSW, and are about two and a half hours north of Melbourne and about nine hours drive south from Sydney. Think endless blue skies, towering gum trees teeming with laughing kookaburras, squawking cockies and the mighty Murray River as the centrepiece, and you’re probably feeling the good vibes already. Now add in the very solid offerings of good wine and local produce and you’re getting closer to understanding how good we have it up here in the Riverina.

The river acts as the constant, as it weaves its way between our two towns. Its public access points and positioning in town means that you really can’t go a day without spotting some water, and there’s definitely a bit of salve in that.

Open water swimming, stand up paddleboarding, water skiing and houseboats are all readily available, meaning you can be in, on or floating above the water at any time of year. Echuca/Moama’s fleet of Paddle Steamers are an iconic mainstay and most offer short trips up the Murray; some, overnight stays, lunch cruises (with wine, always wine) and one will even drop you at a local winery and pick you up in the afternoon (so long as you can toddle safely from river bank to gangway after sampling the local grapes).

 

And on the note of wineries and watering holes, we have them in abundance. Our soil conditions are similar to Tuscany’s and this is taken full advantage of. Morrison’s Winery in Moama is stationed right along the Murray River. They have incredibly good food, make their own wine and have just opened a little micro brewery that is exactly as cool and hipster as it sounds.

They have an outdoor play area installed for the kids which is located in that elusive parent sweet spot between ‘within sight’ and ‘outside hearing range’. The American Hotel, lovingly referred to by locals as ‘The Yank’, is stationed right in town and its rooftop offers the best opportunity for laid back, sunsetted backdrop beers. The food here strays confidently and deliciously away from the conventional offerings expected of classic country pub menus. There’s practically always live music and kids are welcomed and taken care of with coloring packs and dance floor space. It’s such a good spot and one the locals are proud of and patronise often.

And, of course I’ve saved the best for last: The Bush. The beautiful, natural backdrop that is at the heart of our little town’s natural proffers. Rich in wildlife and history, you can spot scar trees and wallabies mere steps from the town’s centre. The cacophony of sound that erupts right before dusk as the myriad cockatoos and galahs transcend the eucalypts to do their evening rounds is staggering, and a sound so synonymous to the bush that you cannot be unmoved by it.

 

Camping along the river banks is a treasured pastime that hangs tight in the childhood memory files of locals and visitors alike. A swag, a fire, a fishing line and some of the good red from the local winery are the only things you’ll really need, as many of the best camping spots are within minutes to town or a cafe.

It’s bush without the country-fied kitsch. It’s the great outdoors balanced beautifully with creature comforts. It really is a beautiful part of Australia, with so much on offer for families, couples, friends or grey-nomads and we think worthy of a spot on your backyard bucket list!

We recommend you:

Do This:

Echuca SUP

Murray River Paddlesteamers

Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

Drink This:

Morrisons Riverview Winery, Moama

Eat Here:

The American Hotel Echuca

Three Black Sheep Cafe, Moama

Stay here:

 

About the author:

Corinda Grant makes up 1/4 of the Vagrants from This Vagrant Life documenting the adventures of two ex-teachers more frightened by routine than backpacking the world with their wee ones.

Feature photo: Visit the Murray