Spread along the banks of Murray River, Echuca is a miniature metropolis with a thriving port, intriguing museums and family-friendly activities. Skirting the city limits, a working horse ranch and charming vineyards welcome visitors.

Things to do

At the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre it’s all about shipbuilding and historic paddleboat steamers. You can take a river journey on the P.S. Adelaide, one of the world’s oldest operating wooden-hulled paddle steamers. Inside the Discovery Centre, learn about 19th-century river life with a working sawmill exhibit, steam engine display and the restored heritage wharf.

Echuca Historical Society Museum, housed in an 1860s police station, takes a deeper dive into local history, showcasing an array of paddle steamer memorabilia. Prefer to explore land-based historic transportation? Head over to National Holden Motor Museum, which has vintage car displays, collectable prototypes and historical film clips.

Beer aficionados can pop a top at the Great Aussie Beer Shed and wander through enormous collections of beer artefacts, including old wooden beer barrels, tap tops, signs and at least 16,000 beer cans and steins. If wine is more your style, head to Cape Horn Vineyard for wood-fired pizza and wine tasting.

The little ones can scramble in simulated tropics at the Oz Maze Test. Sharp’s Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade is a blast from the past with old-fashioned pinball machines, classic big-screen comedies and gourmet fudge. Visit the Billabong Ranch, a 10-minute drive away, for horse riding, archery, mini golf, pedal boating and camel rides.

Getting around

Echuca’s closest major airport is in Melbourne, about 200 kilometres away. You can pick up a rental car at the airport or near the train depot in Echuca, while taxis and local buses provide transportation within the city.