Take me to the river

Eight ways to wander on the water in Echuca Moama

LAZY days by the river, surrounded by native bushland, soaking up the warm summer sun during the day and being mesmerized by the vast star-filled skies at night… Spending summer along the mighty Murray River is a Victorian way of life.

Echuca Moama is the closest riverside community to Ballarat and the ideal road trip destination for some summer river fun.

Here are eight ways you can escape the heat and ‘wander on the water’ in Echuca Moama this summer.

Stand up paddleboard

Hire a board, grab and go from the SUP vending machine, book a private lesson or take a guided group paddle downstream. Paddle during the day or choose a sunrise or sunset tour. You can even bring your dog along for the ride!

Kayak or canoe

BYO, hire, or take a tour with an expert operator. Follow one of the kayak and canoe trails or self explore by launching from one of the many boat ramps or sandy beaches, including the wheelchair accessible launch at Edward River bridge picnic area near Mathoura.

Pontoon boat

Hire a pontoon boat and cruise the river at your leisure. Available for full or half day hire, these boats are easy to drive and equipped with a BBQ, outdoor kitchenette, Eski and stereo system. No boat licence required.

Paddlesteamer cruise

No visit to Echuca Moama is complete without taking a cruise along the river aboard one of the iconic paddlesteamers. Echuca Moama is home to the world’s largest operating paddlesteamer fleet, with cruises ranging from one-hour excursion cruises to multi-night accommodated cruises.

Eco boat cruise

Take an eco boat tour into the narrowest section of the Murray River, the Barmah Choke, and onto the Barmah Lakes. Barmah National Park is a sacred place to the Yorta Yorta people, and is also a place of environmental significance.

Dining cruises

Choose a dining cruise onboard a historic paddlesteamer or motor vessel, or indulge in the Wharf to Winery or Gin, Beer and River Trail foodie experience, travelling by paddlesteamer to a delectable food and wine experience at Morrisons Winery.

Houseboat

Live the river life onboard a houseboat. Stop at one of the many moorings along the river to visit some of the wineries, restaurants, clubs and attractions.

Further afield…

Venture out to some of the other waterways in the Echuca Moama region, including:

– Torrumbarry Weir, Torrumbarry VIC

– Waranga Basin, Rushworth VIC

– Greens Lake, near Rochester VIC

– Lake Cooper, near Elmore, VIC

– Edward River, Mathoura NSW

– Moulamein Lake, Moulamein NSW

– Wakool River, Wakool NSW

Discover more of what is on offer in Echuca Moama at echucamoama.com/summer.