Four ways to explore Echuca Moama

LOCATED an easy three hours’ drive from Geelong on the famous Murray River, visitors to Echuca Moama are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting off the beaten track and exploring the charming towns, idyllic forests, exciting national parks and serene waterways that make up the riverside region.

Times News Group with Echuca Moama Tourism is giving away a getaway to experience the beautiful Echuca region on the Murray River.

Head to the Surf Coast Times or Geelong Times Facebook page to enter for your chance to win a “Couple’s Package”, which includes two nights’ accommodation at Treehouse Hideouts – Heygarth House, a tasting at St Anne’s Winery (Port of Echuca), a special St Anne’s wine pack, a grazing box featuring a selection of cheeses, fruit and tasty morsels supplied by Forever Fresh, and a breakfast box by Pacdon Park (blackout periods include the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup, and the trip must be taken before December 19, 2020).

At the time of writing, NSW’s COVID-19 restrictions prevent visitors to Echuca from crossing the border into NSW, but we have shared some of our favourite trails and touring routes on the Victorian side of the river below. Head to echucamoama.com/awaken to see all the trails and touring routes throughout the region for when the
border reopens.

WALK
– Banyule State Forest, Echuca
Located right in the heart of Echuca, Banyule State Forest allows you to choose your own adventure by taking one of the many paths that wind their way through the forest and along the Murray River, and seeing where you end up! The forest also contains fantastic mountain bike trails, jumps and berms for those seeking adventure on two wheels.

CYCLE
– Campaspe River Ride, Echuca
Starting at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, this 7km ride takes you through the historic port precinct and across the Warren Street Bridge to Campaspe Esplanade, where you can see many species of ducks and birdlife. Wind your way along the Campaspe River all the way to the Ogilvie Avenue bridge and back through the quiet residential streets of historic Echuca.

BOAT
– Paddlesteamer tours, Echuca
In the early 1870s, Echuca’s paddlesteamer trade was at such a level that the town became the second largest port in Victoria and the largest inland port in Australia. Today, visitors can enjoy short river cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, and accommodated cruises on a range of historic paddlesteamers. Head to the Echuca Moama website for more details and to book a cruise.
DRIVE
– Silo art, Colbinabbin and Rochester
Take in the local section of the Australian Silo Art Trail at Colbinabbin and Rochester. Painted in 2018 by mural artist, Jimmy D’Vate, the GrainCorp Silos at Rochester feature an azure kingfisher and aquirrel glider. The Colbinabbin silos were painted in April 2020 by artist, Tim Bowtell, and tell the story of the railway and its significance in the Colbinabbin district.
For more information or to book your Echuca Moama getaway, head to echucamoama.com/awaken.