Echuca Day tour

Experience the ultimate Australian day tour with Aus-Air.

Fly from Melbourne to Echuca/Moama. Experience the unique atmosphere and living history of Victoria’s Port of Echuca and its NSW sister town, Moama, on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

History

Founded in 1850 by Henry Hopwood, an enterprising character originally transported to Australia as a convict, the Port of Echuca flourished as the hub of Australia’s river transport system. During the golden age of the river boats from 1865 to 1910, it was the largest inland port in the country. Now it is the paddle steamer capital of the world. Appropriately, Echuca is an Aboriginal word meaning “meeting of the waters” as nearby is the junction of the Campaspe, Goulburn and Murray Rivers.

Highlights

You will be picked up by limousine from your hotel, and following a scenic drive along Port Phillip Bay, fly out of Moorabbin Airport for an estimated arrival time of 9.30 - 10.30am at Echuca Airport.

Days of the Drovers

Enjoy a superb late breakfast at the Wistaria Restaurant in Echuca. Drive across the border into NSW and along the Cobb Highway, named after the famous coach company and part of the original Long Paddock Touring Route. A droving track established in the early 1840s from Moama to Wilcannia in south-west NSW, the highway is still used to drive cattle and you may even see a herd grazing by the roadside.

Cruise through the forest

Enjoy a 90 minute cruise through an area of significant international importance - the world's largest Red Gum Forest. The cruise boat ‘Kingfisher’ takes you to a special place - the Barmah Choke, surrounded by ancient bushland immersed in Aboriginal legend, where the Murray narrows and quickens. The high banks disappear and water laps right up to the towering red gums. As well as the startling trees, the 65,000 hectare Millewa/Barmah Forest is home to more than 900 species of birds, fish, animals, insects and plants.

Wine and dine

A delicious lunch awaits you at the award-wining Morrisons Riverview Winery & Restaurant on the banks of the Murray. This is Australian cuisine at its best - so good the kookaburras might even join in!

Paddle steamer cruise

Travel back to the Port Precinct on the paddle steamer ‘Canberra’. Built in 1912 and powered by a superb 1923 wood-fired Marshall steam engine, it was fully restored in 2003. Experience travel 1850s style – and take in a completely different aspect of the river.

Walk the walk

Take in the historic sites on a walk around the Port of Echuca. See the famous Star Bar with its underground saloon, used after-hours in the days of six o'clock closing. The pub sold “sly grog” and when “raided” by the authorities, staff used the tunnel as an escape route.

Before you go …

Take it all in once more with a final afternoon drink and cheese platter at the award-winning Oscar W's restaurant overlooking the Murray. Aus-Air will then transport you back to Echuca Airport to depart for Melbourne/Moorabbin Airport for a scheduled 4.30-5.30 pm arrival.

Land at Moorabbin where your limousine awaits to drive you back to your hotel.
Your ultimate day tour has come to a wonderful end.

Note:
Should you wish to stay overnight there are numerous self-contained cottages offering privacy as well as a high level of comfort at a reasonable price. Boutique and luxury bed and breakfast, caravan parks, guesthouses and lodges are also widely available, both in the Murray region's towns and in rural settings.

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Echuca Day tour

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