The Emmylou Paddlesteamer coming down the Murray River

Echuca
Historic inland river port.
At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. It is this aspect of its history that has become the basis for the town's reorientation as a tourism centre, particularly since the restoration of the old port area began in 1973. Paddlesteamers again travel the local waters, albeit for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. Moreover, the survival of many original buildings has enabled a meaningful renovation of the old streetscape. It was the port area's authentic appearance which attracted the makers of All The Rivers Run who used it as the setting for their television series on the riverboat era.

Echuca is located 205 km north of Melbourne via the Hume and Northern Highways and 96 m above sea-level in a largely irrigated pastoral and agricultural district. There is some manufacturing and stock saleyards in town but tourism is the main industry now.

Prior to European settlement the area was occupied by the Yorta-Yorta Aborigines. Explorer Charles Sturt passed through the district while overlanding cattle from Sydney to Adelaide in 1838 but the first European in the immediate area was a British-born ex-convict named James Maiden, who took up the Perricoota station c.1843-45. The area became known as Maiden's Punt when he established a punt service and an inn on the northern bank of the river around 1845. It was the first cattle crossing on the Murray River and thus became a major access route. A settlement grew as other businesses began to cluster around the inn and thus Moama came to be gazetted in 1851.

Meanwhile, in 1850, another ex-convict named Henry Hopwood took over Isaac White's punt at a point further downstream. Hence this latter area was initially known as 'Hopwood's Ferry'. In 1853 he added a slab hotel, ensuring his custom by closing down the punt at nightfall just before the arrival of the passenger coaches.

In 1852 the Mary Ann became the first paddlesteamer to trade on the Murray; Moama being the outermost stop on its maiden voyage. However, it was Hopwood who capitalised on the event and laid the foundations of Echuca's success by suggesting the government establish a river port on the southern bank.

The river trade was to prove crucial to the economic development of the nation as it enabled the opening up of Australia's interior, the extension of land given over to primary industries (particularly wool) and the capacity of those properties to transport their goods to the national and international marketplace.

In 1854 the government surveyor approved the site chosen by Hopwood and renamed it 'Echuca', a Yorta-Yorta term said to mean 'meeting of the waters'. Land sales proceeded in 1855 and by 1856 Echuca had become dominant over Moama. In the subsequent years Echuca emerged as the colony's largest inland port.

In the twelve months from June 1856-June 1857 around 150 000 head of livestock crossed the river at Echuca. Noted steamboat operator Francis Cadell made the town his base, merchants and importers began to set up shop in town and, for a time, leeches were exported to London for medical purposes. Settlement was further encouraged by the 1862 Land Act which freed up land in the district.

The development of the port led to a proposal that the government link Melbourne directly to the river trade by extending the emerging railway system to Echuca which was the closest Murray-River town to the capital. Its arrival in 1864 further enhanced the material progress of the town with the population trebling within twelve months. The rail link also prompted the construction, in 1865, of an enormous wharf which would ultimately extend to 1.2 km.

Shipbuilding and foundries subsequently became substantial industries and Echuca further benefited from the the growing demand for local red-gum timber which proved ideal for wharves, railway sleepers, mining props and building generally. A dozen timber mills were soon in operation.

The town reached its peak in the 1870s and 1880s and was nominated as a possible national capital in 1891. However, the development of the railway system, its extension to other Murray River towns, the unreliability of water levels, the lack of a national strategy for the interstate river trade and improvements in road transport ultimately led to the demise of the trade on the internal waterways. Fortunately however, many of the old structures associated with the port were left standing, if neglected, when the focus of business shifted to another part of town.

Pig farming and dairying developed in the 1890s and 1900s with the consequent establishment of bacon and butter factories. Closer settlement expanded agricultural production, particularly with soldier settlement after World War I. Echuca was declared a city in 1965.

The Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival is held in February, the Rotary Steam, Horse and Vintage Rally on the Queen's Birthday weekend in June, the Port of Echuca Steam Heritage Festival in October and the Agricultural Show in November. The Southern 80 waterski race from Torrumbarry to Echuca takes place in February.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
The Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre is located in the old Pump House (1884) which was built to pump water from the river for the steam locomotives, hydraulic wool presses and hydraulic cranes on the wharf. It is situated near the the 4000-ton, 580-metre iron bridge (1875) in a pleasant reserve with a lagoon and billabong and a range of birdlife in the treetops. The centre is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily, tel: (03) 5480 7555 or free-call (1800) 804 446.

There are some good walking and cycling tracks along the river banks and around town and the information centre will outline the routes for you on a town map.

The Cobb & Co Royal Mail coach outside the Echuca Coach House

Port Of Echuca
The old port area is under the supervision of the 'Port of Echuca' which has its headquarters at 101 Murray Esplanade. It is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily and is responsible for the Wharf Museum Tour which explores the port area, including the old wharf, paddlesteamers and barges, and historic buildings such as the Bridge and Star Hotels, tel: (03) 5482 4248.

Two doors along you can watch a woodturner and blacksmith working in the traditional manner.

Horse-and-Carriage Rides
A horse-and-carriage service operates along Murray Esplanade aboard immaculately restored buggies and carriages which operate regularly each day.

Wharf
The Echuca Wharf was originally built from 1865-1867. After extensions in 1877 and 1879 it ended up as a 1.2-km structure with three levels to accommodate the changing level of the river. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of wood, 80% of it was demolished in 1944. There is a vintage train on the adjacent track, which was used to facilitate the exchange of goods at the wharf, as well as cranes and the old cargo shed. The latter now features a video and a diorama which reflect on the port's history and working models which demonstrate how the wharf worked when the boats were in.

The PS Adelaide, one of the oldest paddle steamers in the world

Riverboats
There are currently six riverboats operating out of Echuca and offering cruises of various sorts along the Murray.

The P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot (1916), offers one-hour heritage cruises, tel: (03) 5482 4248. The P.S. Canberra (1912), takes visitors on a one-hour cruise with commentary on a daily basis. You can inspect the original steam engine, tel: (03) 5482 2711. The P.S. Emmylou offers 90-minute and overnight cruises on a wood-fired steamer with a la carte dining and a private cabin. The engine dates from 1906, tel: (03) 5480 2237.

The M.V. Mary Ann is a fully-licensed cruising restaurant offering lunch and dinner cruises with commentary, tel: (03) 5480 2200. The P.S. Pevensey (1909-11) was used in the TV mini-series All The Rivers Run. It is used for one-hour heritage cruises, tel: (03) 5482 4248. The P.S. Pride of the Murray (1924) offers one-hour river cruises with commentary on a vintage paddlewheeler, tel: (03) 5482 5244. The P.S. Adelaide (1866) is the third-oldest steam-driven boat in the world. It is moored in the wharf area but is not used for cruises. However, there are occasional barge-towing demonstrations and short excursions.

Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire is located by the boat ramp in Victoria Park (tel: 03 5480 6208) and there are a number of houseboat-hire services in town - Dinky-Di Houseboat Holidays (03 5482 5223), Magic Murray Houseboats (03 5480 6099), Murray River Houseboats (03 5480 2343), Rich River Houseboats (1800 032 643) and Riverina Houseboats (03 9772 9009).

Murray Esplanade Cellars
Opposite the wharf, at the corner of Murray Esplanade and Leslie St, are Murray Esplanade Cellars, located within the old Customs House (1884) which serves as a reminder of the days when the two states were separate colonies. The cellars offer sales and free tastings of local wines and are open daily, tel: (03) 5482 6058.

Sharp's Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade
A few doors north along Murray Esplanade, in what was the old Bond Store (1858), is Sharp's Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade. This unusual attraction recreates the kind of place which was popular with holidaymakers at the turn of the century. There are a huge variety of old penny arcade machines and the proprietors have an interesting collection of old films including old newsreels, shorts and early Australian films. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and a ticket is valid all day, tel: (03) 5482 2361.

The Star Hotel in the Port of Echuca complex

Star Hotel
Another few doors along is the former Star Hotel (1867) which has an underground bar and escape tunnel. The hotel lost its license in 1897 and consequently, although it continued to serve customers, it built a special escape route for drinkers so that they could get away during the police raids which commonly occurred.

Echuca Farm Yard
Adjacent is Echuca Farm Yard which is situated in the old salt factory, where salt from Lake Kunat Kunat was processed from 1870-1920. It offers children the chance to get close to, and feed, a range of farm animals and is open daily, tel: (03) 5480 7334.

Bridge Hotel
At the corner of Murray Esplanade and Hopwood Place is the Bridge Hotel. This two-storey building was erected in 1858 by town founder Henry Hopwood across the way from his punt and pontoon bridge. It has been restored to its original design, including upstairs rooms furnished in period style with an expansive squatter's suite built for the accommodation of wealthy pastoralists. These rooms can be seen as part of the Wharf Museum Tour.

Hopwood Gardens
On the other side of Hopwood Place is Hopwood Gardens, a lawned area with picnic and childrens' play facilities. Bullock teams waiting to cross the river on Hopwood's punt once gathered here. Nearby, in Murray Esplanade, is a log buggy which once transported red gum logs from the forests to the local sawmills and, in an adjacent lawned area, the barge Alison (1907).

Courthouse and Museum
On the other side of the gardens is the old courthouse, built as the shire hall in 1872.

Opposite, at the corner of Dickson St and Warren St, is the Echuca Historical Society Museum, housed within the former police station and lock-up (1867). It has old river charts, photographs and other material relating to the river trade, the local timber industry, Henry Hopwood and the town. It is open from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekends, tel: (03) 5482 4225.

Holden Museum
Diagonally opposite, at the corner of Warren and Campbell Sts, is the National Holden Motor Museum which has over 40 immaculately restored Holdens, rare prototypes, historic film footage and souvenirs. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5480 2033. On the other side of Campbell St, adjacent the Campaspe River, is the former Saleyards Hotel (1879), now the Cock-and-Bull Restaurant.

High Street
Walk back along Warren St and turn right into High St which has a multitude of specialty shops to cater to the tourist trade. On the right-hand side is the former Bank of Victoria (1860), which retains its original safe (it is currently a pancake parlour).

Aquarium
Over the road is the Murray River Aquarium which has a native fish and reptile display, tel: (03) 5480 7388.

World In Wax
A little further along is World in Wax which, in the manner of Madame Tussaud, displays realistic wax effigies of a vast range of notable (and infamous) historic figures. There are also likenesses of monsters for the kids and 30 miniature dioramas. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at 630 High St, tel: (03) 5482 3630.

High St Continued
On the other side of the road are the Shamrock Hotel (1885) and the Echuca Hotel. The latter was erected in 1873 to replace the 1858 original which was built for famous explorer Thomas Mitchell. Turn right into Leslie St and walk along to the banks of the Campaspe. It was here that Hopwood had another of his punts.

Return along Leslie St and turn right, back into High St. To the right are the Classical design of the former Bank of NSW, which was built in 1877 and now privately owned, and a store built by Henry Hopwood which was the first brick building in Echuca (it is now an architect's office).

At High and Radcliffe, to the left, is the former Town Hall Hotel (1860s), now Fiori's Restaurant..

Cross Radcliffe St. To the right are Millewa Chambers, built as a Bond Store in 1878 (now a private residence), and the former Redman's Commercial Hotel (1862), once a staging post for Cobb & Co on their journey to Shepparton. There is a bridal shop on the lower floor.

The library, at High and Heygarth, was built in 1869 as a courthouse. It became the town hall in the 1920s and the library in the 1950s. It is a simple building with decorative brickwork designed by W.C. Vahland who designed some of Bendigo's more imposing buildings.

Cross over Heygarth St. To the left is the Anglican Church (1865) which features a stained-glass window of its sponsor, Henry Hopwood.

Further south, adjacent the primary school at High and Pakenham, is Sims Butter factory, built as a store in the 1860s and now Tangled Garden Bookshop. The school was built in 1872 and was relocated to this spot in 1994.

On the other side of Pakenham St, to the right, is the old Coffee Palace which was one of a chain of Temperance Hotels throughout Victoria. Coaches left here on a daily basis for Bendigo and Melbourne until the railway arrived in 1864. It is now privately owned and has recently been restored.

Hare St
Walk east along Pakenham St to the Hare St corner. St Andrew's Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church was built in 1889. Diagonally opposite is a marker. The wavy line records the height of the 1870 flood.

Head north along Hare St. At Hare and Percy is St Mary's Catholic Church (1865). The former Union Club Hotel, on the other side of Percy St, was built as the Bank of Australasia in the 1870s (it is now a chemist's). Just along Percy St is the town's oldest church, the Wesleyan (1865), although it has recently been purchased by the Catholic Church who want to demolish it.

Wine Tasting and Sales
At the northern end of Hare St, cross over Radcliffe St to the corner with Murray Esplanade where you will find the Echuca-Moama Wine Centre which has over 110 wines. It is open Wednesday to Sunday and every day in school holidays, tel: (03) 5480 2005.

Echuca Wharf Pottery
At Murray Esplanade and Little Hopwood St is Echuca Wharf Pottery which has hourly pottery demonstrations. It is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5482 6111.

Old Brothel and Steampacket
Turn into Little Hopwood St. To the left, set furtively back from the road, is that other mainstay of a busy port - the old brothel (1875) which consists of two floors, each with three small rooms. Mannequins are positioned in period dress.

The Steampacket Inn (1860s) is located at the corner of Murray Esplanade and Leslie St.

Echuca Gem Club/Railway Station
Echuca Gem Club has a display of jewellery and rock specimens which can be seen from 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Saturdays, 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Sundays and on school and public holidays, tel: (03) 5482 4642. They are located in the railway station (1879) in Sturt St. The enormous and well-made engine shed (1864-65) serves as a reminder of Echuca's former significance as a railway terminus.

Oz Maze
Oz Maze has a large wooden maze built in the shape of Australia which offers the challenge of finding your way through to each capital city. In the centre is an elevated platform (Ayers Rock) from which to regain perspective. The excursion takes about half an hour and is located near the roundabout by the bridge, tel: (03) 5480 2220.

Raverty's Motor Museum
Raverty's Motor Museum is located at the corner of Ogilvie Ave (the Murray Valley Highway) and Mitchell Rd. It has a collection of vintage and classic vehicles, tel: (03) 5482 2730.

An irrigation channel to the south of Echuca

Victoria Park
Scenic Drive is a loop track which starts near the high school in Crofton St and runs around the perimeter of Victoria Park, at the north-western corner of town. It follows the Campaspe River to its confluence with the Murray where there is a picnic area overlooking the junction. .

The circuit then heads east, hugging the southern bank of the river through a large river bend where there is a billabong to the right and a swimming area. It then return to Crofton St. Victoria Park has a memorial to Hopwood, a caravan park and a boat ramp. Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire is located by the boat ramp in Victoria Park, tel: (03) 5480 6208.

Eastern Riverbank Trek
Another walking-cycling option is to follow the southern bank of the river westwards from the bridge through Banyule Park State Forest and beyond, returning to the information centre via River Ave, Goulburn Rd, Packenham St and Sturt St.

En route there are picnic-barbecue facilities at Bowers Bend and a swimming area. Sawmills, an abbatoir, a tannery and fellmongery, a shipyard and the houses of employees were once situated in this area.

Chambers Bend is the site of the first European habitation, where James Maiden established a punt service c.1845. Today there is a boat ramp. Another way to get there is to follow the graded road that heads north-east off Pakenham St through the forest and then turn right. Sunny Beach is 150 metres downstream at Connors Bend (turn left off the graded road).

Campaspe Walk
Another walking-cycling option is to start at the corner of High and Anstruther Sts. Head west along Anstruther, taking the footbridge over the Campaspe, then follow the western bank of the river as it heads south past the Echuca Golf Course and a picnic-barbecue area, to the Murray Valley Highway.

Horseriding
Billabong Horse Trail Rides operate within the Banyule Park State Forest, tel: (018) 507 828.

Waterskiing
Brett Sands Water Ski Resort, tel: (03) 5482 1851 or Southern Cross Water Ski School with fully catered waterski day trips, tel: (03) 5482 6897.

Torrumbarry Weir
Torrumbarry Weir is a very pretty location within a bushland setting with birdlife, fishing, barbecues, playground equipment and a caravan park. Head north-west along the Murray Valley Highway for about 27 km to a signposted turnoff which is about 4 km past the tiny settlement of Torrumbarry.

	Tourist Information
	Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre 2 Heygarth St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 7555, 1800 804 446 Facsimile: (03) 5482 6413
	Motels
	All Rivers Motor Inn Lot 1 Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5677 Rating: ***
	Caledonian Motel/Hotel 110 Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2100 Rating: ***
	Campaspe Motor Inn 305 Ogilivie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3900 Rating: **
	Echuca Motel 268 Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2899 Rating: ***
	Fountain Motel Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3200 Rating: **
	Highstreet Motel 439 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1013 Rating: **
	Hopewood Motor Inn Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2244 Rating: ***
	Old Coach Motor Inn 288 Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3155, 1800 634 407 Facsimile: (03) 5482 6568 Rating: ***
	Paddle Wheel Motel 385 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3822 Rating: ***
	Pastoral Motel/Hotel 100 Sturt St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1812 Rating: **
	Port Of Echuca Motor Inn 465 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5666 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5682 Rating: ****
	Red Carpet Inn Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 4244 Rating: ***
	River Village Motel Bangerang Rd Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6039 Facsimile: (03) 5483 5333 Rating: **
	Riverboat Lodge Motor Inn 476 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5777 Rating: ***
	Echuca Philadelphia Motel 340 Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5700 Rating: ***1/2
	Big River Motel 317 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2522 Facsimile: (03) 5480 2223 Rating: **
	Nirebo Motel 251 Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2033, 1800 033 189 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5322 Rating: ****
	Pevensey Motor Lodge 365 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5166, 1800 032 461 Facsimile: (03) 5480 6913 Rating: ***
	Settlement Motor Inn 405 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 4777 Facsimile: (03) 5482 4780 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	American Hotel 239 Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5044 Rating: *
	Echuca Hotel 571 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1087
	Harvest Hotel Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1266
	Pastoral Hotel/Motel 100 Sturt St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1812
	Rosco's at the Bridge Hotel Hopwood Place Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2247
	The Palace Hotel Cnr Hare & Heygarth Sts Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1461
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Echuca Hideaway Bed & Breakfast Stratton Rd Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 6742 Rating: ****
	Etan House Bed & Breakfast 11 Connelly St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 7477 Rating: ****
	Steam Packet Inn Bed & Breakfast Cnr Leslie St & Murray Esp. Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3411 Rating: **
	River Gallery Inn Bed & Breakfast 578 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6902 Rating: ****
	Apartments
	Echuca Holiday Flats 105 Sutton St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6350 Rating: ***
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Echuca River Holiday Units 103 Sutton St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6351 Rating: ***
	Riverside Holiday Units Pianta Rd Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 4829 Rating: ****
	Caravan Parks
	Echuca City Council Caravan Park Crofton St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2157 Facsimile: (03) 5480 1551 Rating: ***
	Northern Way Caravan Park Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 4266 Rating: **
	Riverlander Caravan Park Pianta Rd Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2558 Rating: **
	Rich River Caravan Park Crescent St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3658 Rating: ****
	Yarraby Caravan Park River Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 1533 Rating: ***
	Houseboats
	Magic Murray Houseboats Mooring at Goulburn Rd Box 802 Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6099
	Rich River Houseboats moored at Paddlewheel Park Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 2444
	Restaurants
	All Rivers Motor Inn Lot 1 Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5677
	Antonio's On The Port Restaurant High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 6117
	Caledonian Motel/Hotel 110 Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2100
	Echuca Cellar Door Restaurant Radcliffe St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 6720
	Echuca Motel 268 Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2899
	Echuca Philadelphia Motel 340 Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5700
	Fiori Italian Restaurant High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 6688
	Fountain Motel & Rivergum Restaurant Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3200
	Fy - Gee Chinese Restaurant Pakenham St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 2233
	Lucky House Chinese Restaurant Northern Hwy Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 7333
	M.V. Mary Ann Restaurant High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5480 2200
	Ogilvie's Restaurant Ogilvie Ave Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5700
	Port Of Echuca Motor Inn 465 High St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 5666 Facsimile: (03) 5482 5682
	River Palace Licenced Chinese Restaurant Cnr High & Lesile Sts Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 3152
	Roma Restaurant Hare St Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 2055
	Wisteria Tea Rooms Murray Esp Echuca VIC 3564 Telephone: (03) 5482 4210