Echuca is located on the Victorian side of Murray River and usually coupled with its New South Wales neighbour Moama, describing the destination as 'Echuca - Moama'. Echuca is located 214 km's from Melbourne and sits 96 metres above sea level. During the year its average maximum temperature is 22.2 degrees and average minimum is 9.4 degrees.

Echuca falls under the local council of the Shire of Campaspe and has a population of approximately 12,500.

History

Echuca Moama would have first been sited by non-indigenous settlers in 1830 when Captain Charles Sturt navigated the length of the Murray River. But is wasn't until ex-convicts James Maiden settled Moama, then known as 'Maidens Punt' in 1845 and Henry Hopwood established Echuca, originally known as 'Hopwood's Ferry' that Echuca began to prosper. Both Maiden and Hopwood operated barges which were used to cross the Murray River.

'Hopwood's Ferry' was eventually renamed in April 1855 to 'Echuca' meaning 'meeting of the waters'.

As the town grew and the paddle steamers became a major inland transport option, so did the infrastructure required. Amongst key assets the Echuca Wharf began construction in 1865 and after extensions finishing in 1879 it reached a total length of 1.2 km's. The wharf was built from locally felled River Red Gum but in 1944 a shortage of wood resulted in up to 80% of the wharf being demolished.

With the expansion of a national rail network the paddle steamers began to lose favour and eventually lost their viability as a means of transport. Many of the old paddle steamers fell in to disrepair, slowly rotting away into the river banks. Since the 1960's a number of paddle steamers have been salvaged and restored providing a popular tourism attraction which continues today.

Attractions

Situated on the banks of the "Mighty' Murray River, it is understandable that many of the Echuca Moama's attractions are within close proximity to the River and its tributaries, the Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers. There are of course the world class collection of paddle steamers which today operate tours along the Murray River, but in their heyday were a part of the largest inland port in the world. Running alongside the river is the historic precinct around the Port of Echuca which is home to many buildings, shops and eateries with a story to tell. One of the local tours is a great introduction. Waterskiing, fishing, swimming and canoeing are also popular pastimes along the river.

The Echuca Moama region is also home to an extensive list of Australian native animals, plants and domestic and migratory birds which are often sited in the parklands and bush walks.

Though out the year there are a number of festivals and events which capture the spirit of Echuca Moama including a Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, Wine Festival, Steam Rally, Horse Races, Ski Races and Field Days

There are also several museums; some excellent local tours, including the ever popular horse and carriage rides and plenty of places to go for a bike ride. Any don't forget the ever popular golf courses and day spas.

Services

Echuca Moama is well serviced for visitors with extensive and varied accommodation options, plenty of places to eat out and attractions for couple and families. There are excellent tourism resources throughout the town and online. Echuca is definitely worth a visit for at least several days.

Jamie Horne is the webmaster of several Victoria, Australia websites including http://www.echuca.ws