What to eat, drink, see and do in Echuca

The centrepiece of Echuca is undeniably the Murray River, and taking a relaxing cruise on its waters is an absolute must-do during your visit. The waterway was integral to the town's initial establishment, as back in the mid-1800s it was the main shipbuilding centre for the river transport industry. In fact, Echuca was Australia’s largest inland port, ferrying goods and passengers across the Murray-Darling River system (until the advent of motor travel). Now, it’s home to the world’s largest collection of paddlesteamers, which have been lovingly restored over the years to maintain their glory. 

You can step back in time and revisit the town’s historic past by taking an hour-long cruise on one of these vessels, making for a very wholesome outing. Glide along the river on the PS Pevensey, a 113-year-old authentic paddlesteamer boat which still boasts its original steam engine. You’ll be able to see the engine in action as you stand in the centre of the boat and watch the deckhands at work over the ship’s furnace. Then sit back and take in the scenery as you pass by luxurious and quirky houseboats, as well as the natural surrounds of the bush. You can book a cruise through the Port of Echuca, which also runs guided walking tours of the historic wharf. 

Echuca's esplanade and nearby High Street is a one-stop shop for all of your true-blue country town needs, with nostalgic architecture and a wide variety of retail offerings (think everything from a classic lolly shop to a ripper record store). High Street has retained much of the town’s yesteryear charm, with quirky gift and novelty shops, including a secondhand bookstore filled with countless dog figurines. But there’s also top-quality wares on offer – of particular note for keen shoppers is Rich Glen, which stocks pantry goods and skincare products made with olive oil farmed in the region. All of these shops are within easy meandering distance, and you could certainly spend the better part of a day browsing them and checking out one of the nearby local art galleries. Hot tip: make sure you pick up some handmade sweet treats from Echuca Chocolate Company. 

At the end of the day, if you'd like another chance to appreciate the splendour of the winding waterways, there are plenty of nearby walking trails that offer beautiful views. Take a sunset stroll along one of the riverside tracks on the aptly named Scenic Drive (next to the Echuca Football Club oval), where you can admire both the Campaspe and Murray Rivers.

Before you head home, you absolutely must check out Cactus Country. It's the largest cacti garden in the country, and has to be seen to be believed. The gardens are home to more than 4,000 species of sprouting cacti and succulents across a sprawling 12-acre garden. But if the sheer volume of cacti isn't enough to amaze, the enormous size of some of the plants will truly make your jaw drop. It is another hour by car from Echuca, but it's well worth the trip, and the café offers delicious Mexican eats to fill you up before you hit the road again. 

Echuca's town centre is also home to some excellent eateries, perfect for a lunch break or a hearty dinner at the end of a day filled with exploring. For breakfast, Sweet Meadow is a vegetarian café that focuses on plant-based goodies, with cold-press juices and tasty smoothie bowls. When you're in need of a caffeine fix, there are plenty of spots on the main drag, like Essen, which doubles as a wine bar. 

For lunch, go the classic country town route and head to one of the town’s bakeries (the french vanilla slice at Sutton’s Bakery is a creamy delight), or hit up Monkee and Co, which offers Asian-fusion, hawker-style street food. Come evening, head to Opa, a traditional Greek restaurant. Whether you go for the traditional moussaka or a heaped souvlaki plate, you're certain to be satiated. The food is authentic and delicious, and even in this rural corner of Victoria, you can wash it down with a Mythos beer. For those in search of a quality drop, you'll find locally made gin at Echuca Distillery and vino from St Anne’s Winery – both of which are located in the heart of the town's centre.   

As Echuca is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, it’s worth staying overnight to make the most of your trip. For a truly memorable getaway, the town has a plethora of houseboats available for short stays on the river. If you’ve got a big group, you can rent out a larger boat with three or four bedrooms through Murray River Houseboats, while a couple is more suited to the sweet Houseboat for Two. But if you’re keen for this experience, it’s best to book well in advance. Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs in the area. If you opt for an Airbnb, I'd recommend the home I stayed at when I visited, which was Little Bird on Shackell. It's a cosy two-bedder with a modern interior and a firepit in the backyard, which felt like home during my stay. You can find more accommodation options in Echuca here. 

Liv Condous visited Echuca and stayed as a guest of Murray Regional Tourism.