Echuca lies at the junction of the Goulbourn, Campaspe and Murray Rivers. It is a place whose history is rooted in the riverboats that have been the lifeblood of the Murray River system, carrying cargo and passengers from the different river front towns and farms. Echuca is aptly named and the aboriginal word means meeting of the waters. Echuca was founded in 1850 by some enterprising ex convicts. Henry Hopgood built a small punt and started a ferry service across the river and the town of Echuca grew from these humble beginnings. The Port of Echuca became Australia’s first inland port and the riverboat trade that grew opened up new country for settlement, farming and wool production. In 1864 a rail link was established to Melbourne and the region then grew at a rapid rate with easy access from properties along the river to the major markets in the south.

Today, all of Echuca’s old waterfront buildings have been restored and a number of the old riverboats now have a new lease of life serving as tourist drawcards. There are plenty Echuca and Wodonga things to do. You can go for a day tour on the river or spend a week in absolute luxury enjoying the holiday and maritime atmosphere that Echuca and the rivers can provide. There is also a thriving houseboat rental industry to cater for those who love the river life and want to spend some holiday time enjoying it.

In Echuca itself there are plenty of activities to engage in. The waterfront region is the heart of the tourist trade. Here you will find historical displays, great restaurants and cafes and loads of fun things to do. Echuca also has lots of excellent accommodation to choose from with hotels and motels supplying the bulk of the accommodation. There are also plenty of Bed and Breakfast style properties to choose from. One of the older paddle steamers has been converted into a floating restaurant so you can also experience either lunch or dinner, on the river, on this historic vessel.

Echuca is a fantastic place to go for a holiday. If you like the ambience created by the river lifestyle and the historic paddle steamers, then come to Echuca for a fantastic holiday.

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