Top tips for a weekend drive to Echuca

Close to: Melbourne. A three-hour drive north of Melbourne up the Hume Highway.
Day or Weekend: At least the weekend because there’s distance to cover and much to explore.
Everybody goes to: The Beechworth Bakery and Emmylou Paddle steamers.

Stemming from the Yorta-Yorta Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of the waters', the historic town of Echuca sits on the border of Victoria and NSW - an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne and around eight hours from Sydney.

There’s plenty to do in this town and you can explore its rich history by visiting many of the museums as well as the historic Port of Echuca and Discovery Centre. The Centre is open 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day. Port tours are at 11.30 daily and there are a number of tour packages, some of which include paddle steamer rides, and a trip on the majestic Emmylou paddle steamer is a must.

The wood-fired paddles steamer is named after the country singer Emmylou Harris, and featured in the 1980s TV series ‘All the Rivers Run’. Enjoy lunch and dinner or Devonshire tea on board as you glide along the river.

Immerse yourself amongst the flora and fauna including the glorious red gums dotted along the river. Take an eco-tour through the wetlands or wander through the picturesque Horseshoe Lagoon, just over the bridge from Echuca to Moama where birdlife is abundant.

Car enthusiast? Scoot over to the Holden museum which displays over 40 classic Holden cars and offers visitors a truly nostalgic experience. The museum is dedicated to preserving the models and their memories and you’ll be able to explore the fascinating gallery of cars and memorabilia.

Peckish? There’s an array of food and drink options in Echuca.

Kick back at the American Hotel which serves generous fare with local wine and beers on tap. For a healthier alternative, head to the Sweet Meadow vegan café, where you can grab a superfood juice and Thai red curry laden with spices that sing on your palate. Finish it off with a baked vegan doughnut or raw dessert.

A fine dinner option is The Mill, a restaurant housed in a former flour mill, dating back to the 1880s. The restaurant offers a range of modern Australian dishes including pork belly, scallops, salmon, pasta and risotto.

There’s also the famous Beechworth Bakery, an ideal spot for families and where you can tuck into a hearty Beechworth Steak or Caulioccoli Pie. And don’t forget to try their delicious Beestings -- sweet buns lightly spread with apricot jam and real cream from the region.

Thirsty? Go off the beaten track to Cape Horn Vineyard, located on a sand hill between the Murray and Goulburn Rivers and 15 minutes’ drive from the Echuca town. Be sure to drive slowly along the long gravel road that leads to the secluded vineyard.

It’s worth the ride and before long you’ll be sipping on a glass of sparkling wine or Marsanne with a backdrop of gum trees and luscious vines. Children are very welcome and there’s plenty of space for them to play.

In terms of accommodation, there’s a mix of hotels, motels, quaint B&Bs, cottages and farm-stays. If you’re an avid camper/caravanner, there are many powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins lining a section of the Murray River.

It’s time to discover the Murray magic!

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