Echuca, Victoria - Paddle Steamers, River History & Timeless Murray Charm

Echuca, Victoria - Paddle Steamers, River History & Timeless Murray Charm

Echuca is a beautifully preserved historic town set on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria’s Murray River region. Located around 216 kilometres north of Melbourne, Echuca is best known for its iconic paddle steamers, rich riverboat history, and relaxed riverside atmosphere, making it one of regional Victoria’s most rewarding destinations.

Originally developed as a river crossing point between Melbourne and New South Wales, Echuca grew rapidly following the construction of the Echuca Wharf in the 1860s. This transformed the town into a major inland river port, and at its peak, Echuca was the largest inland port in Australia.

Discovering the Port of Echuca

During our stay in Echuca, we spent plenty of time exploring the historic Port of Echuca precinct, the heart of the town’s riverboat heritage.

The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, with free entry. Inside, you’ll find engaging interactive displays explaining Australia’s inland river system and the important role paddle steamers played in transporting goods and people.

This is also where you can book paddle steamer cruises, guided heritage walking tours, or pick up souvenirs.

Just outside on the wharf is the Kevin Hutchinson Steam Shed, where original working steam engines and pumps are on display. It’s a fascinating insight into how steam power shaped the development of Echuca as a major river port.

Cruising the Murray on a Paddle Steamer

No visit to Echuca is complete without stepping aboard an authentic paddle steamer. Two operators offer one-hour cruises along the Murray River several times a day. We booked the 11.30 am cruise on the Pevensey Paddle Steamer, which departs from the Port of Echuca.

Before boarding, we wandered along the heritage-listed Echuca Wharf, which once serviced up to 240 paddle steamers a year during the 1870s and 1880s. At its peak, the wharf stretched over 332 metres, though today it has been carefully restored to around 75 metres.

The Pevensey is an authentic working paddle steamer with its original steam engine and can carry up to 100 passengers. Originally a cargo vessel, it transported bales of wool from river stations to Echuca, where they were loaded onto trains bound for Melbourne and overseas markets.

We relaxed on deck, listened to the informative commentary, explored the steam engine room, and watched the paddle wheels turn. There’s a café onboard serving drinks and snacks, toilet facilities, and the vessel is dog-friendly.

The Pevensey also starred in the Australian TV series All the Rivers Run, where it appeared as the Philadelphia. Upstairs cabins feature memorabilia and displays from the show.

Echuca Wharf & the Murray Esplanade

After the cruise, we continued exploring the wharf area, one of the best spots in town to watch paddle steamers glide along the river. You can also cruise aboard the PS Adelaide, the oldest wooden-hulled paddle steamer still operating anywhere in the world, or the PS Canberra, a beautifully restored 110-year-old vessel powered by a 1923 wood-fired steam engine.

The wharf precinct was also featured in All the Rivers Run, offering a vivid glimpse into life during the late 1800s. Inside the Cargo Shed, kids (and adults) can enjoy hands-on displays and learn more about Echuca’s river trade history.

The nearby Murray Esplanade is lined with heritage buildings, specialty shops, and the Visitor Information Centre. For something a little different, you can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets with Billabong Carriages, which operate on weekends and during school and public holidays.

Wine, Art & Riverside Stops

We stopped in at St Anne’s Winery for a free wine tasting. The cellar door is open daily and is housed in a former carriage builder’s workshop. Inside, the walls are lined with heritage barrels holding more than 3,000 litres of fortified wines.

Nearby, you’ll also find the Bridge Hotel, Whistle Stop Gallery, an old log buggy display, and the Visitor Centre — all worth a look while exploring the precinct.

High Street & Specialty Shopping

High Street, Echuca’s main shopping strip, has a great selection of cafés, bakeries, hotels, a distillery, and specialty stores. We enjoyed wandering along the street and stocking up on locally made treats. Two highlights include:

• The Echuca Chocolate Company, open daily and famous for its hand-made chocolates, truffles, liqueurs, and gifts

• The Echuca Heritage Sweet Company, a nostalgic lolly shop filled with colourful jars of sweets, chocolates, licorice, and old-fashioned favourites that instantly transport you back to childhood Street Specialty Shops

The Great Aussie Beer Shed

Located about 3 kilometres from Echuca, The Great Aussie Beer Shed is open on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.

This quirky and fascinating museum houses more than 20,000 beer cans from around the world, along with an enormous collection of beer memorabilia and classic Australiana. There’s also a Heritage Farm Museum, featuring old farming equipment from the late 1800s, plus Jack’s Shed, which includes a small car museum and more nostalgic displays.

Echuca’s Heritage Buildings

As we wandered around Echuca, we admired many beautifully preserved heritage buildings, each marked with information plaques detailing their history. Highlights include:

• Bank of New South Wales (1877), an elegant Italianate-style building

• Former Echuca Town Hall (1868), originally serving as Council Chambers and Court House

• Customs House (1884), now a lovely art gallery

• St Mary’s Catholic Church, officially opened in 1890

• Old Echuca Post Office (1879)

• The Palace Hotel (1876), located on the corner of Dickson and Connelly Streets

Why Echuca Is a Murray River Icon?

With its iconic paddle steamers, rich riverboat history, beautifully preserved wharf, and relaxed riverside atmosphere, Echuca offers a wonderful step back in time. Whether you’re cruising the Murray, exploring heritage buildings, indulging in local food and wine, or simply soaking up the charm of the river, Echuca is a must-visit destination in Victoria’s Murray River region.

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