Echuca is a town located on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, Australia.
Echuca's warm climate and its location along the Murray River, lined with parks and native forests, makes it a popular destination for visitors, with swimming, boating and fishing being popular activities.
Echuca is an Aboriginal name meaning "Meeting of the Waters”. Echuca was founded by one of the most enterprising people of the early colonial days, Henry Hopwood. In 1850 he bought a small punt which operated across the Murray River. The relatively small settlement known as "Hopwood's Ferry" became Echuca as the town grew.
Echuca used to be the busiest port in the whole of Australia, and the pretty town still maintains its original look and historic feel. You can experience a bit of life from the past on the 'passport' which you can buy at the wharf. The passport allows you entrance to the wharf, the Bridge Hotel and gallery, and the Star Hotel and its underground escape tunnel.
There are plenty of other historical museums and places to visit around town, including the Murray River Aquarium, the Red Gum Works, the fun Sharp's Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade, and several wineries.
One thing you shouldn't miss is a trip on a paddle steamer along the Murray. There are plenty of different cruises that you can choose from, including 2 hour cruises to 2 day cruises. You can also hire boats and canoes so that you can explore the Murray on your own.
There are plenty of places to eat around Echuca, with some very stylish restaurants. There is also a wide selection of accommodation around Echuca, although if you are travelling in a group it may be worth considering hiring a houseboat. If you don't have your own car, you can get to Echuca on one of the V/Line buses from Melbourne.
PLEASE NOTE: The Victoria travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Victoria Holidays can be found on the main Victoria Holidays location guide.
