The discovery centre at the port of echuca is your starting point for a fascinating exploration of australias pioneering spirit where you will learn how australias inland river system connected a fledgling colony to its growing cities and beyond. In 1850 he bought a small punt, which operated across the murray river near the campaspe junction. Explore the history of australias largest inland port with its working steam displays and twice daily guided tours, take a break and enjoy a pub meal at one of echuca oldest pubs the star hotel or bridge hotel, and take a 1 hour paddlesteamer cruise aboard an authentic working paddlesteamer ps pevensey, built 1911 or ps alexander arbuthnot built 1923. Located in echuca in the victoria region, balcony level heygarth house port of echuca townhouse features a patio and river views. Since 2007 we are the only houseboat company in the echuca moama area that has built, and continues to build, brand new state of the art luxury houseboats. Paddle steamers are also available for weddings, conferences and private functions and leave from echuca moama, mildura, swan hill and yarrawongamulwala. These include the port of echuca which has the worlds largest fleet of.
The latest news from the port of echuca discovery centre. The centre has a strong red gum element, which ties it back to the paddlesteamer trade of the ports. Visit port of echuca discovery centre on your trip to echuca. Echuca paddlesteamers and murray river paddlesteamers both offer memorable river. Plans to restore the port of echuca were developed in the 1960s and completed in 1974. The iconic port of echuca, located two and a half hours north of melbourne on the banks of the mighty murray river, is one of australias premier regional tourist destinations. Port of echuca s authentic paddlesteamers offer one hour murray river cruises and depart from echuca wharf daily at 10. Echuca history up until the 1880s echuca was the largest inland river port in australia, with the murraydarling river system allowing wool to be shipped from nsw to victoria. Port of echuca discovery centre, attraction, the murray, victoria. The historic port of echuca precinct is an authentic working steam port, home to australias largest fleet of steamdriven paddlesteamers.
The guided tour gives your plenty of interesting information on the history of the port in a fun way. Shipwrights and ps success port of echuca s shipwrighting history and the ps success restoration project. Victoria photos murray river photos paddle boat photos. Echuca moama was founded in 1853 and become the largest inland port in australia. Central townhouse in port of echuca balcony level 6. Our history in its heyday, from about 1860 to the early 1900s, echuca was a bustling, pioneering outpost.
Explore the history of australias largest inland port with its working steam displays and twice daily guided tours, take a break and enjoy a pub meal at one of echuca oldest pubs the star hotel or bridge hotel, and take a 1 hour paddlesteamer cruise aboard an authentic working paddlesteamer ps pevensey, built 1911 or ps. Cruise along with addie, and learn a bit about echuca moamas rich history. Echucas close proximity to melbourne and the ambitions of the citys founder, led to the port of echuca becoming the largest inland port in australia. The pride of the murray began life in 1924 having since been converted to a paddlewheeler. Well even let you know about secret offers and sales when you sign up to our emails. The port offers guided tours of the wharf, its hotel with a secret underground bar, and a historic sawmill site. Ghost tour and day tour port of echuca discovery centre. Great place to visit to get a sense of the history behind echuca, especially the. Similar categories you may also be interested in these. Today its a fabulous day out or weekend away immersed in fascinating living, breathing history. Explore the story of australias pioneering spirit and learnhow australias inland river system connected a fledglingcolony to its growing cities and the outside world. In 2011, echuca is home to a thriving tourist industry based on its riverboat heritage. In its heyday the port of echuca was the very heart of the murraydarling river trade and the industrys main shipbuilding centre. Port of echuca discovery centre, attraction, the murray.
Port of echuca discovery centre 2020 all you need to. The river port traffic was uneven during the 1880s and halved during the next decade. With the ambience of our history as well as the natural beauty of the murray river, the. The port of echuca discovery centre is absolutely brilliant. Discover echuca moamas unique paddle steamer history through the living breathing vessels that still captivate the imagination of visitors today. Echuca daily murray river cruises choose a 1 or 2 hour cruise aboard a traditional paddlesteamer ps emmylou or ps canberra. Echuca is close to the junction of the goulburn, campaspe, and murray rivers. The historic port of echuca literally means the meeting of the waters and sits on the junction of the murray and campaspe and just downstream from the goulburn river. Both their wedding ceremony and reception was held at the port echuca discovery centre an openair museum tracing the history of echucas 19thcentury river wharf, shipbuilders and sawmills. The discovery centre at the port of echuca discovery centre is the starting point for a voyage of discovery.
The port of echuca discovery centre is wheelchair accessible. The port of echuca discovery centretransports visitors back to the hustleand bustle of the 1860s, when echucawas australias largest inland port. Once a bustling hub and the largest inland port in australia, echuca in the 1800s was the centre of the river economy. In 1903 echuca was described in the australian handbook. Our history echuca moama the murrays living legend. The historic port of echuca precinct is an authentic working steam port, home to australias largest. Moamaechuca budget motels affordable accommodation. In a modest building, shaded by 2 ancient moreton bay fig trees looking over the river murray, is a priceless collection of the riverboat era and early life in echuca. We spent a whole afternoon at the port and it is a must see. Port of echuca is one of the deepsea port of australia located in echuca, australia. Mercure port of echuca this neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in restaurants, food and cafes check location 465 high street, echuca, 3564 echuca, australia this neighborhood is a great choice for travelers interested in restaurants, food and cafes check location excellent location show map. Do you need to book in advance to visit port of echuca discovery centre. Port of echuca discovery centre, 74 murray esp, echuca 2020. History of echuca moama on the murray river from 1853.
Book your stay today at one of our three parks in the echucamoama. Explore the history of australias largest inland port with its working steam displays and twice daily guided tours, take a break and enjoy a pub meal at one of echuca oldest pubs the star hotel or bridge hotel, and take a 1 hour paddlesteamer cruise aboard an. The foundry arts space and port of echuca discovery centre are cultural highlights, and some of the areas attractions include adventure play park and billabong ranch. Use a t chart to record primary and secondary sources of information 2. We did both the guided walk and the discovery centre museum. Although its major commodity has changed from wool to people, port of echuca still operates much the same as it did in. The port of echuca wharf was partly demolished in 1944, but with increasing development and modernisation away from the old echuca district in the 1950s and 1960s, some residents developed an appreciation of echuca s history. You can also get updated information about port of. Port of echuca discovery centre discover murray river. Murray river paddlesteamers echuca attraction tour echuca. Between 1900 and world war ii echuca s population stabilised at around 37004400 people. Port of echuca discovery centre 2020 all you need to know.
There has been a lot of money spent in building the reception area but the rest of the museum is a step back in history. Port of echuca discovery centre experience history like never before. A visit will allow you to explore the legend of australias pioneering spirit and learn how australias inland river system connected a fledgling colony to its growing cities and outside world. Soak up the history of bendigo and echuca vibrant gold rush towns with a wealth of hidden treasures. Discover echuca moamas unique paddle steamer history through the living breathing vessels that still captivate the. Paddlesteamers ferried people and goods from all through the murray, darling and murrumbidgee river systems, to echuca the closet point to melbourne on the murray. Echuca paddle boat cruise and historic bendigo visits bendigo, echuca melbourne startfinish victoria victoria tours. The free netflix, apple tv and wifi as well as board games, stereo and darts on the balcony mean youii be entertained but the proximity to echuca s port of echuca means if youre into water sports, paddlesteamers, bars, restaurant and cafe hopping as well as antique and book. Originally known as hopwoods ferry the name was changed to echuca as the town grew. Charlottes cottage, port of echuca houses for rent in.
See all 1 port of echuca discovery centre tours on tripadvisor. Echuca is a town on the banks of the murray river and campaspe river in victoria, australia. Some 70 metres of the original wharf remains as the centrepiece of the port of echuca historic precinct and the largest fleet of operational paddlesteamers anywhere in the world, vessels such as the canberra, alexander arbuthnot, pride of the murray, and emmylou operate a variety of cruise options. Once a bustling hub and the largest inland port in australia, echuca in. The towns name is a yorta yorta word meaning meeting of the waters. Echuca, an aboriginal word which means meeting of waters place names of victoria, was settled by europeans in 1843 and by 1854 the population was. The port of echuca discovery centre is well worth doing when in echuca.
In 1985, parts of the australian telemovie my brother tom based on the book. The research team is available at the emfhg centre for personal assistance with your family history research. Book in for a lunchtime cruise onboard, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea, or dine on the water with the murray sunset as your background. Submissions for the families of the echuca and moama. Bring the kids down to the port of echuca discovery centre, and join in on one of our funfilled sessions. Mrps operate three paddlesteamers, ps emmylou, ps canberra and pride of the murray. National holden motor museum and adventure play park are also within 3 mi 5 km. Charlottes cottage is a superbly restored victorian, built as a private school in 1871, dominating connelly street in the historic port area and nestled between the murray and campaspe rivers, the house is in a peaceful but prime area of echuca. The iconic ps emmylou is the most recognisable paddlesteamers along the murray river and is powered by an authentic 1906 steam engine.
Located in the heart of echuca, this hotel is within a 10minute walk of port of echuca, port of echuca discovery centre, and echuca historical museum. In the city center, mercure port of echuca is in an area with good shopping. Port of echuca discovery centre ticket holders are invited to join the guided tour departing daily at 11. The paddlesteamer days back in 1865 to 1910 were a boom time for echuca. This unique cruise, dinner and show will have you experience the river like never before whilst learning about the rich history of echuca. The port of echuca discovery centre invites you to come walk the path of echuca s river pioneers. Echuca moama tourism port of echuca discovery centre the historical district at the centre of echuca in more ways than one owes its existence to tireless locals like mal whyte. Journey back in time and discover dark secrets of the past. Port of echucas authentic paddlesteamers offer one hour murray river cruises and depart from echuca wharf daily at 10. This had an enormous effect on the town, with the resultant increase in trade turning echuca into australias largest inland port. Learn all about the ambitious exconvict who started the town and its rich maritime history at the port of echuca discovery centre. Kwl chart about echuca, the wharf and paddle steamers map port of echuca staff history of echuca moama. Shipwrights and ps success port of echucas shipwrighting history and the ps success restoration project.
Fully airconditioned with upper deck viewing areas for fabulous river views, enjoy daily 1 hour cruises or join us for a riverlunch cruise. The discovery centre building was not built in an oldendays style, as it is not intended to be a replica. Our ticket office, gift shop and information centre is located at 57 murray esplanade in the historical port of echuca opposite the woodturner. Port 53 offers a unique industrial chic atmosphere with a decor of local memorabilia.
In 1972, however, work began on the restoration of the old port facilities as a museum and tourist attraction with restored river paddle steamers. Its position at the closest point of the murray to melbourne contributed to its development as a thriving river port city during the 19th century. The riverport traffic was uneven during the 1880s and halved during the next decade. From the earliest days of echucas history, growth and development of the area has been intimately linked with the murray river system.
The echucamoama family history groups website lists their earlier families of the echuca and moama districts volume, along with other titles the group has produced. We recommend booking port of echuca discovery centre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Luxury coach and cruise tour with informative commentary. Experience the rich history, the captivating stories. Our houseboats are the newest and most luxurious houseboats in the port of echuca. Echuca lies within traditional yorta yorta country. Echuca became a borough in 1865, but it lost its port functions in the 1870s and declined as railroads took over traffic. Although its major commodity has changed from wool to people, port of echuca still operates much the same as it did in the 1860s, with our shipwrights and steam engineers providing a vital role in the port s operations today, just as they would have in the. The centre has a strong red gum element, which ties it back to the paddlesteamer trade of the ports heyday. By the 1870s echuca had risen to prominence as australias largest inland port. Weve provided a list of activities, services, clubs, wineries, restaurants and supplies in echuca and both upstream and downstream, all for you to make your holiday planning a little easier we ensure that the information on this page is as up to date as possible however details may change without our knowledge. Explore the river on a paddleboat cruise, see one of the. The collection is under the custodianship of the campaspe shire and the themes have been developed to preserve, educate and inform the community and visitors about the history and development of the port of echuca during the time is was busiest between 18501920.
His case became one of the most controversial in victorian legal history. Using our online itinerary creator, echuca attractions like port of echuca discovery centre can form part of a personalized travel itinerary. Visit echuca historical society museum on your trip to echuca. Pig farming and dairying developed in the district in the 1890s and 1900s and butter. Experience the rich history, the captivating stories and the rustic beauty brought back to life. Nov 16, 2011 john howe, president of the group, says this book will become an authentic reference book of the settlers of our area for many years to come. Being the point of shortest distance between the murray river and the major city of melbourne, echuca was both a key river port and railway junction.
Do you want to know the entry ticket price for port of echuca. Explore the story of australias pioneering spirit and learn how australias inland river system connected a fledgling colony to its growing cities and outside world. Open 9am 5pm daily, port of echuca is the perfect place to uncover echucas rich maritime and cultural history, through the wharf walk. Port 53 is a true example of creole and cajun culture by utilizing local and regional foods and cooking them with love. Several audio visuals, models and displays interpret the story of australias inland river system, the history of paddlesteamers, and how they connected a fledging colony to its growing cities and outside world. Seasonal dinner cruises are also available including our famous riverlights cruise. The city of echuca was a local government area of victoria, australia, about 200 kilometres 124 mi north of melbourne, the state capital, in the regional centre of echuca, on the murray river. With the opening of the rail link to bendigo in 1864, echuca had direct access to both the melbourne market and the. The discovery centre at the port of echuca is your starting point for a voyage of discovery. Port of echuca, echuca ticket price timings address. An everchanging display of over 40 beautifully restored holdens, rare prototypes, historical film footage and a unique range of souvenirs. The museum of the echuca historical society tells the story of australias, paddle boat capital and largest inland port. Discover echuca moamas unique paddle steamer history through the living breathing vessels that still captivate the imagination of.
The collection records some of the early settlement life along the murray river. Soak up the serenity and history of the river on a paddlesteamer cruise. In 1864 the railway connecting melbourne to echuca opened. The port of echuca prides itself on maintaining natural historical assets, rather than recreated assets. Tour echuca paddle boat cruise and historic bendigo australia. Echuca was founded by one of the most enterprising characters of the early colonial days, an exconvict named henry hopwood. Port, pub and paddlesteamer make a day of it in the historic port of echuca. Please be advised the echuca historical society museum will be closed from 2pm. We are located in echuca, victoria, the closest point to melbourne along the murray river, a short 2. Balcony level heygarth house port of echuca townhouse. Weve provided a list of activities, services, clubs, wineries, restaurants and supplies in echuca and both upstream and downstream, all for you to make your holiday planning a little easier. Murray river paddlesteamers operate from the port of echuca located just 2. Explore the nooks and crannies of echuca s port side which plays host to lingering spirits.
709 673 686 703 1143 1446 1286 957 1013 612 327 1026 1135 738 1471 265 416 240 870 611 1374 1644 1410 324 290 967 1375 429 183 1292 1272 1405 61 330 9 1556 1423 947 628 873 24 619 391 1137 880