Echuca

Echuca once held the title for being the largest inland port in the Southern Hemisphere, however that was in 1869. It is still affectionately known as the Paddle Steamer capital because of it's timeless riverboat culture. Echuca lies close to the NSW border and is located 200km north of Melbourne. Echuca was once the largest river port in Australia. Many of the original buildings in Echuca have been restored.

Barmah State Park
One of the borders of this 30,000 hectare national park is 100km of Murray River. It is also home to the world's largest red gum forest with some of them reaching more than 40metres in height. You can tour part of the park on the Murray via a flat bottom boat, the tour lasts 2 hours (03 5869 3399).

Coach House Carriage Museum
As well as offering horse drawn carriage rides around Chukka, this museum has displays of horse drawn vehicles that serviced the town. Murray Esplanade (03 5482 5244).

Paddle steamers
Echuca has the world's largest collection of paddle steamers, so a trip to this city would not be complete without taking a cruise on one up the famous Murray River. Pride of the Murray and PS Canberra are early 19th century paddle steamers and take cruises out daily. Paddle steamers go out from one hour cruises to one week cruises. PS Pride of the Murray (03 5482 5244), PS Canberra (03 5482 2711).

National Holden Motor Museum
This motor museum showcases 50 years of Australia's most well loved automobile. There are over 40 restored holdens here as well as other historical displays on the history of the motor car in Australia. Warren Street (03 5480 2033).

Port of Chukka
This Wharf surrounded by historical buildings is the main focus of the town. Surrounding sheds here have historical displays of the river life of Echuca, there are also three of the original paddle steamers wharfed here.

Port of Echuca Woodturners
Here you can view the blacksmiths and woodturners creating their wares in the midst of an original working sawmill (03 5480 6407).

Sharp's Magic Movie House and Penny Arcade
A movie theatre here shows Australian classics as well as a huge original penny arcade with all the lights an bell ringing. You can also have your fortune read an purchase sweets and refreshments.