“My husband,Brek,and I love bushwalking. There are some beautiful walks along the river,” she says. “Through Victoria Park,in particular,there is a lovely walk along the two rivers,the Murray and the Campaspe.
“When I was growing up,it was wonderful to go camping and water-skiing. We occasionally still go camping on the river between Torrumbarry and Echuca,simply to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”
Since her recent retirement from elite sport,McMahon has run a personal development business,Pivot Performance (pivotperformance.com.au),with netball teammate Bianca Chatfield.
However,the McMahon family is still sporty. Brek is “a very good golfer”,Sharelle’s parents,Olive and John,are keen golfers,as is Sharelle’s sister,Kate,while younger brother Paul plays football.
“We have a family tradition each Boxing Day,to play golf at the nearby Rich River Golf Club Resort (richriver.com.au) – with bragging rights for the year.”
No weekend away is complete for McMahon without indulging in treats from the Echuca Chocolate Company,having coffee at BYL Espresso and buying jams,preserves and wines from the Echuca Farmers Market.
Port Picnic Bikes are free bikes available for visitors to use to cycle around town and the river (echucamoama.com). However,on this holiday,McMahon took a 30-minute cruise on the PS Alexander Arbuthnot (echucapaddlesteamers.net.au),one of a handful of paddlesteamers that moor at Echuca,to visit Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant (morrisons.net.au) for lunch. It’s a popular place year-round,and the restaurant’s design and verandah showcase river views and stands of beautiful gums.
For dinner,the one-hatted Oscar W’s Wharfside (oscarws.com.au),with its key menu of regional and seasonal produce,is top of McMahon’s list. She and her husband have celebrated several wedding anniversaries there. ‘‘It’s a beautiful spot at dusk with the birds in the trees as the sun sets,” she says.
The city’s myriad dining options include the recently refurbished American Hotel,which serves contemporary fare accompanied by live music on Friday and Saturday nights;the Greek cuisine offered at Nik’s Taverna;and the Mediterranean-influenced fare served at Ceres.
McMahon’s other favourite is The Mill Echuca (themillechuca.com),set in a converted 1881-built flour mill on Nish Street,where chef Josh Pentreath leads the kitchen.
“Although they also serve main meals,Josh is also known for his amazing tapas dishes,’’ she says. ‘‘My favourite is the twice-cooked lamb and arancini balls.”
Where to stay
Within walking distance of several restaurants,and the port,is the Adelphi Apartments (adelphiapartments.com.au). The Steampacket Inn (steampacketinn.com.au),a handsome two-storey National Trust-listed B&B is also a favourite of the netballer.
Other recommendations include Madison Spa Resort (madisonspa.com.au),whose 40 rooms have tranquil bush views;the romantic 1871-built Charlotte’s Cottage (charlottescottage.com.au);and Cadell Bed&Breakfast (cadellbedandbreakfast.com.au),which is housed in a gracious 1904-built mansion and named after pioneering river captain Captain Cadell.
Experiences
In Echuca,McMahon enjoyed a guided tour of the historic wharf and new Red Gum River Walkways (portofechuca.org.au) and learnt more about this once bustling town. At the port,an admission ticket ($8.80 an adult;$5.50 a child),gives visitors entry to the wharf’s Cargo Shed Museum,as well as the opportunity to board one of the historic paddlesteamers moored at Echuca Wharf.
A Heritage Package ticket ($45 an adult;$22.50 a child) includes entry to the wharf walk,a one-hour paddlesteamer cruise,and entry to the National Holden Museum,Great Aussie Beer Shed and Echuca Historical Society Museum. Echuca’s Port Picnic Bike program is free:pick up a bike,cycle the town and perhaps picnic by the river,too.
Food and wine
Morrisons Riverview Winery and Restaurant serves estate-grown wine and excellent hearty dishes such as caramelised beef short rib and braised beef cheek with confit artichoke,vegetable slaw,fig and rosemary jus.
The city’s acclaimed Oscar W’s Wharfside was built overlooking the Murray River using recycled timbers,galvanised iron and stainless steel. Inside is a huge open fire and antique lounges for guests. The Mill is a rustic space with restored timbers and brickwork where the seared snapper and suckling pork dishes share a menu alongside inventive tapas dishes.
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