The Steampacket Inn,Echuca.Credit:Tricia Welsh
Tricia Welsh finds a slice of history paired with modern comforts in Echuca.
THE SETTING
The Steampacket Inn is a two-storey National Trust-listed building in Echuca's historic port precinct. Built in 1864 as a single-storey bakery,it burnt down many years ago and was rebuilt to become the Steampacket Hotel. Because of its proximity to the wharf,its cold beers and ales were the favourite tipple of river workers and stevedores. It remains on the port's main thoroughfare,Murray Esplanade,which today's pedestrians share with a sightseeing coach hauled by a pair of draught horses.
THE SPACE
The B&B offers comfortable accommodation for up to 27 guests in its 10 rooms - five up and five down - and adjoining loft (that sleeps up to six). Our upstairs room is on the corner with river views. There is a comfy lounge upstairs for guests'use. The owners also operate the historic PS Hero,a beautifully restored paddle steamer that once towed barges carrying wool,wheat,flour and copper ore but today is popular for weddings and other special occasions. They also offer accommodation in a lovely two-bedroom miner's cottage.
THE KIT
With its heritage overlay,the property has been sympathetically renovated and furnished to reflect its original era,with period furniture,lace curtains and vases of fresh roses. There are tea and coffee-making facilities in-room,while a mini-bar keeps glasses chilled:if you are lucky,you might even score a bottle of local wine.
COMFORT FACTOR
A queen-size bed,electric blanket,split-system airconditioner and block-out blinds assure a comfortable night's sleep;the screech of a flock of perky corellas act as nature's morning wake-up call. Off-street parking is a boon.