A Murry Paddle steamer comes in to Echuca Wharf.

Echuca,Victoria:How this tiny river town became Australia's largest inland port

There's something romantic about being on board a paddlesteamer,unless you're the poor engineer.

  • byDavid Whitley
Steampacket Inn

Weekend Away:Echuca

Tricia Welsh finds a slice of history paired with modern comforts in Echuca.

Sharelle McMahon at the Murray River’s Echuca port.

Spotted by locals:Sharelle McMahon’s Echuca

Netball champion Sharelle McMahon holidays in Echuca,rediscovering the attractions and wide open spaces of her Murray River childhood.

  • byTricia Welsh
Echuca CocknBull

Weekend Away:Echuca,CocknBull Boutique Hotel review.

Andrew Stephens crosses the border to a tranquil pocket of colonial history and riparian R&R.

Smorgasbord ... the Goulburn River played host to paddle steamers in the 1880s.

Bountiful harvest

A drive around this river-bound region reveals tasty pockets of produce and history,writes Sandy Guy.

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Oscar W's Wharfside has been accumulating accolades for 14 years.

Sunday lunch:Oscar W's Wharfside,Echuca

OSCAR Wilde quotes are chalked up daily on the walls at Oscar W's Wharfside in Echuca.

Hero of yesterday

On the Murray River,Sue Wallace climbs aboard the restored paddle steamer,now a luxury bed and breakfast.

Going with the flow ... wakeboarding.

Thrills in river country

Craig Tansley flies a plane,wakeboards and kayaks during a fast-paced weekend break.

The Emmylou Paddlesteamer coming down the Murray River

Echuca - Places to See

<b>Echuca</b><br><b>Historic inland river port.</b><br>At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. It is this aspect of its history that has become the basis for the town's reorientation as a tourism centre,particularly since the restoration of the old port area began in 1973. Paddlesteamers again travel the local waters,albeit for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. Moreover,the survival of many original buildings has enabled a meaningful renovation of the old streetscape. It was the port area's authentic appearance which attracted the makers of All The Rivers Run who used it as the setting for their television series on the riverboat era.

Echuca - Fast Facts

<b>Echuca</b><br><b>Historic inland river port.</b><br>At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. It is this aspect of its history that has become the basis for the town's reorientation as a tourism centre,particularly since the restoration of the old port area began in 1973. Paddlesteamers again travel the local waters,albeit for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. Moreover,the survival of many original buildings has enabled a meaningful renovation of the old streetscape. It was the port area's authentic appearance which attracted the makers of All The Rivers Run who used it as the setting for their television series on the riverboat era.