Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ECHUCA
POP 12,620
One of the loveliest towns in rural Victoria, Echuca is the paddle-steamer capital of Victor-
ia and a classic Murray River town, bursting with history, nostalgia and, of course, river-
boats. The Aboriginal name translates as 'meeting of the waters', as it's here that three
great rivers meet - the Goulburn, Campaspe and the Murray. The highlight here is unques-
tionably the historic port area and the rivers themselves, best enjoyed on a riverboat cruise
or a sunset stroll along the river as cockatoos and corellas screech overhead. While it might
feel a bit touristy, the town glows with an upbeat atmosphere and some fabulous restaurants
and bars that will bring a smile to the face of riverside campers and travelling gastronomes
alike.
History
Echuca was founded in 1853 by ex-convict Henry Hopwood. He settled on the banks of the
Murray, converted some rough sheds into an inn and a store, then established punt and
ferry crossings over the Murray and Campaspe Rivers; with his monopoly on transport and
the gold rush in full swing, he profited handsomely. At the peak of the riverboat era there
were more than 100 paddle steamers carting wool, timber and other goods between Echuca
and the outback sheep stations.
It was too good to last, though: the Melbourne-Echuca railway line opened in 1864, and
within a decade the boom years of the riverboat trade had ended.
