There has never been a better time to visit Echuca's fabulous
Historic Port Precinct.
PS ADELAIDE is just one of the boats at Echuca forming the largest fleet of operational paddle-steamers in the world
Long one of Australia's favourite tourist attractions and featuring the largest operational fleet of paddle-steamers in the world this outstanding link to our riverboat heritage has just been re-invigorated by the injection of $15.2 million worth of redevelopment.
Officially opened in December 2013 improvements have included restoration of the wharf and berths, additional car parking and general upgrading of the streetscapes within the port. But the big ticket items are the complete refurbishment of the historic sawmill and construction of a brand new Discovery Centre.
PS ALEXANDER ABRUTHNOT departs the historic Echuca Wharf, part of the recently upgraded Historic Port Precinct
The addition of this first class centre transports visitors back to 19th Century Echuca through an intriguing range of interactive displays.
A number of packages have been developed combining entry to the Discovery Centre with a variety of cruise options.
PS PEVENSEY is just one of the boats offering a range of cruise options departing Echuca
These start with the Discovery Centre tour and a one hour paddle steamer cruise at $34 for adults, $28 concession or $16 for children aged 4 to 14. A family ticket admitting 2 adults and 4 children costs $95.
The HERITAGE PACKAGE is great value for money offering entry to the Discovery Centre, a one hour paddle-steamer cruise and entry to the nearby National Holden Museum, the Great Aussie Beer Shed and Echuca Historical Society Museum. Cost is $52 for adults, concession $45.25 and children aged 4 to 14 $24.30. A family ticket (2 adults and 4 children) will set you back $137.25.
A really attractive option is the WHARF TO WINERY package. At $69 per person this includes a return paddle-steamer cruise to Morrisons Winery, a 2 course lunch & wine tasting and either wine, beer or soft-drink enroute.
For full details, further options and bookings go to the
Port of Echuca website.
Once the busiest inland port in Australia Echuca is still a hive of riverboat activity
In its heyday the Port of Echuca was the very heart of the Murray-Darling river trade and the industry's main shipbuilding centre.
Today it's a fabulous day out or weekend away immersed in fascinating living, breathing history.
