Test Article

Paragraph

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5

Heading 6  

The small town of Gunbower between Echuca Moama and Barham Koondrook makes the perfect base for exploring. Here, kayaking Gunbower Creek is one of the best ways to experience the Murray River region’s gentle side. Whether you’re exploring under your own steam or joining a guided paddle, this is the kind of place to slow down, drift with the current and see nature at its most peaceful.

HEADING 

Heading

For curious travellers seeking local stories, First Nations heritage and quiet river moments.

Download your itinerary and start exploring

Where to Stay

Settle in for a truly memorable escape. Drift along the Murray on a houseboat, waking to misty mornings and the calls of native birds. Or choose a stay just out of town at The Carriages Vineyard & Spa Retreat, a restored 1920s train carriage offering private, off-grid comfort and an outdoor starlit hot tub.

Day One

Morning

Kick off with a fresh coffee and a delicious breakfast at Johnny & Lyle, made from local, seasonal ingredients. Then head to the Port of Echuca, where history and creativity flow from building to building. Explore Customs House Gallery, Whistle Stop Studio Gallery and The Foundry Art Space. Meet local artists and discover unique works that capture the region’s vibrant spirit. Don’t miss MarraMarra Gallery Marketplace, an Aboriginal-owned, multi-clan space celebrating First Nations culture and art.

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch nearby at Monkee & Co, where traditional and modern Asian dishes come together. Afterwards, make your way to The Great Aussie Beer Shed, a quirky icon full of authentic stories, memorabilia and local character.

From there, take a short drive to Tongala to discover over 50 vibrant street artworks. If you love country roads and outdoor art, continue along the Silo Art Trail, where bold murals tell the stories of the local community and landscape.

Evening

Head to Gypsy Bar for a drink before dinner. An intimate venue that pairs live music with a charismatic atmosphere and delicious drinks. When you’re ready, wander next door to the Star Hotel to enjoy traditional woodfired pizzas made with fresh, quality ingredients. Be sure to finish the night with one of their incredible desserts.

Day Two

Morning

Stop at Hammond Providore for coffee and a pastry (or two) before heading out of town to Barmah Lakes. Set out on a guided Kingfisher River Cruise with the Dharnya Centre, gliding beneath majestic River Red Gums. Spot native wildlife and learn about Yorta Yorta culture in this remarkable natural setting.

Afternoon

On your way back, stop at Riverbank Moama for a lunch with a view. Relax on the deck overlooking the river and enjoy seasonal dishes highlighting local produce. For a serene adventure, take a stand-up paddleboard along the Murray River with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle SUP. Experiencing the landscape from the water and connecting with the quiet beauty of this region.

Image: Murray Regional Tourism

Evening

Complete your journey with dinner at Junction Moama, a sophisticated spot serving exceptional food, wine, cocktails and craft beer that showcase the best of the region.

Experience Echuca Moama’s top festivals! Feel the town come alive with music and vibrant local culture every year at the Riverboats Music Festival and Winter Blues Festival.

Stay a Little Longer

Extend your trip to explore Gunbower Island, the ‘Kakadu of the South’. Paddle along quiet waterways, stop by the Gunbower Hotel for locally grazed steaks and visit Kevin Williams Gallery for Indigenous fine art inspired by the river and bushland. With unique stays and hidden experiences, there’s plenty to deepen your connection to this remarkable region.

Discover the Kakadu of the South with our blog or start planning your trip with a two-day itinerary.

Read more …

For more than 25 years, Sandstorm Events has been Australia’s leading producer of largescale sand sculpting exhibitions. 

Meet the team behind Echuca Moama's Wonderland on the Murray 

 Sharon Redmond, Founder of Sandstorm Events, has spent over 25 years elevating sand sculpting into one of Australia’s most celebrated large-scale art forms. Known as the Sand Queen of Australia, she unites world-class artists, ambitious concepts, and memorable public experiences. Sharon leads every aspect of Sandstorm’s productions—from client vision and creative themes to artist selection, quality control, marketing, and audience engagement. Under her guidance, the company has delivered 50 major exhibitions and over 650 corporate installations nationwide. This summer, she brings “Alice in Wonderland” to life in Echuca Moama, inviting audiences into a world of imagination and wonder.

 Peter Redmond is a respected Australian sand sculptor, illustrator, and graphic designer whose sand sculpting career began in 2006 in Rye, Victoria. Over 23 years, he has created large-scale works across Australia and internationally, including New Zealand, Egypt, Singapore, and the Maldives. Peter and his wife Sharon co-founded Sandstorm Events 25 years ago, delivering over 50 major exhibitions and 650 installations while nurturing emerging Australian sculptors. A past Australian Sand Sculpting Doubles Champion, Peter is known for his imagination, precision, and design expertise. As Lead Sculptor and Designer, he has crafted all concepts for the “Wonderland on the Murray” Echuca Moama Sand Trail.

 Kevin Crawford is one of the world’s most accomplished and widely travelled sand sculptors, with a remarkable 45-year career. A self-described “nomadic sand gypsy,” he has worked extensively across Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East, becoming Sandstorm Events’ most travelled artist and a respected international figure. Kevin has won more than 11 World Championships and is celebrated for blending technical precision with imaginative detail. Originally from the United States, he became an Australian citizen in 2008 and has since earned multiple national titles, including top placements at the 2025 Australian Championships. His vast experience and creative vision enrich every project he undertakes.

 
 Jino R van Bruinessen is one of Australia’s longest-serving sand sculptors, bringing over three decades of artistic experience to the Echuca Moama Sand Trail. Born in Holland and now based in NSW, he began sand sculpting in 1992 after a commission for Sydney City Council, launching an international career spanning Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Jino has won the Australian Sand Sculpting Championship four times, with multiple additional podium finishes, including 2nd place in the 2025 Doubles. With a background in film, TV, and design, and a vibrant creative spirit, he is a standout contributor to every project.

 Yves Geraedts began his sand sculpting career in Australia 15 years ago after joining Sandstorm Events in Frankston in 2010. His creativity, refined technique, and imaginative style quickly made him a recognised figure in Australia’s sand sculpting community. Yves won the 2021 Australian Sand Sculpting Championships and later achieved 3rd in Solo and 1st in Doubles at the 2023 Championships. After years in the Netherlands, he returned to Australia in 2021 with his family and now lives in Tasmania. Also a chef and hospitality manager, Yves often blends his love of food into playful, nostalgic, and richly detailed sculptures.

 Anna McCauley is Australia’s youngest professional sand sculptor and a rising talent in the national sand sculpting community. Based in Narrm (Melbourne), she grew up on sand sculpture sites, learning from her father, renowned sculptor Jim McCauley, and the Sandstorm Events team. She has contributed to numerous large-scale installations along the Frankston Waterfront, developing her own style shaped by years of hands-on experience. In 2022, Anna competed internationally with her father on the Canadian TV series Race Against the Tide, demonstrating her skill under pressure. With strong foundations, natural talent, and creative ambition, she is emerging as a standout next-generation sculptor.