A Day of History Exploration in Rushworth
If you love towns with character, and stories etched into the walls, Rushworth is your kind of place. Once a bustling gold rush settlement, this heritage township is now a peaceful haven for curious travellers who like to take their time and uncover the past one building at a time.
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Morning
Start your day with a coffee and freshly baked pastry from the Rushworth Bakery, the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
Step straight into history with a stroll through Rushworth’s Historic Township along the self-guided Heritage Walk. Admire the beautifully preserved gold rush architecture. Wide verandahs, red brick facades, and elegant details hint at the town’s 1850s boom. Each stop tells a story, from miners and merchants to the early settlers who shaped the community.
Take time to explore local stores. The Rushworth General Store is filled with homewares and unique finds, Glasgow House Gallery Antiques and Collectables invites you to discover treasures from another era, and Angie Russi Handcrafted Ceramics showcases one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon
Recharge with lunch at Gus & Ollie’s, a welcoming spot known for its creative, flavour-packed dishes. And yes, their coffee is divine.
After lunch, take a short drive to the Whroo Historic Area, once a thriving gold mining town. Gaze down on the Balaclava Mine, an open-cut site that ran from 1854 until the 1920s. The ruins of this ghost town give a fascinating glimpse into Victoria’s gold rush past.
On your way back into town, stop at the Growlers Hill Fire Observation Tower for sweeping views of rolling hills and farmland. The perfect place to pause, take a deep breath, and capture a photo of the countryside.
Ready to move? Walk or cycle the Waranga Rail Trail, a 19km path winding through quiet bushland, open farmland and around Waranga Basin.
Stay nearby
Extend your visit with an overnight stay to fully enjoy Rushworth’s historic charm. Choose lakeside camping and cabins at Lake Waranga Caravan Park or enjoy the comfort and convenience of the Rushworth Motel in town.
A Day to Connect with Nature in Rochester
If you want a day where the river slows you down, the trees whisper, and time feels softer, this is the one. You’ll get your nature fix, your art fix, and that satisfying feeling of discovering something peaceful and real.
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Morning
Pack your gear, fishing rods, kayaks, SUPSs, bathers, whatever helps you unwind outdoors.
Start your day surrounded by calm waters at Greens Lake, a peaceful local favourite for fishing, paddling or simply soaking up the stillness. The gentle sounds of birdlife and the shimmer of the lake make it the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
When you’re ready for lunch, head back into town for something tasty. Enjoy a relaxed meal at The Cafe or pick up classic fish and chips from Rochy Fish Shop and find a shady spot by the Campaspe River for a laid-back picnic.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a moment to admire the Rochester Silo Art, where three local endangered species, the Azure Kingfisher, Squirrel Glider and Growling Grass Frog, are brought to life in stunning detail. It’s a proud showcase of the region’s creativity and connection to the environment.
Treat yourself to something sweet and a perfectly brewed coffee at the Rochester Bakery, just a short stroll away.
Once you’re refreshed, wander down the Campaspe River Trail for a gentle walk through native bushland. Listen for kookaburras, watch for gliders, and enjoy the slow rhythm of the river. If you’d rather be on the water, launch a kayak from the all-abilities pontoon and drift under the river gums, it’s Rochester at its most peaceful.
Stay a little longer
As the sun sets, settle in for a hearty country dinner at the Criterion Hotel, where the locals are friendly and the meals hit the spot.
If you’re staying the night, settle in at one of these welcoming spots:
Rochester Motel
Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
Rochester Caravan Park
The next day
Extend your adventure beyond riverside calm and into the rolling hills and vineyards around Toolleen.
On your way, take a short detour to Colbinabbin to admire the six painted silos that tell stories of local life and community spirit. Pop into the Colbinabbin General Store Co-op for brunch or a homemade treat and browse local produce and crafts.
Next, make your way to Toolleen, a quiet pocket of Victoria known for its high-quality shiraz. Here’s a few wineries you might like to visit:
Domaine Asmara - a boutique winery and distillery offering handcrafted wines and small-batch spirits.
Peregrine Ridge - perched high on the eastern side of the Mount Camel Range with sweeping views of the valley below.
Shiraz Republic – a laid-back cellar door serving wine and its own craft beer, made onsite.
Once you’ve had your fill of wine country, you can either loop back to Rochester or head on toward your next destination, carrying the quiet, the colours and the calm with you.
Visit in early spring to see golden canola fields transform the landscape. Wander through the blooms and snap the perfect shot at the Cornella Canola Walk.
A Day of Art & History in Rochester
Discover a town where art, history and community come together along the banks of the Campaspe. From towering silo murals and sporting legends to shady river walks and country hospitality, Rochester offers the perfect mix of creativity and calm, all just a short stroll apart.
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Morning
Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee from 7 Beans as you make your way into town.
First stop, the Rochester Silo Art, a breathtaking tribute to three local endangered species: the Azure Kingfisher, Squirrel Glider and Growling Grass Frog. Standing beneath these towering artworks, you’ll feel the town’s pride painted into every brushstroke.
From here, head to the Rochester Sports Museum, located in the old railway station. This one-of-a-kind collection was created by local Mitiamo legend John Forbes, whose love of sport and storytelling shines through more than 4,000 pieces of memorabilia. You’ll find everything from Adam Gilchrist’s wicket-keeping gloves to Martina Navratilova’s tennis dress, each item with its own story to tell.
Before you leave, grab a Mural Map to guide your afternoon adventure through town.
Visiting Wednesday or Friday? Discover the stories that shaped Rochester at the Historical & Pioneer Society Museum.
Afternoon
When it’s time for lunch, settle in at the Rochester Hotel for a hearty pub meal, or grab a pizza from Rochy Pizza and enjoy a relaxed picnic by the Campaspe River. The shady gums and gentle ripple of the water make the perfect backdrop for a slow-paced afternoon.
With your Mural Map in hand, take a wander through town to discover more than 50 murals, sculptures and wood carvings scattered through the streets. Don’t miss Mural Park, home to the annual Rochester Mural Festival, where new artworks bring the town to life each autumn.
Stay a little longer
As the sun dips behind the gums, enjoy dinner at the Shamrock Hotel, a friendly local favourite filled with history and character.
If you’re staying the night, settle in at one of these welcoming spots:
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Rochester Motel
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Rochester Riverside Holiday Park
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Rochester Caravan Park
The next day
Grab a takeaway breakfast from Willow’s Café at Ampol, then hit the road to Colbinabbin, where six painted silos tell the story of community and connection.
Next, make your way to Rushworth, a historic gold rush town lined with charming heritage buildings and a welcoming country vibe. Take a stroll down the main street, explore local shops, and feel the echoes of the past in every weathered brick and timber beam.
Continue to Girgarre, home to the Gargarro Botanic Garden, a stunning new space blending art, nature, and community spirit. The cafe here is the perfect spot to stop for lunch, think fresh local produce and views that invite you to linger a little longer.
Afterwards, head to Kyabram, where the Water Tower Art and Town Hall Gallery showcase local talent and regional pride. From towering murals to intimate exhibitions, you’ll find creativity in every corner.
Round out the day in Tongala, a town that wears its art on its sleeve, literally. More than 30 murals splash colour across fences, shopfronts, and laneways, each one telling a story of country life, history, and humour.
Then, as the sun begins to dip, make your way back to Rochester. By now, you’ll have seen the region’s creativity unfold one wall at a time, each stop adding another brushstroke to a bigger picture of country character, community and heart.
Gunbower Two-Day Itinerary
If you love exploring places where nature still calls the shots, you’ll feel right at home in Gunbower. Set on the edge of Australia’s largest inland island, this region is shaped by water, wildlife, and warm country hospitality. From sunrise paddles among towering red gums to lazy pub dinners and golden sunsets over quiet wetlands, this two-day escape is all about slowing down and soaking up the natural beauty of rural Victoria.
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DAY ONE - CREEKS, FORESTS AND COUNTRY HOSPITALITY
Morning
Start your day early with breakfast at your accommodation or grab an egg and bacon roll and hot coffee from the Gunny Roadhouse.
Then it’s time to hit the water. Launch your kayak or canoe from Gunbower Creek Park right in town or head north to Koondrook to explore the Gunbower Island Canoe Trail, a tranquil 5km loop through Safe’s Lagoon. Glide past mossy logs and overhanging gums as kookaburras call through the forest. The calm waters and chorus of birds make this a truly peaceful paddle.
If you’d rather let someone else lead the way, join a guided tour with Murray River Adventures.
Haven’t got you own gear? Hire a kayak or SUP from Murray River Adventures in Cohuna or Barham Adventure Hire (they even provide portable roof racks for easy transport).
Image: Murray Regional Tourism
Afternoon
Head to Cohuna for lunch at The Big Cohuna Stockyard. Their waffles are a local favourite and the perfect reward after a morning on the water.
After lunch, set out along the Gunbower Island Forest Drive, a scenic 33km loop through one of Victoria’s most ecologically rich wetlands. Here, towering red gums stand guard over billabongs teeming with life. Keep an eye out for kangaroos grazing in the shade, pelicans gliding low over the water, and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle circling above.
Evening
Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at the Gunbower Hotel, famous for its farm-to-plate menu featuring locally raised, dry-aged steaks from the publican’s own property. Pull up a stool, share a yarn with the locals, and toast to a day well spent.
DAY TWO - LOCAL ART, HISTORY AND SUNSET MAGIC
Morning
Ease into your day with breakfast at the Gunbower Workshop Cafe, a warm, character-filled spot full of antiques, collectables and good food. Browse between bites, then wander around town to explore Transformations Gallery and Gifts and the neighbouring Kevin Williams Gallery, an Indigenous fine art gallery. Both showcase local artists and the stories that shape this region.
Image: Murray Regional Tourism
Afternoon
Before leaving town, grab a light lunch or something to go and head for Torrumbarry Weir, a heritage-listed site that brings the region’s river story to life. Visit the interpretive centre to learn about the weir and marvel at the fish ladder, an innovative way for fish to migrate upstream.
Just below the weir is a great spot for fishing. Find a quiet corner, cast your line and see if you can hook a famous Murray Cod or some Golden Perch. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, soak up the calm waters, and savour that laid-back Murray lifestyle.
Evening
End your trip with a sunset that will stay with you long after you’ve left. Stop for an early dinner at the Leitchville Hotel then make your way to Ghow (Kow) Swamp.
As the sun sinks behind the horizon, the wetlands glow gold and pink, and the sound of waterbirds fills the air. It’s peaceful, grounding, and deeply beautiful, the perfect farewell to Gunbower’s quiet charm.
Where to stay
Stay in the heart of Gunbower or on a quiet property just out of town. From converted historic buildings to peaceful retreats and family-friendly caravan parks, there’s something for every kind of explorer.
The Travelling Bishop
Sandcliffe Dairy Luxury Farmstay
Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park
Two-Day Family Getaway
For those chasing family fun, fresh air and a few treats for the grown–ups.
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Where to stay
Settle in beside the Murray River at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park, just a short stroll from the historic port precinct.
Prefer a quieter escape? Kyabram Western Gums Tourist Park offers space to spread out and easy access to the Kyabram Fauna Park.
Day one
Morning
Start your day with brekkie at The Wren Courtyard Cafe, where the coffee is strong and the pancake are serious crowd pleasers.
Then make your way to Kyabram Fauna Park to meet kangaroos, emus and koalas. The hands-on experiences and keeper talks are a hit with the whole family.
Before you head off grab lunch in town and stop by the Kyabram Water Tank Art for a fun family selfie.
Afternoon
Head back to Echuca for a classic river experience aboard Echuca Paddlesteamers. The kids can take the wheel and earn their very own First Mate Certificate, while the adults sit back and soak up the old-world charm.
After all that adventure, it’s definitely sugar o’clock. Swing by Echuca Heritage Sweet Co. for a nostalgia hit and a few treats for the road.
Evening
Dinner’s an easy win at Rich River Golf Club. Tuck into hearty meals and let the family battle it out over a round of mini golf.
Day two
Morning
Kick off the day with a relaxed breakfast at Three Black Sheep. Dine in or grab it to go and head straight to Moama Adventure Play Park for a picnic and plenty of energy-burning fun. Treat the crew afterwards to a soft serve from Frinkle.
Afternoon
Continue the adventure at Billabong Ranch. Meet friendly farm animals, race on the pedal boats, ride a pony or even a camel.
Then stop by Cape Horn Vineyard for a late lunch on the lawn. Wood-fired pizzas, river views and relaxed vibes make it the perfect place to slow down after a day of excitement.
Evening
Finish the day with classic fish and chips from Top of the Town. Grab your order and head to Moama Beach to watch the sun set over the Murray.
Celebrating a birthday? Grab your free birthday parma at the Shamrock Hotel, home of 101 parmas. *Only valid on your date of birth, ID is required.
Stay a little longer
Extend you family getaway with an extra night, or two and try your luck at catching the famous Murray Cod. Hop on a boat with Let’s Boat for an all-inclusive, stress-free day of fishing and fun on the water. No equipment or fishing license required. Read our guide to fishing in Echuca Moama to plan your trip.