Travelling to Echuca Moama from Ballarat? Why not make a day of it and visit some of the interesting towns, attractions and local businesses along the way.

Stop 1: Smeaton
Approx. 30 mins from Ballarat

• Grab a coffee to enjoy while wandering Anderson’s Mill, a historic five story bluestone building and water wheel set on the banks of Birch’s Creek.
• If you just can’t wait to get the to river to wet a line, head over to the Tuki Trout Farm where you’re guaranteed to catch a rainbow trout. The perfect fishing warm up for adults and children of all experience levels.

 
Anderson's Mill, Smeaton: Parks Victoria

Maldon Streetscape image: Visit Victoria

Stop 2: Maldon
Approx. 35 minutes from Smeaton

• Named by the National Trust as ‘the most intact heritage streetscape’, a wander down the main street of Maldon is a must. Search for treasures in the boutique stores and grab a bite to eat in one of the historic café buildings. If you have time, you could venture further afield and take in one of the bush walks or nature trails, or ride the Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway.

Stop 3: Bendigo
Approx. 30 mins from Maldon

• Tour the Central Deborah Gold Mine, take a ride on the Vintage Talking Tram or grab a bite to eat from one of the many cafes and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk or ride a section of the O’Keefe Rail Trail or explore the Greater Bendigo National Park.
• As you leave Bendigo, stop in at Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest working pottery, where you can try making a pot on a wheel, take part in some clay play, view a demonstration and visit the museum and gallery.

Bendigo Pottery image: Visit Victoria

Stop 4: Silo Art at Colbinabbin and Rochester

• Choose to visit both silos on your way in to Echuca Moama, or select one to visit now and one on your way home to Ballarat. The Colbinabbin silos were painted in April 2020 by artist, Tim Bowtell, and tell the story of the railway and its significance in the Colbinabbin district. The Rochester GrainCorp silos were painted in 2018 by mural artist, Jimmy D’Vate and feature an Azure King Fisher and Squirrel Glider. See the Campaspe Art Trail map for other art experiences and attractions in and around Echuca Moama.
• To visit both: Drive towards Colbinabbin (approx. 45 minutes from Bendigo) to view its silos, then journey towards Rochester (approx. 25 minutes from Colbinabbin).
• Detour: Wine lovers may like to take a detour from Colbinabbin through the Heathcote Wine region

Stop 5: Echuca Moama
Approx. 20 minutes from Rochester

• Grab some food, coffee and supplies in town before heading to your accommodation for the night. Visit the Visitor Information Centre at 2 Heygarth Street or view our itineraries and trails to help you explore the towns, parks, forests, and other attractions of the region.

Port of Echuca image: Visit Victoria

An easy drive from Echuca Moama through Mathoura to Picnic Point and then either back to your starting point at Echuca Moama, or onwards joining the Edward River Trail towards Deniliquin.

Suggested Time: 6 hours
Distance: 55km or 110km loop
Driving Time: 45 minutes or 1.30hr loop

Download the River Forest Trail PDF or view the details below.

Stop 1: Port of Echuca

Start your day at the Port of Echuca, wandering the historic streets, visiting blacksmiths and other signs of colonial life. Head to the Discovery Centre and book a ride on one of the gorgeous paddlesteamers. While you’re waiting for the boat ride, learn about the history and importance of Echuca and the Murray at the impressive interactive museum. There are several options for your paddlesteamer adventure; just choose the one with a starting time and duration that suits you.Once your Murray cruise has finished, head to one of the cafes along High Street for a fresh morning tea before hitting the road and heading north through Moama and up the Cobb Highway.

Timber Cutter Cafe Bar

Stop 2: Picnic Point on the Murray

Drive 30 minutes to Mathoura and travel 10 minutes east to Picnic Point, a fabulous little spot on a V-shaped bend, right where the Edward River branches off from the Murray. Here you can learn about the history of the Timber Cutters’ Run, stroll riverside tracks or launch your kayak. If you’ve brought your rod and tackle, Picnic Point boasts excellent fishing. Have lunch at The Timber Cutter Redgum Café Bar, a rustic restaurant featuring a magnificent riverside deck and serving generous meals.

Stop 3: Mathoura

Back towards Mathoura, take the Forest Drive and stop off at the Reed Beds Bird Hide which features a raised boardwalk, signage, and interactive information regarding the spectacular birds in this area. If you’re quiet, you might be lucky to see pelicans, kingfishers, yellow rosellas, ibis, spoonbills, superb wrens, swans, cormorants, and ducks in the wetlands here. Just a minute up Millewa Road and you’ll be at the Edward River, another lovely spot to kayak, fish or just relax by the river.
It’s dog-friendly too, if you brought your four-legged friend along for the ride. Mathoura offers you a choice of food options options. From pub grub to cafe's showcasing home style baking, there is something for all tastes.

Reeds Bird Hide