Some weekends aren't made for sitting still.
In Echuca Moama, you can start the day cycling beneath towering biyala (river red gums), hit Dhungala (Murray River) by paddleboard, kayak or waterski, then swap trail shoes for drinks and live music once the sun goes down.
Just 2.5 hours from Melbourne, there's a lot you can pack into 48 hours.
Ready? Your Wild River Life starts now.
Where to Stay
Stay close to the action.
Set yourself up beside the river at Tasman Holiday Parks – Moama on the Murray where cabins, powered sites and camping put River Life outside your door.
Prefer to be closer to town? Echuca Motel and Moama Central Motel make easy bases for exploring local trails, cafes, pubs and the river.
Day 1: Bikes, Boards and Big River Energy
Morning: Red Gums and SUP
8:30am — Fuel up
- Start at Essen Food & Wine with coffee and breakfast before hitting the trail.
9:30am — Get on two wheels
- Hire a mountain bike or e-bike from Green Pedal Cycles and follow the trails around Echuca's Scenic Drive, riding beneath towering biyala along the river.
11:30am — Hit the water
- Head to Moama Beach and swap two wheels for a stand-up paddleboard.
- Get onto Dhungala with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle and see the twin towns from the water as paddlesteamers pass nearby.
Afternoon: Lunch and Water Sports
1:30pm — Refuel by the river
- Grab lunch at Riverbank Moama or keep things casual with something to eat beside Moama Beach.
3:00pm — Turn things up
- Ready for more? Book a waterskiing or wakeboarding experience with Brett Sands Watersports and trade the calm riverbank for some serious speed on the water.
Evening: Pub and Live Music
6:30pm — Dinner and drinks
- Head into Echuca and settle in at the American Hotel for pub food, cold drinks and an evening in the historic Port Precinct.
9:30pm — Keep going
- If you're not ready to call it, head to the Shamrock Hotel and see what's happening on the live music calendar.
Day 2: Barmah and Backroads
Morning: Barmah National Park
8:00am — Coffee first
- Grab breakfast and coffee to go at The Wren before making the drive to Barmah National Park.
9:00am — Explore the waterways
- Spend the morning exploring Barmah's creeks, wetlands and river red gum country by kayak or canoe. Keep an eye on the water, trees and sky—this landscape is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and native wildlife.
Important: conditions within Barmah National Park can change with river levels and flooding, so check current access and safety information before setting out.
Afternoon: Country and Culture
1:00pm — Walk Country
- Slow the pace and explore one of Barmah's walking trails before visiting the Dharnya Centre to learn more about Yorta Yorta culture and the deep connections between people, Country and these waterways.
3:30pm — Cape Horn Vineyard
- Make your way back towards Echuca Moama and pull up a seat at Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Bar for local wine, wood-fired pizza and an afternoon beside the water.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
7:00pm — One last dinner
- Head back into town for Greek flavours at Opa or the flavours of Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Thailand at Monkee & Co.
9:00pm — Finish on a high
- Wrap up 48 hours of Wild River Life with cocktails and music at Paradise Bar.
Find Your Wild River Life
Two days. Bikes, boards, bush trails, good food and plenty of time on the water.
If your ideal escape involves getting outside, getting moving and squeezing everything you can from the weekend, Wild River Life is waiting in Echuca Moama.
Explore more places to Outdoor Adventures →
Make it Your River Life
Ready to start planning? Find somewhere to stay, see what's on while you're here and discover even more ways to experience Echuca Moama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Echuca Moama?
Echuca Moama is approximately 2.5 hours' drive from Melbourne, making it an easy destination for a weekend escape or longer regional holiday. It's also easily accessible from Bendigo, Shepparton, Albury and Canberra by road, with train and coach services available from Melbourne.
What are the best outdoor activities in Echuca Moama?
River Life is best experienced outdoors. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing or wakeboarding, hire a boat, cycle scenic trails, hike through biyala (river red gum) forests or cast a line for Burnanga (Murray Cod). With more than 270 days of sunshine each year, there's always another adventure waiting.
Can you swim in the Murray River at Echuca Moama?
Yes. Swimming is popular in designated areas such as Moama Beach, where calm conditions, picnic facilities and easy river access make it ideal for families. As with all natural waterways, always supervise children, be aware of river conditions and follow local safety advice.
Where can I enjoy a drink in Echuca Moama?
Raise a glass at historic pubs, boutique wine bars, breweries, craft distilleries and cellar doors throughout Echuca Moama and the Perricoota Wine Region. Whether it's local wine, craft beer or cocktails, you'll find plenty of places worth lingering a little longer.
Can you kayak on the Murray River in Echuca Moama?
Yes. Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to experience Dhungala (Murray River) and its surrounding waterways. Hire a kayak or canoe locally and paddle beneath towering biyala (river red gums), explore quiet river bends and see Echuca Moama from the water.
Where are the best cycling trails in Echuca Moama?
Echuca Moama has cycling trails for everything from an easy riverside ride to a more active day out. Explore the bush tracks around Echuca’s Scenic Drive, cycle beneath towering biyala (river red gums) or hire an e-bike and venture further through the surrounding region.