If you’re dreaming of a winter escape that’s less rush, more rest, this is it.
Echuca Moama is best known for summer river holidays and paddlesteamers, sure. But come winter, things slow down in the best kind of way. The mist rolls in, the nights get quieter and it becomes the perfect excuse to hole up somewhere with a good view and a better bottle of wine.
There’s something deeply comforting about a fire crackling in the corner, stars above the trees and having nowhere in particular to be.
We’ve pulled together seven of our favourite cosy stays for this time of year, from riverside cottages with outdoor spas to one-of-a-kind boutique retreats. Some are made for couples chasing a romantic getaway. Others are perfect for groups wanting a luxury winter escape. All of them are built for switching off.
Soak + stargaze
For those who believe hot tubs > heaters.
Goolwa River Retreat, Torrumbarry
Luxury villa accommodation awaits at Goolwa River Retreat in Torrumbarry, near Echuca Moama
Private spas. Fire pits. Bushland on one side and river on the other. Goolwa River Retreat is made for slow winter stays.
Each villa has big windows, heated floors and plenty of space to do not much at all (except soak, sip and repeat). There’s a private pontoon for sunset drinks, opportunities to get out the kayaks or bikes if you’re feeling energetic and a fire pit to come back to either way.
You’re only 20 minutes from Echuca Moama, but once you settle in, you might not want to leave.
- Stay here if your ideal evening involves a long soak and zero interruptions.
Starry Nights at Moira Station, Mathoura
See the starry night skies from the comfort of your bed at Moira Station near Mathoura
Some stays just stick with you. Set on an historic station property just north of Moama, Starry Nights is luxury, but not in a flashy way. More like old-world romance meets quiet farm retreat.
Each apartment has a king bed with a retractable skylight so you can fall asleep looking at constellations instead of your phone screen. There’s a clawfoot tub, dual showers, soft wool blankets and the kind of deep quiet that takes a day or two to sink into.
You’re surrounded by river red gums, just near the Murray Valley National Park, but close enough to town for dinner if you feel like venturing out.
- Stay here if you want something a little bit magical, where the sky feels close and the rest of the world fades out.
Restored with love
Because winter is better when there’s a story behind the walls.
The Gunbower Butter Factory, Gunbower
A couple checking in to their accommodation at the Gunbower Butter Factory
A restored butter factory might not be the first place you think of for a winter escape but maybe it should be. Tucked beside Gunbower Creek, this one-bedroom retreat is quietly beautiful.
Big windows frame the water, the clawfoot bath is made for long soaks and the king bed is as comfy as they come. It’s the kind of place where time stretches out in the best possible way.
If you do feel like venturing out, the Gunbower Hotel is just down the road. But honestly? You might just want to light the fire, pour a glass and stay in.
- Stay here if you want to feel like the only person in the world (but with really good sheets).
Carriages Waterfront Retreat, Wharparilla
Stay in a vintage train converted into accommodation at Carriages Waterfront Retreat
This stay wins points for creativity. Two vintage train carriages turned off-grid retreat, surrounded by vines and redgums.
The restoration is full of heart with timber interiors, soft lighting and just enough quirks to make it feel special without sacrificing comfort. There’s a spa outside, a fireplace inside and private tastings available if you feel like leaning into the wine-country part of the trip.
It’s peaceful, a bit unexpected and a good reminder that unique doesn’t have to mean complicated.
- Stay here if you like your winter getaways with a glass of Merlot and a little eccentric flair.
Vines, views + a little something extra
For stays where the experience is just as good as the accommodation.
Vineyard Views at Shiraz Republic, Cornella
Stay right near the canola walk and cellar door at Shiraz Republic’s Vineyard Views accommodation
Set in the Heathcote Wine Region, about 45 minutes from Echuca, these cabins overlook the vines and sit just a short stroll from the cellar door. Time your visit right from late winter into early spring and you’ll catch the Cornella Canola Walk in full bloom.
- Stay here if you’re ready to live your best cowboy life, minus the dirt and actual work.
Wisps of Wool, Torrumbarry
Enjoy the serenity of the bush at Wisps of Wool near Echuca Moama
Once a shearing shed, now a soul-soothing bush retreat among black box forest, Wisps of Wool is all about comfort with character. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cook something slow, stay up late talking and sleep with the windows cracked just enough to let the sounds of the bush awaken you in the morning.
There’s a magnesium plunge pool, an outdoor bath under the trees, a wood fire inside and a wraparound verandah made for watching the sky change colour. The interiors are thoughtful and beautifully styled but still feel lived in.
It’s quiet, warm and wonderfully unhurried. Bring the good books and even better company.
- Stay here if you’re planning a weekend with friends, a retreat with purpose or just need space to think and breathe.
Houseboat stays, Echuca Moama
Take in the best river views with your own private houseboat in Echuca Moama
There’s something extra peaceful about being on the river in winter. Fewer boats. Still mornings. That hush you only get when the fog hangs low. Echuca Moama has houseboats to suit all kinds of travellers.
Onboard you’ll find full kitchens, spa baths, heaters and plenty of spots to park yourself with a cuppa (or something stronger). No experience? No stress. They’re easy to navigate and you won’t be in a rush anyway.
- Stay here if you want a front-row seat to the river and a different view every day.
Ready to rug up and roam?
Turns out winter suits Echuca Moama just fine. The air’s crisp, the river’s calm and the days somehow feel longer when you’ve got nowhere to be.
Whether you’re chasing a romantic getaway, boutique accommodation with character or just some well-earned quiet, these stays are worth bookmarking. Bring the wool socks, pick a spot with a fire and take your time getting there. That’s kind of the whole point, because winter wasn’t made for rushing. It was made for this.