There’s something about winter in Echuca Moama. The river runs quiet, the paddlesteamers glide through the morning mist and the Port precinct hums with activity. It’s the season of long lunches, country hospitality and a few big weekends that stop the town in its tracks (or at least bridge traffic).
From iconic events like the Winter Blues Festival to crowd-pleasers with character like the Cornella Canola Walk, there’s plenty happening to build a weekend around. Whether you're visiting for the first time or making your annual return, here’s what’s on this winter and a couple of early spring highlights worth adding to your calendar.
And while you’re here, don’t skip the everyday magic: a drive through the region for silo art, a lazy browse through The Foundry Arts Space or a walk along the river with a coffee in hand. Sure, winter is quieter but it’s no less special
Big weekends worth travelling for
There’s nothing like Echuca Moama during the annual Winter Blues Festival weekend (24-27 July). The whole place comes alive with blues, roots and soul, spilling out of cafes and pubs with more than 40 acts across town. It’s one of Australia’s biggest free blues festivals and 2025 marks the 25th anniversary. The only ticketed events you’ll find are the paddlesteamer cruises and the wrap party (and take it from us, they’re worth it!). If you’re planning to stay the night, book early because accommodation always fills fast.
A few weeks later, the sneakers come out for Run Echuca Moama (3 August). It’s not every day you get to run (or walk) across the river without a single car in sight on the bridge. Choose your distance, join the locals and enjoy a truly unique way to experience our twin towns. Psst, if you’re not partaking, you’ll find some of the best spectator spots near the Port of Echuca precinct.
Food, drink and fireside afternoons
Every Saturday this winter, Bendigo favourite Ms Batterhams pops up at Tellurian Wines in the Heathcote Wine Region. Think three-course set menus, low-intervention reds and a relaxed lunch that turns into an afternoon. It’s $65 per person, bookings essential, and perfect for anyone chasing a slower pace and a good bottle or two.
Looking a little further ahead? On the first weekend of spring, Spirit on the Murray (6–7 September) brings more than 20 distillers to the Echuca Distillery (for a weekend of craft spirits, talks and tastings. Saturday is a ticketed tasting session, while Sunday’s market is free and family-friendly.
Family-friendly (and fun for grown-ups too)
Start the season with something a little unexpected: the Echuca Heat of the Australian Poetry Slam (24 June). Poets take the mic for two-minute sets and the audience decides who goes through to the state final. Entry is free, and the vibe is bold, creative and full of surprises.
Over in Gunbower, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Family Day (28 August) brings the People’s Cup to the local racecourse complete with a warm country welcome and a chance to see the iconic trophy up close.
For something a bit bigger, the American Iron Truck Display (13–14 September) brings engines, mini tractor pulls, food trucks and live music. It’s always a hit with families and while it’s technically spring, it’s close enough to count, don’t you think?
Don’t forget the regular local favourites either. The Echuca Farmers Market runs on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and the Moama Market is on Sunday every few weeks at the Soundshell. Both are perfect for grabbing coffee, stocking up on produce and chatting to locals like Crossies Cados or Perricoota Olives.
For something a little different
The Boots, Buckles & Beers country music festival (23 August) at The American Hotel delivers campfire vibes, live music and a mechanical bull or two. It’s loud, warm and a guaranteed good.
Need a reminder that winter really does bloom into something spectacular? Less than an hour south of Echuca Moama, the Cornella Canola Walk at Shiraz Republic offers a unique experience. In August, a walking track is carved right through the golden canola fields, giving visitors rare and respectful access to wander among the blooms. Along the way, you’ll find a quirky piano tree, a rusted old Bedford truck and views that seem made for a drone shot. After your walk, settle in at the cellar door for local wine, craft beer and live music.
Make it a winter worth remembering
There’s no shortage of ways to fill your winter weekends here. Whether you’re planning a trip around the Winter Blues Festival or chasing a quieter kind of weekend, Echuca Moama makes it easy to turn a few days away into something memorable.
Our pick? Plan a full weekend around one of the headline events, then layer in a few quieter moments like a walk in Barmah National Park, a glass of something local at The Social Wine Bar, or a sleep-in followed by brunch at ESSEN or Johnny & Lyle. And don’t miss dining alongside the cosy fireplace at The Mill Echuca
Start planning with our full events calendar now.