Take a sunset paddlesteamer cruise at golden hour from the Port of Echuca on the Murray River in Echuca Moama
You know that feeling at the end of a long summer day, the one where the heat finally breaks, the sky turns pastel and you just don’t want it to end? That’s Echuca Moama most nights during the warmer months. The days stretch out, the sunsets are late and the evenings are full of small, easy moments that make holidays feel endless.
If you’re here for the weekend or longer, don’t call it a night too soon. There’s always plenty to do as the summer evenings settle in, either on the river, by the water or somewhere with a cold drink and a good view.
Welcome to our version of night-time: slow, social and just as full of life as the day.
Afternoons that never seem to end
Stand up paddleboarding at sunset is one of the many ways to enjoy Echuca Moama’s long summer evenings.
Late afternoon might be the best part of the day. The heat softens, the light turns a syrupy shade of gold and everyone’s heading outside.
From December to March, Wonderland on the Murray will turn the Port precinct and riverside into an open-air gallery of giant Alice in Wonderland-themed sand sculptures, well worth a wander while the light’s still bright. Down by the wharf, the sunset paddlesteamer cruises head out just as the river starts to glow, the whistle echoing across the water.
Stand-up paddleboarding is another incredible way to experience the river. Hire a board with Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle SUP and explore at your own pace or book a guided tour.
If you’d rather stay on land, a slow walk along Scenic Trail or through the Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens shows off that honey-coloured light perfectly. If your competitive spirit is running high, challenge the family to a round of mini golf at Rich River (open till 10pm) or a few ends of barefoot bowls at The Greens Moama.
Dinner by the river
Enjoying a long summer evening with dinner at Bar Lee in Echuca Moama
By the time most people start thinking about dinner, the sky’s still glowing and the Murray’s catching every bit of colour. Dinner can be as late as you like, mostly because the air stays warm long after the plates hit the table.
For a relaxed riverside meal, Riverbank Moama dishes up modern Australian classics with a front-row seat on the water. Over in town, Bar Lee pairs Echuca Distillery’s craft spirits with good food and a rooftop deck that hums on a summer night. Monkee & Co, tucked beside the Campaspe River, serves punchy Asian flavours, and The Mill celebrates local produce with a seasonal menu in one of the town’s most striking heritage spaces.
Stretch it out with another drink, another story and perhaps a sneaky detour to Augustus for gelato on the way back to your accommodation.
After-dark adventures
Lanterns light the way on a Port After Dark tour through Echuca’s historic wharf precinct
When the daylight finally fades, the Port of Echuca takes centre stage. On the Port After Dark tour, follow your guide as they weave through the buildings alongside the river and hear stories of mystery and murder that unravel after dark. During school holidays, the Kids’ Torchlight Tour adds a dose of fun for younger visitors, torches in hand.
Not keen on ghost stories? Catch a late session at the Echuca Paramount Cinemas where air-con, a choc top (of course) and a break from the summer heat never go astray. Or take a slow stroll along the riverbank to watch the last glow disappear behind the trees. The paddlesteamers are tied up, the water’s calm and the only sounds are the clink of glasses, drifting from dinner tables nearby.
Psst…if you’re visiting in the lead-up to the festive season, don’t miss the Illumination Station at Hopwood Gardens featuring Santa and a giant gift box, throughout December.
Where the night takes you
You’ll always get a warm welcome and a good drop at The Social Wine Bar in Echuca Moama
If you’re chasing live music or a nightcap, you won’t have to go far. Weekends often see Gypsy Bar packed with locals and visitors tapping along to whoever’s playing that night. Paradise Bar brings a relaxed but fun energy, while The Social Wine Bar is always classy in its quiet corner by the Campaspe.
Stay longer this summer in Echuca Moama
The PS Emmylou is just one of the paddlesteamers you can experience on the Murray River in Echuca Moama
Summer is all about stretching the day as far as it’ll go and finding your own easy rhythm by the river.
It’s easy to see why evenings last longer in Echuca Moama. There’s something about knowing the river is nearby that makes you want to stay out just a little while more.
By the time the air cools and the lights fade along the water, you’ll realise one night’s not enough. There’s still music to hear, bars to try, stories to share and more sunsets waiting. Somehow, Echuca Moama makes you feel like there’s always time for one more.