In April this year, as a part of a family road trip, we arrived in Echuca.

First impressions as we drove in from the south were 'distinctive' gateway art, some locals are debating what it actually depicts. The family had a quick poll (unintentional pun hahaha), and we think the artist wanted to capture the main focal point of historic Echuca and one of the significant tourist stops in modern Echuca.

The multi-leveled wharf. Due to the Murray's changing water levels in the early european settlement of the area, the residents constructed this large, solid and impressive structure. Currently being renovated in parts.

To view this and to get aleast a partial sense of what early settlement life was like, hop on a paddlesteamer. Many early vessels have been restored and continue to ply the Murray today.

Our captain (and the tourist information centre) highlights the film "all the rivers run" and the vessels used in that films are on the Murray today. These are able to be boarded for tours (minimum being an hour then morning/afternoon tea - lunch - the possibilities are endless).

Our trip was almost a time travel excerise as whilst on the paddlesteamer we were calmed and rested and unwound, the time seemed to go quickly as we were enjoying the sights and the children were amused as well!

**Look out for the a NSW resident's private bar and dinner table right on the banks of the Murray**

Something of interest:
the NSW residents can own up to the water's edge whereas the VIC residents have a nature reserve running alongside the Murray.


We were stopping at an Aspen parks caravan park, alittle out of town (5mins drive maybe 10mins at most) which was right on the river. In the afternoon the family went down to fish, rest, relax and watch the water vessels enjoy the Murray.

**this is where the boy's got the 'free' Murray mud all over their feet, hands, legs, arms and face (!?!!?).

Great spot for a week or two, we only stayed three nights.

Kids will enjoy the OZMAZE and (perhaps) the adults will enjoy the Beer Shed (and old machinery sheds) the surrounding wineries, the fudge shop in the old wharf district and the viewing of the escape tunnel in the Star hotel.