Things to do in Echuca for Families

Laid against the banks of the Murray River, the historic port town of Echuca is a treasured destination for Australian families. With its paddle steamers evoking the 1800s riverboat era and kid-friendly museums bringing history to life, Echuca offers immersive experiences into the past. Yet the town also provides plenty of modern-day fun from waterslides to chocolate shops.

Outdoor adventures abound, like relaxing Murray River cruises, adrenaline-pumping water sports, and beachfront relaxation at Moama. Families can also create special memories interacting with horses and native wildlife. Beyond Echuca awaits discovery of giant silo murals and alien-like cactuses.

Whether you seek heritage or adventure, sweet treats or scenic nature, you can get all of these things to do in Echuca as a family fun.

Here are the top fun things for families to see, do, and explore in Echuca and its surrounding areas for an unforgettable holiday.

Historical and Cultural Exploration for Families

Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

Immerse your family in the rich riverboat history of the 19th-century Port of Echuca. This open-air living museum located right on the banks of the Murray River invites families to stroll through the past. Take a guided tour of the historic wharf, once a thriving hub for paddle steamers carrying wool bales and timber. See traditional trades like blacksmithing demonstrations. Let the kids try hands-on activities like churning butter, writing with quill pens, and playing traditional games. With costumed role-players bringing the history to life, families gain memorable insights into Echuca’s foundations as one of Australia’s largest inland ports.

National Holden Motor Museum

Rev up the fun for car-loving families at the National Holden Motor Museum in Echuca. With over 40 classic Holden vehicles spanning eight decades, this museum is a paradise for automotive enthusiasts of all ages. Kids will be fascinated by the early models like the iconic FX Holden while parents may remember the designs they grew up with. Take a trip through Aussie history as you view the timeline of Holden’s transformation into an Australian icon. Don’t forget to let the kids pick out souvenirs like toy cars and books in the gift shop. From car buffs to novices, the National Holden Motor Museum offers a uniquely Australian experience.

Echuca Historical Society Inc.

Travel back in time with a visit to the Echuca Historical Society Inc., where local history comes to life. Peruse the extensive collection of artifacts, costumes, photos, and documents that provide insights into settler life in the 1800s. Kids can try on traditional costumes, churn butter, and write with quill pens just like early Australian children did. Follow the society’s heritage trail around town to see historic buildings. With engaging activities and exhibits, families gain a hands-on understanding of Echuca’s foundations and early way of life. It’s a memorable opportunity to enrich kids’ knowledge of local history.

Kid-Friendly Educational and Interactive Fun

TwistED Science – Echuca

Explore the wonders of science with your family at TwistED Science, Echuca’s coolest science museum for kids! It’s a super-fun place where kids can climb a giant twisted wall, be inventors in the workshop, and even try bug-shaped lollies in the I Dare You zone. TwistED makes learning about physics, engineering, and biology a blast with hands-on experiments. Parents, you can join in on the STEM fun too! The exhibits change every two months, so there’s always something new to discover. TwistED Science is a must-visit spot for families in Echuca, promising an exciting and enlightening adventure for all!

Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade

Step into the nostalgic and enchanting world of vintage arcade games and classic black and white movies at Sharps Magic Movie House in Echuca. This unique family attraction transports you back to the 1900s, with authentic penny arcade games and a novelty movie theater screening silent films and early talkies. Kids will be fascinated by the old-timey vibes and novel amusements. Parents can re-live childhood memories playing games like Skee Ball. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their old-fashioned fudge counter brimming with indulgent flavors. For a whimsical glimpse into entertainment past, Sharps Magic Movie House offers interactive historical fun for the whole family to enjoy when visiting Echuca.

Family-centric Outdoor Adventures

Paddle Steamers and Cruises

Step back in time with a paddle steamer or river cruise in Echuca. Iconic vessels like PS Adelaide, PS Alexander Arbuthnot, and PS Pevensey offer families a scenic journey along the Murray River. Kids will be thrilled by the old-fashioned grandeur as they walk the decks and explore the paddle steamers. Capture photos against the striking red, white and blue funnels. Enjoy commentary highlighting Echuca’s history as you pass by historic landmarks. Cruise at a leisurely pace, soaking in the natural beauty and riverside charm of the area from a special on-water perspective. For families visiting Echuca seeking a unique vantage point and memorable experience, paddle steamer and cruises are a must.

Murray Valley Regional Park – Riverfront Walks

Discover the natural beauty surrounding Echuca with a relaxing family stroll through Murray Valley Regional Park. The riverfront walking tracks offer easy ambling along the Murray River, surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes. Stop to skip stones across the calm waters and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Cross the historic iron bridge spanning the river for a view from all angles. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the green parks dotting the trails. For simple, screen-free quality time enjoying fresh air and serene scenery, the riverfront walks at Murray Valley Regional Park are perfect for families visiting Echuca.

Echuca and Moama Cycling Trails

Pedal and explore Echuca and Moama’s picturesque surroundings by bike. With convenient free bike hire available at the Port of Echuca, families can easily access the wide network of cycling trails. Ride along the Murray River on relaxing flat tracks perfect for kids. For more adventure, head to the Wharparilla Flora and Fauna Reserve for its mountain bike trails and obstacle course. The off-road trails provide immersive nature encounters amidst gorgeous scenery. Pack snacks for pitstops in shady parks. Two-wheeled adventures through Echuca and Moama’s cycling trails promise fresh air, exercise and quality bonding time for visiting families.

Relax on the Moama Beach

Have a blast at Moama Beach during your Echuca visit! Just cross the bridge from Echuca and take a walk through the bush trail in the River Red Gum forest. When you reach the Murray River, it’s playtime on the sandy shores! Kids can splash in the shallow waters or build awesome sandcastles. Bring a picnic, find a cozy spot under the shady trees on the grassy banks, and enjoy the peaceful riverside vibe. Moama Beach is like a surprise from the coast, letting families relax and have fun by the beautiful Murray River.

Animal Encounters and Outdoor Fun for Families

Billabong Ranch

At Billabong Ranch in Echuca, animal-loving families can create special memories interacting with horses. Kids will delight in pony rides while older kids can take horse riding lessons and learn skills like mounting, walking, and trotting. Extend the fun at the ranch’s Family Fun Park, complete with pedal boats for water play, mini golf, giant chess and more. With both equine activities and amusement park-style attractions, Billabong Ranch promises a full day of enjoyment for families visiting Echuca seeking memorable animal encounters and outdoor family fun.

Kyabram Fauna Park

Take a short 30-minute drive from Echuca to Kyabram Fauna Park for an up-close Australian wildlife experience. This wildlife park allows families to get within touching distance of iconic Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats and more during guided keeper talks. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, cuddle a koala, and meet endangered species like Tasmanian Devils. With knowledgeable guides providing facts and ensuring safe interactions, kids and parents alike will make cherished memories interacting with Australia’s unique wildlife at Kyabram Fauna Park.

Luxury Houseboat Stay on the Murray

For a uniquely Australian family getaway, book a stay on a luxury houseboat on the Murray River while visiting Echuca. Cruise gently along the waterways, taking in spectacular riverside scenery from the comfort of your floating villa. Houseboat companies like Magic Murray, Executive Houseboats, Echuca Luxury Houseboats and Moama on Murray Houseboats offer family-sized boats with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, outdoor entertaining areas and more. Swim, fish, kayak and simply relax as majestic river views drift by. A houseboat holiday provides families a chance to bond while experiencing the Murray’s beauty and tranquility.

Wholesome Culinary Delights and Sweet Treats

Beechworth Bakery Echuca

Treat your family to yummy baked goodies at the Beechworth Bakery in Echuca. This popular bakery overlooking the Campaspe River is the perfect pitstop. Kids will love picking sweet treats like fresh donuts, cookies, and pies from the glass cases. Parents can enjoy a coffee while taking in lovely river views from the outdoor deck. With freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries made daily, Beechworth Bakery is a delicious destination for families visiting Echuca.

Echuca Chocolate Company

Satisfy your sweet cravings at Echuca Chocolate Company on High St. This store is filled wall-to-wall with handmade chocolates and old-fashioned candy. Kids will have fun browsing the colorful shelves stacked with chocolate bars in every flavor. Choose some traditional Aussie lollies to try like musk sticks and jelly babies. With free samples always available, Echuca Chocolate Company is a tasty treat for families with a sweet tooth.

Unique Experiences beyond Echuca

Silo Art Tour

Take a road trip to check out amazing giant paintings on old grain silos. Towns near Echuca like Rochester, Kyabram and Colbinabbin have huge colorful murals painted on their silos. Each artwork tells a story about the town. It’s fun to go on a scavenger hunt to spot them all! Pack a picnic to enjoy while admiring these mega masterpieces up close. The Silo Art Trail makes a great day trip for families visiting Echuca.

Cactus Country

Visit Cactus Country in Strathmerton, just a short drive from Echuca. This cool garden has the biggest collection of cactuses and succulents in all of Australia! Walk through and spot pointy, prickly cactuses of all shapes and sizes. See weird and wacky plants that look like they’re from outer space. Let kids go on an adventure to hunt for the tallest, smallest, and funkiest plants. With so many unique things to find, Cactus Country makes families smile.

Aqua Island Water Park

Make a splash at Aqua Island in Moama, just over the bridge from Echuca. This fun floating playground on the Murray River is open in summer. Kids of any age can enjoy activities like climbing, sliding, bouncing and more! While little ones play, parents can relax riverside. With lots of watery fun under the sun, Aqua Island is the perfect place to cool down for families.

Murray Valley National Park – Reed Beds Bird Hide

Experience incredible birdwatching just a 40-minute drive north of Echuca in the Murray Valley National Park. Families can take a peaceful 1km walk along the Reed Beds Bird Hide boardwalk, winding through serene wetlands. Spot native birds like egrets, spoonbills, and swans from the shelters along the trail. With informative signs, viewing scopes, and accessible boardwalks suitable for strollers, it’s perfect for little ones. Kids will love getting back to nature and ticking species off their birdwatching checklist. For families visiting Echuca seeking a refreshing outdoor experience, the Reed Beds Bird Hide walk promises tranquility and beauty.

Extreme Watersports at Brett Sands Watersports

Get your adrenaline pumping with extreme watersports at Brett Sands Watersports Center on the Murray River near Echuca. Families can try thrilling activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding and barefoot skiing with lessons tailored for all skill levels and ages. Kids will feel like pros gliding on the water and learning new tricks from expert instructors. Parents can join in too or relax lakeside and cheer them on. With a welcoming vibe and focus on safety, Brett Sands creates unforgettable watersports memories for families visiting the Echuca area.

Murray River Scenic Hydrofoil Ride

Experience the beauty of the Murray River from a unique perspective onboard a sleek hydrofoil near Echuca. These exciting watercraft lift out of the water and provide an ultra-smooth ride. Families will be amazed by the feeling of flying over the water and taking in spectacular views of the river and surroundings. With guided commentary highlighting points of interest, it’s both scenic and educational. The speed and design makes it thrilling for kids while parents can soak in the gorgeous scenery. For families seeking a fun joyride on the Murray, a hydrofoil ride is a must-do.

Southern 80 Water Ski Race

If visiting Echuca in early February, don’t miss the world-famous Southern 80 water ski race. This exciting two-day event on the Murray River attracts over 200 competitors who speed 80km from Torrumbarry to Echuca. Tens of thousands of spectators line the river banks to watch the action. Families can feel the adrenaline at the start, catch skiers whiz by at designated viewing spots, and join the lively spectator village finish line festivities. An annual tradition since 1960, the Southern 80 provides families unmatched excitement and memories.

Wrapping Up

Echuca is a perfect blend of the past and present for families. From the old-time charm of paddle steamers to thrilling water adventures, Echuca unfolds as a vibrant canvas of heritage and excitement. Picture your family’s laughter blending with the river’s whispers as the sun sets. In Echuca, moments turn into memories, and every smile becomes a part of your family’s story. Embrace the warmth of Echuca, where joy is found in simple discoveries and shared experiences, creating a tapestry of happiness that lingers in your hearts.