LOCAL FAMILY FUN : “What to do with the kids while in Echuca Moama..." An INSIDER'S GUIDE

There's no shortage of things to do in all seasons when visiting Echuca/Moama.

by Cay Herd

Indoor and outdoor providers around town specialise in giving families of children or teens and couples both young and old an endless pastiche of activity.

Aside from the gorgeous cafes, juice bars, street food pop ups, parlours and restaurants dotted around the port and central Echuca, there's always something to stop and look at and take part in around the Port of Echuca. 

Visitors can rest in the most old fashioned taxi of all: while the clip clip of a horse and dray fills your ears around the Port esplanade. There's pony riding lessons at Billabong Ranch and for those into more earthen adventures, the Murray River swirls around town for kms, waiting for summer holiday makers to dip their toes into the warm sand and water. 

Here you can do as little or as much as you like. Unpack and Relax Portside or stroll out to be greeted by "slow living" personified. 

Local swimming holes on the river are great for some (The new Moama Beach landing is a 4 min drive from Heygarth House while the local indoor swim centre is just up the road on High St.

Strawberry picking in the fields at The Strawberry Pick Echuca, a day at Scientwists Museum or the Old Vintage Movie House can be lovely ways to fill in the afternoon with inquisitive and nostalgic children.

The folk at The Strawberry Pick have had a difficult season in 2020 with Covid so lets all hope this summer allows them to open up their gorgeous fields for the kids. 

ABOVE: Cactus Country 
in our region has become a national drawcard with its Mexican themed nights and sunset tours

​A day trip to Cactus Country (above) or an old country pub for a traditional counter meal with the locals are unique ways to spend an afternoon or summer evening.

A ride down the Murray on a paddlesteamer during the day or on an evening cruise hasn't lost its charm for many vacationers who frequent the district. The warm wind in your hair, the scent of eucalyptus and the trill of the boat siren is like nothing else.

Fishing or waterskiing lessons & tours (and wine tours for mum and dad) can be arranged anytime and for those who like a quieter afternoon, lunch in a Port cafe like The Black Pudding, The Sweet Meadow or Shebanis is recommended before a quiet shop in the Wharf boutiques book and lollie shops.

Canoeing and stand up paddle boarding have taken off again this summer, so book in via Echuca Moama Tourism;s website. 

​You'II feel brand new after feeling your feet in the Murray sand, lapping up the warm water before gliding away into the sun.

The Foundry arts space is one block stroll from Heygarth House Treehouse Hideouts Accommodation.

​The Foundry arts space (above) in the Port is always a thoughtful  way to fill in an hour en route the river. The local arts initiative are tireless in their efforts to put together viewing of impressive contemporary and local folk artwork.

For kids, the many parks in the Port precinct are beautifully  shady places to chill with a kite or a soccer ball.

The Echuca library at the top end of the esplanade is a quiet sanctuary in the heart of town for those wanting to sit quietly and borrow some literature for all ages for your stay.

The Paramount Theatre is a beloved local cinema that shows blockbuster movies, Arthouse selections and children’s films. It’s literally 3 blocks up from us on High St. Their popcorn is the bomb.

​​There are so very many options and we've not even scratched the surface of what there is to discover on a weekend in Echuca Moama.

Stand up Paddleboarding on the river is a popular activity in the warmer months while skating at the Moama skate park near the sound shell is a favourite for teens.

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VISIT EMTOURISM - FAM FUN GUIDE

Our friends Kathryn Mackenzie and her team at at Echuca Moama Tourism Info Centre  (located just 3 blocks from us on Heygarth St) have a killer website, abundant with brochures of family fun activities and food and wine options.

We supply many recreation track maps and local recommendations for food, wine, shopping, events, markets and local fun houses in the bureaus at our accommodation kitchens at Heygarth House Treehouse Hideouts.

Echuca Moama is home to many family friendly festivals and events like Riverboats Music 3 day Festival in Feb. Echuca’s Winter Blues Festival weekend and The Southern 80 ski race (still the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.)

​These larger events are postponed until COvid progress allows larger crowds to convene again.

It’s always wise, though, to book your accommodation early for those key dates and all our annual long weekends, peak school holiday periods and public holidays.  Our property is made up of 2 fully self contained apartments in the heart of the Port of Echuca - all walking distance - and we can open the 2 huge apartments up to one enormous double storey townhouse residence to accommodate 15 people. Have you seen the massive balcony overlooking town in the top apartment? Its the most incredible vantage point from which to sit and eat, whistle while you play darts and inhale the treetops and the nearby river. 

[ ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & LONG WEEKENDS OPEN ]

​BELOW: Moama Beach
Moama Beach allows swimmers to walk out into the middle of the river on an extended sand bank and watch the sun go down while watching the lights of the Wharf and Paddlesteamers fade. Its located directly opposite Heygarth House Treehouse Hideouts (through the Aquatic Reserve and over the Moama bridge.)

VISIT EMTOURISM - FAM FUN GUIDE

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