In a land ruled by holiday parks and caravan sites, a handful of boutique stays show you can do things differently…

It’s true – there’s no shortage of holiday parks in Echucha Moama. NRMA Echuca Holiday Park, Moama Riverside Holiday & Tourist Park and BIG4 Moama Holiday Park are all up there on the ‘most popular’ podium, while Discovery Parks offers the most choice, with a whopping five resorts in this area alone. These accommodations combine all the requisite ingredients for a fabulous family holiday – pools, playgrounds, picnic areas and BBQs, plus communal kitchens and ample room arrangements. All of them have easy (if not direct) access to the river, as well as powered sites for the motor-homing, caravanning collective.

However, if you’re looking for accommodation in Echuca Moama outside of the holiday park circuit, we know of some charming options that fit the bill.

In short

All the properties below have our seal of approval, but if we had to crown a standout, it’d be the box-ticking Quest Echuca – super central, contemporary interiors, and excellent value.

Charlotte’s Cottage

Best for: Space-seekers

And the award for chicest Airbnb goes to… Yes, Charlotte’s Cottage is a veritable Victorian fantasy that we could, gladly, live in forever. Originally built as a private school in 1871, it’s a special mix of historic charm and modern comfort that’s located just off Echuca’s main high street – wedged between the Murray and Campaspe rivers. The beautifully restored property attracts repeat visitors with oodles of space, particularly prevalent in the three lovingly designed bedrooms (two doubles, one twin) showing off their own private ensuite. It’s also a multi-season sanctuary, thanks to electric blankets and a split system air conditioning that can heat or cool, with multiple lounges and an outdoor courtyard that make it extremely easy to forgo the outside world. A quiet slice of town and ample street parking complete a blissfully stress-free stay.

Address: 16 Connelly St, Echuca VIC 3564

Quest Echuca

Best for: Modern travellers

Right in the heart of town – close enough to the American Hotel’s live music to stroll over and get involved, yet far enough away not to hear a thing – Quest Echuca joins the Mercure Port of Echuca as the only two big brand hotels in town. The difference? While the Mercure is starting to show its age, Quest feels squeaky-clean and refreshingly modern. It’s also not offering mere rooms, but sleek, serviced apartments that come with fully equipped kitchens (kitchenette in the studios), laundry facilities and – in some cases – private balconies. Just beyond the car park, there’s a small pool with loungers – the terracotta spire of St Mary’s Catholic Church peeking in the background of your morning swim. And while you won’t find any on-site dining, the Quest team will fetch your groceries for you; if you get them a list early enough, they’ll even have it ready for when you arrive.

Address: 25-29 Heygarth St, Echuca VIC 3564

Goolwa River Retreat

Best for: Slow living romantics

A twenty minute-drive west of Echuca, Goolwa’s countryside cabins sit on an unbeatable stretch of the Murray toward the Gunbower National Park. Complete with a private pontoon, pristine lawns rolling down to the water and fairy lights strung through the river gums, Goolwa is at once romantic, family-friendly and a sweet spot for larger groups (three of the five accommodations sleep six). The newest additions – a pair of two-bedroom villas – are a picture of A-frame gorgeousness, and have a couple of the best shower rooms we’ve ever seen. The porches are equally dreamy, with circular fire pits, al-fresco barbecues, and even an outdoor bath. Arriving to a dedicated reception, you’ll likely meet Goolwa’s delightful owners, Nicole and Rob, who can help make your stay extra wholesome with free-to-use kayaks, bikes, paddle boards and fishing rods.

Address: 150 Sexton Rd, Torrumbarry VIC 3562

CocknBull Boutique Hotel Echuca

Best for: A warm welcome

It might not have the most modern accommodations inside, but the atmosphere at CocknBull Boutique Hotel is special – the kind of place that’ll you’ll stroll past, peek into, and wish you were a part of. One warm Echua evening, we found the hotel’s wine bar buzzing with guests clinking glasses and fire pits flickering beside the riverbank. That warmth is echoed by owners Russell and Julie, who lay on a fabulous afternoon tea and keep the self-catered apartments topped up with the necessities. Many of these overlook the Campaspe River and walking trail right next door, while a lush outdoor pool and garden only add to that home-away-from-home feeling. Sure, parking can be a little tight, but the hotel is on the desirably quieter end of town – close to everything that matters but without the late-night noise.

Address: 17/21 Warren St, Echuca VIC 3564

Golden River Motor Inn

Best for: No-frills excellence

The low-slung exteriors, the brick walls, the promise of a pool tucked away out back… There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a classic Aussie motel, and the Golden River Motor Inn delivers exactly this air of history and expedience. Only a few doors down from the brilliant restaurants of the Moama Bowling Club complex, this motel has loyal fans leaving glowing reviews across every platform. You’ll spot them raving about spotless rooms, comfy beds and fantastic showers – not always the case at your average motel. Above-and-beyond service is also part of the package: from effortless upgrades to a gloriously helpful reception. Whichever room you pick, it’ll come with a Nespresso machine, split-system air con, kitchen facilities and 50-inch smart TV, but there’s only one room with a spa bath. Fear not, though – the pool is waiting for you out back.

Address: 34 Meninya Street, Moama NSW 2731

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