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The ultimate two-day Echuca Moama itinerary for families

Hannah RalphBy Hannah Ralph
Couples can steal a romantic getaway, solo travellers can embrace the wild, but it’s with families that this riverside region truly thrives.

Disneyland isn’t the only place made for family fun: two little river towns straddling Victoria and New South Wales are doing just as good at providing lifelong memories for the whole gang – and on a fraction of the budget, too. Don’t believe us? Keep reading and let our two-day family itinerary in Echuca Moama show off the smorgasbord of activities on offer. We bet you’ll end up having just as much fun as the kids.

In short

Echuca Moama is jam-packed with family activities, but in a world of ever-shortening attention spans, we have to commend TwistED Science for keeping even the fidgetiest kids entertained and curious for hours on end.

Day one

Morning

horse riding at Billabong Ranch, Echuca Moama
Billabong Ranch hosts horse riding experiences for families. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Echuca Moama’s many holiday parks – a play-filled world unto themselves – are perfect for giving little ones the chance to make friends (while giving parents a chance to catch their breath). Wake up in a riverside cabin and head to Johnny and Lyle’s for a breakfast of champions; they even have outdoor sand pits, in case they get bored of their pancakes. Then it’s off to Billabong Ranch , which we might argue has too much to do. Strap in for a gentle pony ride, race around the islands of its pedal boat dam in your own little vessel, scale the 30-metre-long climbing wall or pop balloons at the indoor archery range.

Midday

sweet treats on display inside Echuca Heritage Sweet Co.
Echuca Heritage Sweet Co. is worth a stop for kids and the young at heart who have a sweet tooth.

For most kids, you can’t get a dreamier afternoon than a trip to McDonald’s and the local lolly shop – luckily, Echuca’s high street has both, with a particularly fine example of the latter: Echuca Heritage Sweet Co . is nothing short of a town legend. After everyone’s fed and watered, it’s off for a hike through the towering gum trees starting at the Kerrabee Sound Shell and ending in a splash around at Moama Beach, a sandy bank that passes under the mighty bridge linking Victoria and New South Wales. Locals will tell you that the water, while famously brown-ish, is crystal clear and swimmable, with the colouration derived from the river bank, not the water quality. You’ll also spot a BBQ area, in case a riverside picnic is calling. Nearby, the Moama Adventure Play Park is a mini-kingdom of equipment, which makes for a neat 30 minutes of play before dinner.

Evening

the EMBR signage in Echuca Moama
Step into Embr for authentic Italian bites.

The new Wildergreen precinct, hiding in plain sight within Moama’s Bowling Club , has pulled off the impossible: an upscale dining destination that’s also tailored to families. Its flagship Italian restaurant, Embr , has the most moreish pizzas and slurpable pastas, with a side serving of Enzo the cartoon fox. Better yet, a sprawling playground full of slides and trampolines sits right outside, as does Wildergreen’s top-tier kids’ club, Treehouse , with the towering sculptural tree at its heart. After dark, join a spooky, lantern-lit tour of the Old Port of Echuca, where theatrical ghost stories and fascinating town history come to life on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Day two

Morning

a couple buying veggies at one of the stalls in Echuca Farmers Market
Shop farm-fresh produce at Echuca Farmers Market. (Image: Timothy Harley)

This time, we’ll have breakfast over in Moama – 3 Black Sheep lays on cracking dishes, great coffee and long tables for big groups. Plus, it has a sprawling lawn so the young ones can burn off some steam. A 30-minute bus ride or 10-minute car journey away is TwistED Science , where you should be prepared to lose hours on its legion of interactive exhibits – from paper-plane catapults to Lego walls, reptile petting sessions, climbing walls and more engrossingly bonkers bits and pieces than we can name. If you’re here on a Saturday, do your best to make time for a trip to the nearby Echuca Farmers Market , purveyors of local treats.

Midday

kayaking on Murray River
Go kayaking on the ancient Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Once you’ve had lunch at whichever local eatery has best caught your eye – Hammond Bakery whips up some cracking takeaway options – there’s only one thing to do with a sprawling, sunny afternoon – and that’s get on the river. But this time, we’re leaving the paddle steamers to the history enthusiasts and jumping over to Jess and the team at Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle SUP for some splashy fun. Most tours take you down about 4–4.5 kilometres of river, where you’ll paddle downstream and attempt to stay upright, lest you join the fishes in the river. If kayaks and canoes are more your thing, head to Echuca Boat & Canoe Hire , which happily supplies both.

Evening

the Rich River Golf Club from above
Home to two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Rich River Golf Club is a dream for golfers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got adventurous palettes on your hands, Monkee and Co serves up the town’s finest Asian hawker-style fare – everything from pork soup dumplings to pork bánh mì sandwiches, beef short rib curries to popcorn chicken with chilli salt. And while you’ll notice they have a delectable dessert menu, this isn’t the place for dessert. No, save your sugar fix for the town’s famous gelateria, The Port Ice Creamery , which serves colourful scoops and shakes until 10pm. Should you still have juice in the tank, there are plenty of places to keep the fun going. Our favourite? The Rich River Golf Club which, also open until 10pm, has an 18-hole mini golf course that’ll see a healthy dose of family rivalry wrap up the trip.

Discover the best restaurants in Echuca Moama

Hannah Ralph
Hannah Ralph is an award-winning travel editor turned freelance writer. She’s currently chasing stories across Australia, until reality (and her inexplicable fondness for chilly British weather) demands a return to the UK, where her globe-trotting career began more than a decade ago. Following a formative start as Features Assistant at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Hannah went on to hone her aviation chops for several years on the British Airways editorial team, serving as Editor and Deputy Editor on numerous titles, including the flagship in-flight mag, High Life. She later returned to The Times and Sunday Times as an in-house Travel Writer. Now freelance, Hannah finds herself a roaming reporter with bylines for Mr & Mrs Smith, The Telegraph, Business Traveller UK, National Geographic Traveller, Eurostar’s Metropolitan magazine, and more. Her mission? To track down all of Australia’s greatest, most unforgettable stays – and live what might just be the most glamorous gap year yet.
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The ultimate spring and summer guide to Melbourne

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

    The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

    If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

    Where to stay

    The Westin Melbourne

    couple inside their room at the westin melbourne
    View the city from above in your suite.

    Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

    Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

    Where to eat and drink

    1. Allegro

    Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

    The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

    2. Lobby Lounge

    the westin melbourne lobby lounge
    Step into the Lobby Lounge.

    Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

    The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

    For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

    3. Other places to dine

    diners at supernormal melbourne
    There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

    Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

    Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

    While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

    Things to do

    1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

    a bridge across yarra river
    Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

    A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

    2. Browse the boutique galleries

    two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria
    See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

    If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

    3. Catch some live music

    live music at the cherry bar in melbourne
    Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

    Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

    4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

    three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground
    Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

    Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

    5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

    the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre
    Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

    Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

    Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.