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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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This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

    Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

    A creative trail through the Peninsula 

    The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

    Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
    Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

    If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

    food at Pt Estate
    Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

    For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

    Montalto Vineyard
    Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

    The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

    A feast for food and wine lovers 

    With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

    Cassis Red Hill
    Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

    The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

    Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

    Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

    If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

    From golf days to spa stays 

    Kingswood CountryGolf Club
    Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

    Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
    Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

    Jetty Road Brewery
    Jetty Road Brewery.

    After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.