Houseboats - Echuca Moama

ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
The information in this document is general information. It is recommended checking with your
houseboat provider for any restrictions placed on the houseboat you are hiring.
Points of Interest Upstream of Echuca
The Murray Goulburn River Junction
(Please note, most companies do not allow their larger boats above the Goulburn-Murray
River Junction).
The Goulburn Junction is about 16kms upstream from central Echuca. This is the point
where the Goulburn River enters the Murray River. The junction is a popular spot for
fishing. Commercial Houseboat companies do not allow their boats on the Goulburn River.
Cape Horn Vineyard
Located on a sand hill wedged between the Murray and Goulburn Rivers upstream from
Echuca, Cape Horn Vineyard is named after the river bend resembling Cape Horn on the tip
of South America.
Cape Horn Vineyard offers visitors tastings at the cellar door of a fine selection of wines
made from their own fruit. We encourage guests to pack a picnic and take the short trip to
the vineyard, just 15km by road east of Echuca or 30min upstream on the river by speed
boat. They also cater for groups including weddings and corporate functions.
Website: www.capehornvineyard.com.au
Phone: 03 5480 6013
Murray River Access Map Reference- Map I; Mile Marker 1736
Billabong Ranch
Offer package deals for houseboating groups. Horse riding or carriage rides can be
arranged from and to Cape Horn Vineyard and Billabong Ranch. Bookings for this travel
option are essential.
Some of the activities that Billabong offer
• Horse, pony or carriage rides
•Archery
• 18 Hole indoor mini golf
• Baby animal petting nursery
• Outdoor ten pin bowling
• Pedal boats
• Great Aussie adventure frisbee golf
• Boulder wall
• Beach volley ball
•Playground
• Café and licensed bar
Website: www.billabongranch.com.au
Phone: 03 5483 5322
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
Barmah Township and Barmah Bridge
Commercial houseboats cannot access the river this far upstream.
Please contact the Nathalia Barmah Visitor Information Centre for information on Barmah.
www.nathaliabarmah.com.au
[email protected]
03 5866 2289
Please contact Parks Victoria or the Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre for
information regarding the Barmah National Park.
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Parks Victoria 1319 63
Echuca Visitor Information Centre 1800 804 446
Points of Interest in Echuca Moama
Boats are NOT allowed to moor in the Historic Port Precinct without their own mooring site.
It is recommended that commercial and private houseboats without designated mooring
sites moor behind the Visitor Information Centre directly downstream of the EchucaMoama Bridge, if you are wishing to visit Echuca. Murray River Access Map Reference Map G; Mile Marker 1712-1714.
The Port of Echuca Precinct is a short walk from the Visitor Information Centre. This historic
location offers a variety of attractions, museums, shops and eateries. It is an essential stop
whilst in the region. Please request a copy of the Echuca Moama and District Official Visitor
Guide to view what is on offer. www.echucamoama.com or 1800 804 446.
To visit Moama, houseboats can be moored at and in the location of the Moama Wharf.
Enjoy the short stroll through the tree tops along the boardwalk into the township of
Moama. Murray River Access Map Reference- Map G; Mile Marker 1714.
‘Old Moama’ in Chanter Street can be accessed by mooring at Maiden’s Punts (near
Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park). Enjoy a stroll along Chanter Street Moama and look at the
historic builds of the Riverboat era, discover the site of the original river crossing in Moama,
(interpretive panel location), see the old telegraph station, the stop for Cobb n Co. Read the
interpretive panels belonging to the Long Paddock, the old droving stock route. Murray
River Access Map Reference- Map G; Mile Marker 1714-1716.
Port Picnic Bikes are an attractive way to see the local area, especially if you’ve just stepped
off a houseboat. Free of charge, you can enjoy Echuca Moama on two wheels. Choose to
collect a variety of wine, cheeses and other products in Echuca Moama whilst also taking
the opportunity to visit some of our beautiful picnic locations (contact St Anne’s Cellar Store
03 5480 6955). Ask for a brochure at the Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre.
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
Points of Interest Downstream of Echuca
Please be aware that returning upstream may take twice as long as
it took to reach your downstream destination.
Mobile Café on the Water - River Run
River Run - Covering Vic Park right through to Torrumbarry Weir.
• Coffee • Chocolates • Soft Drink • Water • Ice Creams • Slushies and more!
Call 0407 804 883. Find us on Facebook.
Morrison’s Winery and Restaurant
From every seat in the restaurant you have a view of the vineyard, the Murray River and the
private billabong. It is this magical environment, outstanding quality of food and service which
have earned Morrisons awards of best restaurant in southern NSW & ACT and business of the
year for Echuca Moama.
2 Merool Lane, Moama, NSW 2731 Tel: (03) 5480 0126
Email: [email protected]
Murray River Access Map Reference - Map G; Merool Bend; Mile Marker 1708-1710.
Will’s Bend
Will’s Bend camp ground is a designated camping area. It is a handy location to meet others who
may be joining you for a day on the river or wishing to camp by your houseboat. Bush toilets are
located at this camp ground along with a sandy bank (depending on river levels). Camp sites are
available on a 1st in best dressed policy, you are unable to reserve camping sites. Will’s Bend is
located 32km downstream of Port of Echuca, roughly 5 hours by houseboat, 9 kms by road and is
accessed West of Echuca off the Murray Valley Hwy down O’Dwyer Road.
Murray River Access Map Reference - Map E between Mile Marker 1680-1682
Deep Creek Marina
Note: The Marina NO LONGER offers petrol or a supermarket.
The hotel operates over the summer period and stocks ice, milk, bread and newspapers.
Murray River Access Map Reference - Map C; Mile Marker 1660
Perricoota Station
Since the early 1800s Perricoota Station has enjoyed many different and glorious ways of life….
Merino sheep, Cobb and Co horse transport, Short Horn cattle, orange and grapefruit orchards.
Now it is offering a restaurant, accommodation, functions, wedding and conference facilities,
water ski school and tours of the property and homestead.
Surrounded by over 3 ½ km’s of Murray River frontage, it is a grand destination draped in history
few have had the privilege to visit.
The restaurant is open Friday to Sunday lunch and dinner (except Sundays nights) and a range of
tours are available to the public, bookings are essential. Tours can be viewed on the website.
www.perricootastation.com.au
Bookings phone: 03 5483 6221
Murray River Access Map Reference - Map I; Mile Marker 1736
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
Torrumbarry Weir
This is the furthest point that local Echuca Moama commercial houseboats can travel. The Weir
is located 83kms by river downstream of central Echuca Moama and takes roughly 14 hours by
houseboat.
If you are travelling in a private houseboat and wish to pass through the weir, please
contact the weir master well in advance on 03 5487 2900.
The Torrumbarry Weir region offers a lovely wide river with flat picnic areas. The modern
interpretive centre tells the story of the original Torrumbarry Weir and the “new” weir, offering
insight in to irrigation systems and the region’s native flora and fauna. (Northern Regional Touring
Map) The interpretive centre is open 8am -5pm 7 days a week.
General Points of Interest
• Canoe Hire – 2 local companies can arrange canoe, kayak or fishing tinnie hire.
• Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire 0419 756 225/0488 005 566 www.echucaboatcanoehire.com
• River Country Adventours
03 58522736/ 0428 585 227 www.adventours.com.au
• Courtesy Buses - The local clubs offer a range of activities and dining options.
Designated houseboat-courtesy bus points are A)River Village Motel and Holiday Units Murray River Access Map - Map H; Mile Marker
1722 Vic Bank.
B)Echuca East Boat Ramp Murray River Access Map - Map G; Mile Marker 1716-1718 (at
the end of Mary Ann Rd Vic bank)
C) Dinky Di Houseboat (for Dinky Di Houseboats ONLY)
D)Cadell County Murray River Access Map - Map F; Mile Marker 1702-1704 Burnanga
Bend. NSW bank. (12kms for central Echuca Moama roughly 1.5 hours)
E) 5 Mile Reserve Boat Ramp Murray River Access Map - Map E; Mile Marker 1692-1694.
NSW Bank. (Note the Echuca Workers and Services Club do not pick up from this point).
Additional sites - Victoria Park, past the downstream of the boat ramp Murray River Access
Map - Map G; Mile Marker 1712
Visitor Information Centre car park Murray River Access Map - Map G; Mile Marker 1722
• Echuca Workers & Services Club 03 5482 3140
www.echucaworkers.com.au
• Moama Bowling Club 1800 806 777
www.moamabowlingclub.com.au
• Moama RSL
03 5482 6677
www.moamarsl.com.au
• Moama Sports Club 03 5480 6444
www.moamasportsclub.com.au
• Rich River Golf Club 03 5481 3333
www.richriver.com.au
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Water Activities
• Fishing - A NSW fishing license is required to fish in the Murray River. These can be
purchased through the Visitor Information Centre, 2 Heygarth St, Echuca.
• Golf - The Rich River Golf courtesy bus is able to pick up guests from selected mile markers
along the Murray (see above). The Club offers a range of activities and dining options. Rich
River Golf Club Resort offers two distinct Championship golf courses, immaculately groomed
and playable all year round. 03 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au
• Markets - The Echuca Moama market is held on Sundays throughout the year. It is located
at the Kerrabee Sound Shell in Moama. It is roughly a 1200metre walk from the Visitor
Centre or 600metre walk from the Moama Beach. Dates for the market can be found on the
Events Calender at
www.echucamoama.com
The Echuca Farmers market is held on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of the month. It is held
at the Alton Reserve, Hare Street, Echuca. For more information www.echucamoama.com/
events-calendar.
• Riverlakes Store offer free delivery to houseboats at check point D when they spend $30 or
more. Open 6.30am-8pm Monday-Friday, 7am-8pm Saturday and 7am-7pm Sunday. They
offer pizza delivery, licenced bottleshop, newspapers, ice, groceries, coffee and takeaway
foods. Contact 03 5480 0133. Murray River Access Map - Map F; Mile Marker 1702-1704
Burnanga Bend NSW bank.
• Water Ski School - offer everything from a tube ride for the kids, ski and wakeboarding
lesson to advanced moves for the experienced water sports athlete.
• Brett Sands Watersports
03 5482 1851
www.brettsands.com.au
• iwaterski
0400 290 718
www.iwaterski.com.au
• Wine Tours - Echuca Moama Wine Tours will pick up from your houseboat with prior
arrangement. At agreed mile markers. 0407 735 743 www.echucamoamawinetours.com.au
FAQ and General Information
Boat capacity
Please be aware when booking a commercial houseboat that the berth number is the
MAXIMUM number of persons allow on that houseboat at any one time. (So if you are
interested in having friends stop by for one night, maybe choose a bigger boat). This capacity
number is issued by NSW Maritime and applies at ALL TIMES. This includes whether the
houseboat is moored or underway.
Firewood
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Cutting down any tree dead or alive is an offence-it can also be very dangerous
Collect only a small amount of firewood from the ground-less than one cubic metre
Do not burn hollow logs
Do not drag logs
Do not place logs larger than 1 metre on the fire
Firewood for domestic use can only be collected from designated areas. (The Murray River
Guardian 2012-2013).
Call Parks Victoria on 131963 or NSW National Parks and Wildfire Service on 1300 361 967.
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
Camp Fires
• Small campfires are permitted for cooking or warmth provided:
• It is not a day of Total Fire Ban. (Gas appliances are also prohibited in open areas on days
of total Fire Ban).
• The fire is in a properly constructed fireplace or a 30cm deep trench. Trenches must be
backfilled before leaving.
• All flammable material within a distance of 3 metres is removed around a campfire or
BBQ.
• All flammable material within 1.5 metres is removed from around a campfire or BBQ that
uses gas, liquid or chemical fuel.
• The fire is not left unattended at any time and is completely extinguished with water
before leaving. The person in charge of the fire must be in the line of sight and within 50
metres of the fire.
• The fire is no larger than 1 square metre
In NSW, solid fuel fires are not permitted during the ‘solid fuel fire ban period’ over the
summer months. (The Murray River Guardian 2012-2013).
Visit www.parkvic.com.au
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Murray River Access Maps
Murray River Access Maps can be purchased through the Visitor Information Centre. Maps
are $7.00 and can be purchased upon arrival to the area or in advance by phone. Maps are
posted free of charge.
Secure Parking
Please contact your houseboat company regarding arrangement for secure parking.
Taxi
Echuca Moama Taxi offers a 24 hour service.
Contact: 131 008 or 03 5482 2700.
Car Hire
Dalberto Holden:
03 5482 1522 www.dalbertoholden.com.au
Visitor Information Centre
The Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre opens 9am-5pm 7 days a week (excluding
Christmas Day). Contact the centre:
2 Heygarth St,
Echuca Victoria.
1800 804 446
+613 5480 7555
[email protected]
www.echucamoama.com
ECHUCA MOAMA & DISTRICT TOURISM
Houseboats
Supermarkets
Echuca offers 3 centrally located Supermarkets and Moama offers one. These are within 1 km
of centrally suggested mooring points. Please request a local map at the Echuca Moama Visitor
Information Centre.
Other Useful Resources
Emergencies000
Echuca Police
03 5482 2255
Moama Police
03 5482 0099
Echuca Hospital
03 5485 5000
Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice
03 5480 6001
Rich River Health Group
03 5480 6700
Njernda Medical Centre (after hours clinic)
03 5480 6252
www.parkvic.com.au www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
www.nathaliabarmah.com.au
RIVER SAFETY TIPS
1. Never Swim Alone
2. Avoid Alcohol around water
3. Wear a lifejacket
4. Learning lifesaving skills
Visit royal lifesaving for more tips on river safety and watch a short video on how to respect
the water: www.royallifesaving.com.au/respecttheriver #respecttheriver
For more information contact the
Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre
www.echucamoama.com or freecall 1800 804 446