historic inland river port

Zone : Big Rivers / Central Victoria
Region : Perricoota / Goulburn Valley
Climate : Mediterranean
Major varieties grown :
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay

At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. It was this aspect of its history that became the basis for the town's reorientation as a tourism centre, particularly since the restoration of the old port area began in 1973. Paddle steamers again travel the local waters, albeit for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. Moreover, the survival of many original buildings has enabled a meaningful renovation of the old streetscape. It was the port area's authentic appearance which attracted the makers of All The Rivers Run who used it as the setting for their television series on the riverboat era.

Echuca is located 205 km north of Melbourne via the Hume and Northern Highways and is 96m above sea-level in a largely irrigated pastoral and agricultural district. There is some manufacturing and stock sale yards in town but tourism is the main industry now.