Mel and Brenden of All Around Oz are on the Adelaide to Melbourne section of the Follow the Sun Relay. In this post, they drive from Swan Hill to Echuca.
After a couple of very relaxing days at Swan Hill, it was time to move on to Echuca. We always like being able to stop if we see something interesting, so as we drove along I spotted a sign that said, ‘Ibis Rookery’. We went for a look and discovered the Middle Lake Ibis Rookery. Unfortunately, we were too late for the nesting season, but we did find a great wetland area. Middle Lake is part of the Kerang wetlands system and through a series of information boards, we learned about the importance of these areas to our ecosystems. There is also a fantastic ‘bird hide’ there so it would be an awesome spot during nesting season.
We then stopped in a pretty little town called Cohuna for lunch. It’s another RV Friendly town with a lovely park area that runs along the banks of Gunbower Creek. There were plenty of shops across the road and we treated ourselves with some takeaway from the cafe. There was plenty of shady trees and green grass where we were able to enjoy our lunch. All whilst watching the antics of the Western Corellas that flock to the area.
Arriving in Echuca we headed out of town to Discovery Parks Echuca, where we were to stay for the next 3 nights. This is a large park with every type of accommodation available and it is just a short stroll to the mighty Murray River. We were given a lovely site along the back fence line. Just across from us were a BBQ and picnic table and the camp kitchen. The amenities were spacious and always clean. For the kids, there are two swimming pools, a jumping pillow, mini golf, and a BMX track. Park managers Judy and Peter couldn’t have been more helpful, and we really loved our stay there.
Echuca itself is reminiscent of the once bustling port city that it was. It has somehow managed to maintain some of its charm and character from days gone by, especially in the port area and the main street.
We loved wandering around and checking out the various shops, many of which still retain the original storefronts. There are so many places where you can grab a coffee or a meal. We recommend you check out the Shamrock Hotel and their 101 Parmy’s. You will have a hard time choosing I can assure you!
Another must do whilst in Echuca is a cruise on a paddle steamer. We chose the Pride of the Murray for ours and spent an hour cruising along the Murray and learning some more about the heritage of Echuca. After completing our cruise, we wandered through the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre. Much of the wharf area has been restored and looks as it did 150 years. A very worthwhile experience.
-Mel and Brenden
Check out the rest of the Follow the Sun Relay posts on our website.
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