Activities in The Murray River
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Aus-Air
Take to the air with Aus-Air, which offers all sorts of fun trips over the rivers. Air Nostalgia flies you to Echuca from Melbourne in a 1940s DC3, takes you for a cruise on an old paddle steamer, then flies you back to Melbourne.
reviewed
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PS Emmylou
As you enter the pedestrian-only Murray Esplanade, you can buy tickets for a cruise or to explore the historic buildings along the Esplanade. A paddle-steamer cruise along the Murray is almost obligatory, and at least four steamers offer cruises; head down to the river and check out the sailing times. PS Emmylou is a fully restored paddle steamer driven by an original engine. Overnight cruises are also available.
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Kingfisher Cruises
Magnificent Barmah Lakes offers something totally different. Head out to the visitors area where Kingfisher Cruises glides you along in a flat-bottom boat through Australia’s largest river red-gum forest and Barmah’s World Heritage–listed wetlands. Your captain points out bird and mammal species along the way. Ring for departure times and bookings.
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Paddle Steamer Cruises
A paddle steamer cruise here is almost obligatory. Buy tickets from the port entrance or along the Esplanade, and ask for the brochure on the boats’ histories. Check out the timetable for lunch and dinner, twilight and sunset cruises. At least six paddle steamers offer cruises.
reviewed
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Wild Side Outdoors
Wild Side is an ecofriendly outfit offering a range of activities including a sunset kayaking tour at Kings Billabong (adult/child $30/10), and canoe/kayak/mountain-bike hire ($30/20/20 per hour).
reviewed
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Billabong Ranch
Head out to the Billabong Ranch for a fun day. There’s minigolf, pedal boats, an animal nursery, tenpin bowling, a playground, a café, bar and pony rides, amongst other things like off-road buggies ($30 per 15 minutes).
reviewed
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All Saints Estate
Head out of town to the stunning All Saints Estate. There’s an atmospheric cellar-door in a 120-year-old castle, and in the front building Indigo Cheese Co offers tastings of gourmet cheeses and other produce from the region.
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Billabong Carriages
Breeze around the port in style in a horse-drawn coach with Billabong Carriages. Get your tickets on the coach. Love it? Then take a scenic wine tour ($65) out to Cape Horn Vineyard for the day.
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PV Rothbury
The fastest of the riverboats, it offers a winery cruise on Thursday, visiting Trentham Winery Estate and a BBQ lunch at Kings Billabong. On Tuesday there's a lunch cruise to Gol Gol Hotel.
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Moontongue Eco-Adventures
A sunset kayaking trip is a great way to see the river and its wildlife.
reviewed
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Brett Sands Watersports
Several operators offer water-skiing trips and classes. Very popular is Brett Sands Watersports, which will teach you skills behind a boat on skis, wake board, knee board or barefoot.
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Harry Nanya Tours
Indigenous guide Graham Clarke keeps you enchanted with Dreaming stories and his deep knowledge and understanding of the Mungo region.
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Rutherglen Stretch Limousine
A great way to take a winery tour is with Rutherglen Stretch Limousine. The limo takes up to 11 passengers, picnic hampers can be provided, and half- or full-day tours arranged.
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PS Melbourne
One of the original paddle steamers, and the only one still driven by steam power. On Friday and Saturday this cruise is aboard the PV Rothbury.
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Woodsies Gem Shop
Woodsies Gem Shop has a huge garden maze (adult/child $2/1) covered in pretty vines and flowers, a sparkly Aladdin’s Cave and a workshop where gems are cut and polished.
reviewed
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Chateau Mildura
Established in 1888 and still producing table wines, this is a living wine and horticultural museum with wine tasting to help your cultural experience.
reviewed
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Visible Effects Day Spa
Grab a few hours at Visible Effects Day Spa. Try the Vitamin A facial ($55) followed by a hot-stone massage ($135) in a cocoon of music and aromatherapy.
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Air Nostalgia
Air Nostalgia flies you to Echuca from Melbourne in a 1940s DC3, takes you for a cruise on an old paddle steamer, then flies you back to Melbourne.
reviewed
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Mildura Ballooning
Enjoy the sunrise from the air with a one-hour dawn balloon flight over the wonderful patchwork of vineyards, orchards and the Murray.
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Billabong Trail Rides
For horse riding along rivers or through the bush, contact Billabong Trail Rides, which also has rides for kids and a pub ride.
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Discover Mildura Tours
Takes you out at 10am to see the river and the land, and through gourmet food experiences. Add a scenic helicopter flight for an extra $70.
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MV Mary Ann
MV Mary Ann is a cruising restaurant. Prices include a two-course meal and entertainment. Call ahead for dining times.
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Echuca Boat & Canoe Hire
Echuca Boat & Canoe Hire has motor boats ($40/150 per hour/day), kayaks and canoes ($16 to $30 per hour) for hire.
reviewed
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Scion
A few blocks south of Main St is Scion, a cellar-door with an art exhibition and a small range of boutique wines.
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Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre
The Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre is crystal-bright, with heated pool, spa, sauna and gym.
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