Friends, imagine timber wharves, chuffing paddlesteamers, and river red gums framing a relaxed inland port where history and gentle adventure fit into one walkable hub.

Echuca makes planning simple: cruises depart from the old wharf, museums cluster on Murray Esplanade, and farms and trailheads sit a short drive away. Here's a practical, price‑rich guide in US dollars to map a stress‑free trip.

<h3>Port gateway</h3>

Begin at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre for hands‑on exhibits, heritage machinery, and access to the working river precinct. Allow 60–90 minutes; entry is typically $10–$15, kids $5–$9, and family passes $25–$35. Pick up cruise tickets here and budget $2–$4 per hour if using nearby metered parking. Early mornings are quiet for photos.

<h3>Historic wharf</h3>

Step onto the elevated timber wharf for views over the Murray and moored heritage vessels. It's free to wander; plan 20–40 minutes and stroll the Murray Esplanade lined with restored sheds and shopfronts. For easy pacing, pair with a nearby café stop ($4–$7 for hot drinks and snacks) before or after a cruise.

<h3>River cruise</h3>

A classic one‑hour paddlesteamer ride runs about $25–$35, $12–$20 per child, with family bundles $65–$90. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to collect boarding passes, then grab a front‑deck seat for storytelling from the skipper and a peek at the steam engine at work. Short lunch or sunset trips are $45–$90 depending on inclusions.

<h3>Overnight steam</h3>

If time allows, book a multi‑night river journey aboard a heritage‑powered vessel. Three‑night packages often start around $1,600–$1,900 per person twin‑share, including meals, guided shore tours, and transfers to the Echuca train station. Expect small‑ship comfort, starry riverside dinners, and easy daytime cruising with interpretive stops.

<h3>Riverside strolls</h3>

Follow the riverside paths from the wharf for flat, stroller‑friendly walking. It's free, shaded, and scenic; allow 30–60 unrushed minutes with bench breaks and lookout pauses. Bring water and a hat in warmer months. Public toilets and playgrounds are dotted along the foreshore a few minutes apart.

<h3>Science play</h3>

TwistEd Science turns tinkering into learning with build‑and‑test stations, reaction‑time games, and an augmented‑reality climb wall. Typical pricing is $10–$18 per child, $8–$15, with 60–90 minutes of hands‑on time. It's an excellent midday cool‑off and a smart plan‑B for hot or rainy afternoons.

<h3>Pioneer stories</h3>

Drop into the Echuca Historical Society Museum inside the 1869 police station for pioneer, riverboat, and railway exhibits. Entry generally sits at $4–$7 and visits run 30–45 minutes. Volunteers can point to archival photos and quirky river charts; combine with a nearby gelato or bakery stop ($3–$6) to keep energy up.

<h3>Heritage shed</h3>

For a nostalgic detour, visit a sprawling private museum filled with vintage signs, farm gear, appliances, and classic brand memorabilia. Expect $6–$12 entry and 45–90 minutes of browsing. There's lots to point at and chat about with kids and grandparents alike, and free parking on‑site keeps it simple.

<h3>Billabong Ranch</h3>

Families can stack activities at this countryside hub: mini‑golf, pedal boats, climbing wall, and pony rides. Budget $8–$15 per activity, day bundles $25–$45 per person, and 2–4 hours for an easy rotation. Guided horse trail rides (ages and experience permitting) range from $45–$95 for 1–3 hours—closed‑toe shoes required.

<h3>Pick your own</h3>

In season (roughly October to late May), head to a nearby PYO strawberry farm. Expect $3–$6 admission and $6–$10 per punnet, with tastings encouraged as you learn the varieties. Staff can point to ripe rows and show a gentle twist‑and‑pull technique. Morning visits are cooler and less busy.

<h3>Five Mile pause</h3>

Cross to the NSW side for Five Mile Picnic Area, a quiet stretch by the Murray with shaded tables and a boat ramp. It's free; bring a blanket, snacks ($8–$15 per person), and a book. If you paddle, check local flow and safety updates before launching a kayak or canoe.

<h3>Studio stop</h3>

Pop into the Whistle Stop Studio Gallery, a working space inside a relocated 1880s railway station. Entry is free, with original works and ceramics typically $20–$200. Allow 15–30 minutes and chat with the artist if she's on the tools; paddlesteamers and local wildlife often feature in the pieces.

<h3>Visitor centre</h3>

Call into the Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre on Murray Esplanade for maps, bookings, and time‑saving advice. Staff can reserve cruises and tours at the desk, and you can skim exhibits inside an 1877 pumping station. Allow 10–20 minutes to gather brochures and confirm same‑day schedules.

<h3>Southern 80</h3>

On the second weekend in February, the Southern 80 water‑ski classic draws big crowds. Viewing is free at various points; paid grandstands, if offered, vary by year. Park early, bring sun protection and water, and expect rolling traffic controls near the river. Families often base at Five Mile for space and shade.

<h3>Getting there</h3>

From Melbourne, V/Line trains to Echuca take about 2.5–3 hours and commonly run $18–$30 one way. Driving takes around 2.5–3 hours; rental cars average $45–$85 per day plus fuel. In town, most sights cluster within a 10–15 minute walk of the wharf; local taxis and rideshares cover out‑of‑town attractions for $10–$25.

<h3>Stay & dine</h3>

Expect $70–$120 for clean motels, $120–$190 for midrange hotels, and $110–$200 for cabins or riverside cottages. Casual meals run $12–$20 per main, kids' plates $7–$12, and café breakfasts $8–$16. Book peak weekends and school holidays early; shoulder seasons bring lower rates and milder temperatures.

<h3>Conclusion</h3>

Echuca shines when steam‑powered mornings blend into riverside strolls, hands‑on science, and farm‑fresh stops—all within easy reach of the wharf. Lykkers, which combo fits—paddlesteamer plus ranch afternoon, or museum loop and strawberry picking? Share dates, pace, and target daily budget for a tailored route with bookings, timings, and backup weather plans.