Shorts and T-Shirts yesterday and 28 degrees; today - jeans, two jumpers, a coat, a scarf - 16 degrees with an icy wind! Was predicted but not prepared for the plummet after a week of perfect sunny 28 degree weather! Bbbrrrrrrr!
Back to the road tripping today - destination Echuca! From Mildura we hopped on the Sturt Highway and headed to Robinvale where we picked up the Murray Valley Highway which deposited us in Echuca. Lovely drive through yet more vineyards! (can't believe how many there are), citrus orchards, stone fruit orchards and vegetable farms, with a smattering of sheep and cattle properties. We were hugging the Murray most of the way and we were introduced some more of her lovely river towns and villages that reside on her banks or nearby - Euston, Robinvale, Nyah, Swan Hill, Lake Boga, Keranga with her lovely surrounding lakes, Cohuna, Gunbower.
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| Caught this at Swan Hill! :) |
Echuca is the closest point of the Murray to Melbourne - only a 2.5 hour drive! Also discovered on arrival that Echuca has a twin town across the river in NSW - Moama.
Both towns were founded by ex convicts. Cattle dealer James Maiden came to Moana nearly 10 years before Henry Hopwood's arrival in Echuca. In 1845 Maiden established a punt and an inn on the northern side of the river and became known as Moana in 1851. Hopwood had been convicted for receiving stolen silk and sentenced to 14 years transportation. After two stints as a policeman he came to the southern side of the Murray in 1850 and set up a rival punt and hotel in 1853. This site was named Echuca in 1854. Another interesting character contributing to Australia's history!..........worth a read.....
The towns are Australia's Paddlesteamer Capital. Hopwood was enterprising and saw Echuca as a major river port and it became Australia's largest inland port and was even nominated as a possible national capital in 1891. The twin towns prospered. Echuca also was a ship building centre for the river transport industry, as well as providing red gum for wharf piles, railway sleepers and building materials. As with the other ports on the Murray the expansion of the railway saw Echuca's importance lessen and by the 1890's the paddlesteamer fleet was in decline. The depression ended Echuca's position as a major economic centre and her population decreased.
Great to see this bygone era showcased as we strolled along historic High Street and the Murray Esplanade. The heritage listed Echuca Wharf is being refurbished at the moment.
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Our backyard :)
Sitting having a coffee in the MH on arrival at the Tourist Park and the EmmyLou paddled by |
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| Great name! |
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| Strolling along the Murray Esplanade into town - nice parade of houseboats and majestic Red River Gums |
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| The Port of Echuca has kept its 19th century charm ( including the dirt road) so you feel you have been transported back in time - you experience the authentic working river port................... |
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| The Bridge Hotel was built by Hopwood in 1859 |
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| The Blacksmiths |
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| Lovely restaurant overlooking the Port |
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| A quaint B&B |
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| The railway line on the banks of the river at the Port |
HIGH STREET
Modern shops in historic buildings have kept the 19th century feel with appropriate street lighting and shop signage.
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Nice coffee and goodies at popular Beechworth Bakery, and a great view over the Campaspe River
as you "sip and nibble" |
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| Lost Pete in High Street - this is where I found him!!! :) |
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| Getting ready for a "cool" evening of dining! |
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| A wine bar with lots of appeal! |
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| The town square |
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| My nature pic for today |
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| Pete found his next new toy! :) |
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