We really needed a short break during 2020 and Echuca is only 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne. Lucky for us we were already on the houseboat when Stage 3 Restrictions were put in place, allowing us to finish our 4 night trip. I would recommend doing this trip in winter to avoid the crowds. It is so peaceful you almost feel like you have the river to yourselves. Obviously it’s too cold to swim at that time of year, but you can always get a houseboat with a spa!
Costs
We booked with Murray River Houseboats and they were fantastic. Great with communication, friendly and happy to offer advice anytime. Our trip (during school holidays) cost $960 for 4 nights plus $240 for fuel. Usually houseboat companies hire boats for either a 4 night weekday booking or a 3 night weekend booking for the same price, so if you want an extra night book Mon-Thurs. They charged a bond of $800, which is refunded when you return the boat in the same condition (minus the fuel charge). They assured us that no matter how much damage we did to their boat the bond would be all that we would be charged. We did happen to see another boat sideswipe some fallen trees and rip off part of their rear railing, so that was reassuring.
FOOD
You must bring ALL your supplies with you. There is nowhere to stop along the way, so stock up on everything!
DRIVING YOUR HOUSEBOAT
You do get a short instructional session with a staff member before setting off, which includes a drive. Just cruising along the river is really quite easy, but parking and reversing out of the riverbank can be a little tricky, hence the reason I suggest going off-peak the first time. I can only imagine how much more stressful it would be trying to do this with lots of other houseboats passing close-by. I also suggest looking for a place to park for the night by mid-afternoon. You definitely don’t want to be trying to park in the dark, and there are limited places where you are allowed to park along the riverbank. There are roads fairly close to the river, so staff will drive up to help you if you get into trouble.
Our houseboat, the Mayflower, was probably the smallest in the fleet. It had 3 bedrooms with 2 double beds and 1 bunk bed. It didn’t feel cramped and there was plenty of space on the upper deck to relax. We chose not to get one of the larger boats with a spa for two reasons. It was our first time and we thought a smaller boat would be easier to manage and also boats with a spa pool use more fuel.
THINGS TO DO ON THE MURRAY RIVER
Explore
Explore the riverbanks and venture out for walks. In winter there are few campers on the riverbanks so you have it to yourselves. It’s also nice and green. Keep your eyes open for Rock Wallaby’s.
Go Fishing
We tried our hand at fishing, but without much success. TIP: Drop your line from some large logs. The fish like these areas. Don’t worry there are no crocs in the Murray.
Build a Campfire
You can build a fire almost anywhere along the riverbank. Generally you will find a spot where people have had a fire before you. Bring some bags of larger wood with you and don’t forget the marshmallows!
This is a wonderfully, relaxing way to spend a few days. We rate it as one of the best short breaks from Melbourne.
Heathcote Restaurant – Fetching Treasures
107 High St, Heathcote. If you’re looking for a place to eat on the way back to Melbourne try this restaurant. We sat by the open fire and enjoyed an excellent lunch. It’s owned by an Englishman who really knows how to cook.
This eclectic restaurant has nice indoor and outdoor seating.
Try the chicken curry. It was our favourite.