Photo: Mattinbgn / talk / CC BY-SA 3.0
Moama, a charming riverside town on the banks of the Murray River in southern New South Wales, offers a perfect blend of laid-back river life, historic pubs, and outdoor adventures. Just across the bridge from Echuca in Victoria, Moama is a gateway to the Murray's rich paddlesteamer heritage and a hub for water sports, fishing, and golf. Its wide streets, heritage buildings, and friendly locals make it an ideal stop on a self-drive itinerary through the Riverina region.
Highlights & What to See
- Murray River – The lifeblood of the region: take a scenic cruise on a historic paddlesteamer, kayak along the still waters, or simply picnic on the riverbanks watching houseboats drift by.
- Moama Beach – A sandy stretch on the Murray perfect for swimming, sunbaking, and family fun, with shaded picnic areas and a playground.
- Rich River Golf Club – Two championship 18-hole courses set among river red gums, consistently ranked among Australia's top public-access courses.
- Historic Pubs & Wineries – Drop into the Moama Hotel or the Echuca-Moama area's cellar doors for local wines, craft beers, and hearty country meals.
- Perricoota Forest – A vast river red gum forest offering walking trails, birdwatching, and a glimpse of the region's natural floodplain ecology.
- Echuca Port – Just across the bridge, explore the world's largest fleet of working paddlesteamers, the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, and the historic wharf precinct.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find two to three days ideal for Moama and its twin town Echuca. Spend your first day on the river – a paddlesteamer cruise or kayak hire – then explore the historic port and pubs. Dedicate the second day to golf, a winery tour, or a drive through Perricoota Forest. If you're self-driving, Moama makes a relaxing overnight stop between Melbourne and the Snowy Mountains or the South Coast.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Echuca – The historic port town just over the bridge, famous for its paddlesteamers and heritage architecture.
- Deniliquin – A classic Riverina town about an hour north, known for its merino wool industry and the annual Deni Ute Muster.
- Yarrawonga & Mulwala – Lake Mulwala water-sports paradise, about 90 minutes east, with golf, fishing, and the famous Yarrawonga Weir.
- Shepparton – A foodie hub two hours south, renowned for its fruit orchards, wineries, and the Moooving Art cow statues.
- Mungo National Park – A three-hour drive west, home to the ancient Walls of China and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.