JUST DOWN THE ROAD

NEW SOUTH WALES

WOMBOOTA

COHUNA

LEITCHVILLE

GUNBOWER

TORRUMBARRY

PYRAMID HILL LOCKINGTON

ROCHESTER

DENILIQUIN

MATHOURA

BARMAH

MOAMA

MURRAY RIVER

ECHUCA

TONGALA

VICTORIA

KYABRAM

Wine and dine in Heathcote

FROM EXCLUSIVE WINE TASTINGS TO GOURMET FOOD, HEATHCOTE ON SHOW IS A WEEKEND TO SPLASH OUT AND ENJOY YOURSELF.

On the Queen’s Birthday weekend from June 12 to 14, you will be surrounded by winemakers, chefs, brewers and musicians and get to the heart of what Heathcote has to offer. According to the Heathcote Visitor Centre, it is becoming one of Australia’s ‘most loved wine regions’, known worldwide for its fine Shiraz. It also has ancient red wines including Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Petit Verdot, as well as white wines including Rieslings and Viognier. The area’s history dates back to the 1850s when gold was discovered in the region. In 1852, William Bulling and his two friends struck gold, bringing thousands of people to the area.

In the mid-1860s the town started to come together, with hospitals, schools and churches being built. This old architecture can still be seen in Heathcote’s main street. The picturesque landscape will allow you to appreciate the great outdoors, whether it be exploring on foot or riding to having a picnic. Nearby Lake Eppalock offers fishing, boating, water-skiing or swimming. So where do you stay? You can enjoy everything from five-star hotels to farm stays, as well as camping grounds for those who want to sleep under the stars. Heathcote On Show will spread over 30 locations across the Heathcote township and surrounding area.

Meadery is sweet as honey

THE OLD SCHOOL WINERY AND MEADERY IS A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS AND A MUST-SEE FOR ANYONE PASSING THROUGH THE SMALL TOWN OF WOMBOOTA.

The winery and meadery was founded in 2001 by Frits and Suzanne Massee and is now continued by their daughters Freya and Kate, producing multiple variations of wine and mead, using locally sourced honey and grapes. When the couple started the winery and meadery, there was only one or two meaderies in each state, with traditional sweet honey mead being the most made. However, Frits and Suzanne began creating their mead out of local honey such as river red gum and box honey, starting a new trend in the meadmaking world in Australia. Today, the Old School Winery and Meadery is open to visitors wanting to try their game-changing mead and grape wine.

“Mead tastings and tea or coffee are available from our cellar door, and we encourage visitors to bring a picnic and relax in the gardens of the historic Womboota school grounds,” Freya said. “Pets are also welcome too.”

The Old School Winery and Meadery is located on School Rd, Womboota, NSW, and is open every day (except Mondays) from 10 am to 5 pm.

Taste our delicious artisan meads (honey wines) Shop handcrafted pottery, made in our studio beside the winery Relax in our tranquil cellar door garden

Coff ee & tea available... or bring a picnic. Dogs are welcome too!

www.theoldschoolwinery.com.au www.wombootapottery.com Old School Winery & Meadery

School Rd, Womboota NSW (just 31 km from Moama, along Perricoota Rd)

We’re usually open TuesdaySunday from 10am-5pm but please call or check online to make sure.

Lic. No. 24008153

Songs share a story of hope

FROM THE WINGS OF A DARKENED STAGE DRIFTS THE EVOCATIVE, SLIGHTLY HAUNTING SOUND OF CLAP STICKS. A FIGURE SLOWLY EMERGES SINGING IN HIS TRADITIONAL LANGUAGE.

This mesmerising introduction heralds a performance by renowned Indigenous autobiographical singer/songwriter and proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man, Kutcha Edwards. The show is arranged in sequences exploring Kutcha’s life through the themes of Country, Birth, Youth, Politics, Love, Culture, Healing and Hope. “When I look back at my life, and I look back at my childhood, and this album and show called Circling Time, it’s conceptualising the fact that your childhood is tapping you on the shoulder and it’s reminding you of your past,” Kutcha said. “The infinity sign is very similar to the way conceptualisation of the timeline for Aboriginal people. There is no starting point. There is no end.” Kutcha’s new album Circling Time features songs chosen to complement each thematic segment of the show, culminating in a finale in which the audience is invited to participate, raising their voices in a unified song of hope. People are enriched by their encounter with Kutcha and left with a broader understanding of First Nations culture and how the policies of yesterday have impacted and continue to do so. “We’re all wanting a place of belonging, especially when you’ve been displaced,” Kutcha said. “As Aboriginal people, all we need to know is that we’re not the only ones in the canoe paddling upstream. “We need non-Aboriginal people to hop in that canoe and help us make a better tomorrow for us all. “Let’s find the commonalities and not the differences.” Without a doubt Kutcha leaves audiences enthralled with his performance, his beautiful voice, charismatic stage presence and with a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Peoples.

Circling Time is at Riverlinks WestSide, Echuca Rd, Mooroopna, on Thursday, June 16 at 7.30 pm.

Fun-filled festival for families

THE YARRAWONGA MULWALA KIDS FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2022, WITH A FUNFILLED PROGRAM PROVIDING CHILDREN AND PARENTS WITH PLENTY TO DO DURING THE WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.

Live and interactive shows, sporting clinics, live music and performance, and movie marathons are some of the events at the festival.

It will also feature live animals and horse riding lessons for the animal lovers.

There will be a combination of free and paid events throughout the festival, with families able to book in early to ensure they don’t miss out on their favourite events. “We’re super excited to be hosting the Kids Festival again this year,” Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre team leader Helen Copland said. “The last few years we have had to hold altered editions of the festival due to COVID restrictions, but we are ready to host the event in full this year.” The festival has been organised to encourage families to travel to Yarrawonga Mulwala and surrounding areas during the school holidays to help support the region.

The festival will run from Saturday, July 2 to Saturday, July 9, with tickets available at: www.yarrawongamulwala.com.au

BY DAY. BY RIVER. BY NIGHT.

DISCOVER AUSTRALIA’S PIONEERING PAST

By day, explore life as it was, with working displays, restorations and exhibits. By river, take in the majestic beauty of the Murray River on board the historic Pyap. By night, experience “Heartbeat of the Murray”, an award-winning display of lasers, lights, fire, water and booming sound – a must see event!

Pioneer Settlement 125 Monash Drive, Swan Hill Toll Free 1800 981 911 • Phone: 03 5036 2410

www.pioneersettlement.com.au

Share your visit: #pioneersettlement

Winter light show

SHEPPARTON WILL LIGHT UP ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25, FOR ITS INAUGURAL WHITE NIGHT, ATTRACTING THOUSANDS OF LOCALS AND VISITORS TO THE CITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES.

The program will feature the best of the best from previous regional White Night events alongside new elements that showcase the region’s landscape, culture, and history. Local tourism, hospitality, accommodation, and retail businesses are set to benefit from an influx of visitors with a crowd of up to 30,000 expected to attend White Night Shepparton. White Night will transform Shepparton through illuminations, projections, music and interactive works from talented local and national artists. Visitors to the event can also explore the new Shepparton Arts Museum, which opened its doors in November 2021, after a major redevelopment. The Shepparton event will be the first White Night celebration for the year with White Night Bendigo taking place on September 3 and White Night Geelong on October 8. Since the first White Night in Melbourne in 2013, the event has built a strong reputation as a vibrant and inclusive celebration of immersive art and community participation. White Night has attracted large crowds to regional events in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong in previous years, acting as tourism driver and a source of civic pride for its host cities.

Grab a glass of wine and relax

ENJOY THE SERENITY AT BARHAM VINES WINERY.

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting back in the afternoon with a glass of wine in your hand, and that is what Barham Vines tries to give its customers. Started in 2012 by brothers Peter and Colin, along with their partners Kelly and Sharon, Barham Vines is their opportunity to bring their passion for wine to locals and visitors. They currently produce three types of wine — Shiraz, Tempranillo and a Cabernet Sauvignon — and have a cellar door on their property for visitors to purchase their delicious drops. On Saturdays they open their boutique vineyard to visitors for wine and cheese, as “Saturdays are all about lazy afternoons, relaxing on the lawn and soaking up the bushland environment,” they said. Along with the wine and cheese, the team at Barham Vines also offers wood-fire pizza for those looking for a more substantial bite to eat. The Barham Vines small batch, boutique winery is set in a classic Australian bush backdrop, with a sprawling space of green “enveloped in river red gums and rows of our beloved vines, so it’s the perfect place to sit back and drink a beautiful glass of red,” the brothers said. Bookings are recommended for Saturdays, which can be made online or on 0448 799 451. The vineyard is at 62 Riverview Drive, Barham, NSW and is open on Saturdays from 12 pm.

cluBarham

The best place on the Murray for food, accomodation, and entertainment Try out our new food options!

Ballet dances into the region

BALLET LOVERS CAN SEE SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST DANCERS WHEN THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET PERFORMS AT THE ULUMBARRA THEATRE IN BENDIGO.

The Australian Ballet will be touring around the country, bringing ballet to regional centres that often don’t get the chance to see such shows. The performance will include selections of pas de deux and Swan Lake Variation choreographed by former artistic director David McAllister. Along with the performance, the Australia Ballet will also host school workshops and in-school performances, workshops for pre-schoolers, youth and senior citizens and masterclasses for local dancers. “Our regional tour is a vital link to ballet-loving audiences around the country,” artistic director David Hallberg said. “Many of our dancers’ careers were cultivated in remote and regional dance schools across the nation and we hope our regional performances will

inspire kids in Australia to explore dance with the Australian Ballet.”

The company will perform three shows on August 5 and 6, with tickets costing $65 for adults, $37 for children and $61 for concessions. Tickets are available at: gotix@bendigo.vic.gov.au

Saddle up for cowboy racing

IT’S TIME TO GET A LITTLE BIT COWBOY AT THIS YEAR’S TRUE GRIT CLASSIC.

The Australian Extreme Cowboy Racers will bring their True Grit Classic to Elmore from August 19 to 23, with world-class cowboys showcasing their incredible horsemanship. The event will feature two separate competitions with combined scores, with seven divisions competing across the classic. Australian Extreme Cowboy Racers Club president Kim Peterson said the event was a “fantastic weekend activity” and one that was “a bit different to what people usually do on the weekend”. “It’s an amazing spectator sport and there is so much going on all event that everyone is kept engaged the entire time,” she said. “Unlike other weekend activities, we encourage people to get as rowdy and loud as possible, as it creates a great atmosphere. “The entire event is commentated so you don’t need to know anything about cowboy racing as the commentators will tell you all the rules and everything that you need to know.” Kim said the competition was hoping to bring some international judges to officiate the classic to ensure a high standard of racing.

The True Grit Classic will be held at the Elmore Events Centre from August 19 to 23. Gates open at 8am, depending on the number of entries, with entry free for spectators.

The pub for the whole family

THE BUNDALONG TAVERN ISN’T JUST A PLACE FOR PARENTS TO ESCAPE FROM THE KIDS, IT’S A RESTAURANT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY.

Situated on the Murray Valley Hwy, the Bundalong Tavern offers great food, great drinks and great entertainment. “Our tavern has something for everyone,” Bundalong Tavern manager Kayla Butler said. “We are a more unique than other country pubs because we are a bit out of town and so we have more space for people to come and enjoy. “We have grassland nearby for kids to play in as well as a wide range of activities at the tavern itself.” Along with the grassland, the tavern has a basketball court, a jumping pillow, mechanical bull and table tennis tables. There’s also a delicious food and drink menu. “We have the traditional pub meals, but we also have a wood-fire oven to make some delicious pizzas, which are a real hit,” Kayla said. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the tavern has the Bundy Burger Challenge – which challenges visitors to finish a 3.5kg burger in under 30 minutes.

The Bundalong Tavern is at 7419 Murray Valley Hwy, Bundalong, Victoria and is open seven days a week. For bookings, phone 5726 8586.

Classic cars are ready to shine

TOCUMWAL’S ANNUAL SWAP MEET SHOW ’N’ SHINE IS RETURNING FOR A 10TH YEAR THIS JULY.

The event sees automotive lovers converge on Tocumwal to view the region’s best classic cars, trucks and motorbikes. A handful of mid-century trucks will be on show, but the main features will include a selection of classic cars as well as hot rods and muscle cars. Visitors will also be able to look at a range of Harley Davidson motorbikes, as well as classic English and Japanese bikes. Swap Meet Show ‘n’ Shine spokesperson Peter Ryan said the event had something for everyone. “It’s not just for motor enthusiasts. We have people who bring memorabilia, vintage crockery, jewellery and sculptures,” he said. “If you’re interested in it, there’s a chance some of the visitors will be too.” In previous years, vendors have brought their rustic sculptures made from scrap metal, retro jugs and other home-made items to sell at the event.

Gates will open at 8am for all general admission with a $5 entry. The swap meet will be held at the Tocumwal Recreation Reserve on Sunday, July 3.

Blowhole has a story to tell

TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO THE HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF THE TOCUMWAL BLOWHOLE AND ROCKS.

“When the river is low, the blowhole flows and bubbles, it seems to then come alive,” Tocumwal Tourist Information Centre volunteer Elizabeth Mitchell said. The blowhole is said to be an important place for the Ulupna and Bangarang people. The original name, ‘Tucumival’, is from an Indigenous word from the region meaning ‘deep hole’. “Some storytelling says it is a giant Murray cod that lives at the bottom of it, others believe it’s the mouth of an underground stream connected to the Murray River,” Elizabeth said. “The south part of the blowhole has a hollow sound when struck, which makes people think there’s an underground cave.” She said there’s “fascinating history” and if you did not know the story behind it, you would not understand what you are seeing. “Once you know the history and you go and view it, you can sort of appreciate it and understand it and realise that underground there is all this water movement going on.” The blowhole also contributes to hydropower and is said to supply electricity to about 1500 houses. “It’s worthwhile going to see it if you’re seeing all the other attractions in the area,” Elizabeth said.

You can find the blowhole at 739 Thorburns Rd, Tocumwal.

That’s a big fish

ON THE TOCUMWAL FORESHORE YOU’LL FIND THE ‘WORLD’S BIGGEST COD’ OVERLOOKING THE OLD AND NEW BRIDGES LINKING NSW TO VICTORIA.

The Indigenous name for the Murray cod is ‘goodoo’, but the six-metre-long sculpture is colloquially called the ‘Big Fish’ and represents what the area is famous for. The Big Murray Cod is one of about 150 oversized attractions around Australia, like the Big Banana. In 1967, three forward-thinking women who made up the auxiliary of the local Chamber of Commerce decided that Tocumwal needed ‘something diff erent’ to put the town on the map. The women were Kathryn (Trixie) Moore, Alice Johnson and Lorna Nash. For months they held fundraisers to raise £3000 for the cost of the fi sh. When it was erected at the old swimming pool in 1968, it became the second ‘big thing’ to go on display in Australia. Now visitors to Tocumwal can enjoy the playground, picnic and toilet facilities, and a lovely view of the Murray River, when they visit the Big Murray Cod at the Tocumwal Foreshore.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

the team at the Riverine Herald are dedicated to bringing you ‘Your News’.

Local news and information, sport, videos, photo galleries, breaking news, opinion, announcements, opportunities, triumphs and entertainment.

SINCE 1863 RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU

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CAPTAIN CLEAN-UP

Jye Blachford took on the persona of Captain Clean Up when Riverine Herald photographer Steve Huntley visited Echuca East Primary School yesterday, on the eve of Sunday’s Clean up Australia event. The event was started in 1989 by renowned sailor Ian Keirnan. More photos and story on page 6 today.

Photo: Steve Huntley

ROCHESTER MURAL FESTIVAL ARTISTS

PAGES 22–23

SINCE 1863 RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU

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BRIDGE EXPECTED TO OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT 11AM TODAY

BRIDGED!

Kiwanis member Claire Richter (top left picture) with St Mary’s Primary School students Charlotte Shawcross, Matilda Smith, Georgia Beasley and Mia Wickham, at the NSW entrance to the bridge celebrations, while below is Kevin Kiely and his Moama Anglican Grammar marching band that led the Moama march onto the bridge, and fi nally, Member for Farrer and Environment Minister Sussan Ley. Main picture is the meeting in the middle of Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller and Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey. More on pages 2 to 4 today.

Two big topics in Nicholls electorate:

WATER AND WORK

By Rohan Aldous

Labour shortages and the ongoing battle for water in the Nicholls electorate will be two of the top campaign issues as candidates move into overdrive with a May 21 federal election announcement yesterday.

Six candidates are contesting the seat, which has been held by Nationals Member Damian Drum since it was created in 2019, with more expected to be announced during the initial stages of the sixweek campaign.

Plans for the re-arrangement of water rights within the electorate was a hot topic at the first candidate forum a week ago at Moama RSL.

It was there that labour shortages on rural properties, and in small business, also came to the fore.

Sam Birrell is the Nationals candidate who will be attempting to take up where Mr Drum left off, as the 61-year-old former Fremantle coach and Geelong footballer retires after serving first as a state member for Northern Victoria and then as Member for Murray.

Steve Brooks is the Liberal candidate for Nicholls and has been campaigning almost as hard as the Independent candidate Rob Priestly.

Then there are the minor party representatives, Dr Robert Peterson from Seymour (United Australia Party), Rikkie Tyrrell and the recently announced Australian Citizens Party candidate Jeffrey Davy.

Mr Brooks said he was really excited to have a date and looked forward to meeting up with community members throughout the campaign.

“I will continue doing what I have been doing since the very start of January, meeting with community groups and reaching out to people to come and speak with me,’’ he said.

Mr Brooks’ family has a long history in the electorate at Cobram.

“There is a lot of history with my family, extends from Albury Wodonga through to Echuca,” he said.

“I will be asking all voters to look closely at the candidates and ask the question, ‘who will be able to advocate most strongly for the community?’.”

Nationals candidate and former Shepparton business group leader Sam Birrell said now there was a date the electors of Nicholls had a choice.

“They can choose between the politics of negativity and attack or for a party, which is focused on regional Australia,” Mr Birrell said.

“I am an optimist and this election is about delivering for Nicholls.

“I will doing my best to ensure no more water leaves our region.”

Independent candidate Rob Priestly said this election would be one of the most important in the history of the region.

“The next term of government will see the conclusion of the MurrayDarling Basin Plan,” he said.

“Having a voice dedicated to our issues, representing our region, will be crucial.”

Mr Priestly said the focus of the major parties had shifted to other voters in other places, leaving our community without a voice.

“We are ready for the campaign, the community are looking for change, and the date has been set,” he said.

“For the first time ever, Nicholls will be a focus for decision-makers with a real competition here. Let’s make the change we need.”

SINCE 1863

Echuca loses points

Echuca’s winning start to the Goulbun Valley football season suffered a significant setback on Friday when it was penalised four premiership points for playing ineligible players in its senior and reserve grade teams against Rochester.

Echuca won the opening-round match by 54 points, but an administration error — which the club self reported — meant it

Byrne and his story is on the back page today, part of the eight-page Game On feature in today’s Riv Herald.

RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU

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TWIN TOWNS’ GOOD FRIDAY GOOD FRIDAY

Echuca seventh in state for Good Friday Appeal

7. Echuca-Moama $85,372

2. Sale 3. Geelong 4. Corowa Wahgunyah 5. Devenish, Dookie & district 6. Wodonga

MORE ON PAGE 4

Impressive: A general view during the Good Friday Appeal at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne,

Friday, April 15. Photo: AAP/Con Chronis Campaigning: Prime Minister Scott Morrison with with Lucas Wei, 5, in the Teddy Bear Hospital at the Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Day 5 of the 2022 federal election campaign, in Melbourne, Friday, April 15.

Photo: AAP/Pool, Jason Edwards SINCE 1863 RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU

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Thank you ladies!

Essential workers throughout Victoria are being off ered free entry to Racing Victoria’s Country Cup days, including Sunday (March 13) at Echuca Racing Club. Echuca Regional Health nurses Jess Rodman and Steph De Cicco are keen racegoers are were only too happy to get a hold of the 2022 Echuca Cup — albeit briefl y — to promote the event. Today’s Riv features an eight page guide to Echuca Cup day, including the fi elds, tips and stories by our Riv Sports team.

Photo: Steve Huntley

You’re so hungry you could eat a what?

Enough with the horse jokes. Obey your hunger. Moama Bowling Club Cafe open daily from 10am till late. Bistro open daily for lunch and dinner. Free shuttle service. FreeCall 1800 806 777

6 Shaw Street, Moama NSW 2731 moamabowlingclub.com.au

Moama Bowling Club Echuca Cup Races 2022. Brought to you by Echuca-Moama’s premier entertainment venue

ABN 58001046939 ECHUCA-MOAMA Sportstar 2020–2021

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ECHUCA-MOAMA Sportstar 2020–2021

Winners announced plus 24-page magazine inside today

We gratefully acknowledge the support of

28 Percy Street, Echuca 5482 1111 www.riverineherald.com.au

Riverine Herald

“FANCY YOURSELF AS A PRESENTER?” AS A PRESENTER?” ?

Echuca Moama Community Radio EMFM 104.7 is a not-for-pro t incorporated local radio station run by volunteers. We provide locally oriented music programs, interviews, current events, news, weather and warnings in emergency situations. EMFM broadcast across Echuca, Moama, Mathoura, Torrumbarry, Lockington, Elmore and Kyabram and stream to the internet 24/7.

Community Radio at its best

Would you like to host your own show? We are always looking for new volunteers. Go on give us a call (03) 5480 2085.

The museum full of ‘stuff’

FROM CLASSIC CHAINSAWS TO TOYS AND OLD-TIME TRUCKS, CHRYSTIE’S CLASSICS & COLLECTABLES MUSEUM WILL TRANSPORT YOU BACK IN TIME.

It was originally just “stuff” owned by George Chrystie, but then he and his late wife thought maybe they could make something special out of it. “We retired as contractors and decided to move up here and just open a museum — you don’t make any money out of it but it’s a lifestyle,” he said. “You wouldn’t do it unless you liked what to do, and I’m not the sort of person who can sit around watching telly all day.” George’s wife passed away just a few years ago and he thought he would have to close. But it’s the support of his friends that has kept the Tocumwal museum open. “If I didn’t have friends, I’d probably have to shut it up, but it gives me something to do — I’m still here” he said. George said the collection of memorabilia brings an older crowd, but there is always something that can spark people’s interest. “Sometimes people will spend half a day and another time they’ll be out in 10 minutes,” he said. “I’ve got about 150 chainsaws, I’ve got classic toys, trucks, tractors, caravans, everything is undercover, it’s all in one shed. “I’ve got lots of other stuff, I’m just a collector of everything.”

The museum can be found at 139 Thorburns Rd, Tocumwal, NSW, and is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. Phone 5874 3358.

Just down the road

YOUR JOURNEY DOESN’T HAVE TO END AT THE TOWN LIMITS. YOU’LL FIND PLENTY TO SEE AND DO IN ECHUCA-MOAMA’S SURROUNDING TOWNS.

Mathoura

41 KM FROM ECHUCA

Mathoura offers visitors the chance to see forest and waterways, as well as the chance to discover the district’s fascinating natural and cultural heritage. Check out the bird observatory, Picnic Point recreation area and the pioneer cemetery. Mathoura Visitor and Business Centre is also a must for wine tasting, buying local jams, honey, art and craft and to learn about Mathoura’s history. The Mathoura Speed Shear is an annual fundraiser for cancer which celebrates the talent of local shearers.

Leitchville

36 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Leitchville is just a short drive from the ecologically significant wildlife site known as Kow Swamp. The swamp is rich in bird and fish life and is water storage for the Torrumbarry irrigation scheme. A picnic area on the east side of the lake is complete with swimming area, toilets and barbecue facilities. More barbecue facilities are available at the north end of the swamp, an area commonly used for fishing. Leitchville is also an RV friendly town.

Kyabram

33 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Situated between Echuca and Shepparton, Kyabram is in the centre of dairy and orchard country. The Kyabram Fauna Park set on 55 hectares showcases over 500 native animals, birds and reptiles in their natural environment. The park also features a cottage built in 1867 for French adventurer Theodore Hazelman.

Pyramid Hill

55 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Pyramid Hill is named after the granite hill that looms out of the countryside. In spring rare wildflowers may be found blooming amongst the rocks and it is a great place to spend an afternoon clambering over the rocks. Other interesting places to visit in the area include Terrick Terrick National Park and Mt Hope, as well as the town’s museum. Terrick Terrick National Park is 20 km south-east of the town and supports more than 200 species of native flora, including many rare and threatened species. Scenic drives take visitors to grasslands, granite outcrops, eucalypt woodlands and historical farming sites.

Deniliquin

78 KM FROM ECHUCA

Set on the Edward River, Deniliquin offers a variety of activities for visitors, including bushwalking and water sports. The Peppin Heritage and Visitor Information Centre is the ideal starting point. Heritage walks take you past the town’s historic buildings and along the tree-lined river to the Island Sanctuary, where abundant bird life can be seen. Markets are held on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Waring Gardens. Famous for the Deniliquin Ute Muster in October, Deniliquin also celebrates the Sun Festival and rodeo in January.

Torrumbarry

19 MINS FROM ECHUCA

The Torrumbarry Loch is a great place to spend a few hours. Marvel at the majestic loch or take a wander through the heritage display and information centre nearby. The original weir was replaced in 1996, but major parts have been preserved including the original steel trestles, which were winched out of the river in times of flood. Camping and barbecue facilities are available.

Cohuna

44 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Cohuna is a peaceful town overlooking the picturesque Gunbower Creek, close to Gunbower Island’s attractions including fishing, boating, canoeing, birdwatching, four-wheel driving and walking tracks. The Gateway Information Centre in the middle of town is an ideal place to discover the area. During the first weekend of March the community hosts the Cohuna Bridge to Bridge — a weekend of great family activity including a half marathon, walk, cycling and running events, to raise money for the hospital. The Cohuna Golf Course is the home course of PGA Tour star Stuart Appleby and the big Cohuna Festival in November is a five day celebration of the town.

Tongala

21 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Tongala was settled by squatters in the 1840s and irrigation ensured the success of this intensive little dairying community. In the township, a series of murals depict the evolution of the dairy industry and groundwater issues. Other murals give an insight into the armed forces, while a monument pays tribute to the Australian Light Horse, and an avenue of honour recalls those who lost their life in the Armoured Corp in Vietnam.

Gunbower

29 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Gunbower is the gateway to Australia’s largest inland island and significant wildlife sanctuary, Gunbower Island. The island is home to protected populations of kangaroos, emus, goannas, possums, snakes and 160 different species of birds. It is an idyllic location for camping, canoeing and a spot of bushwalking or bird watching. The running of the Gunbower Gold Cup in October is a picnic race day out for all the family. Make sure you visit the stunning new mural on the wall of the Gunbower Hotel.

Barmah

31 KM FROM ECHUCA

Barmah is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Barmah National Park which, with the Moira State Park, forms the largest red gum forest in the world. A forest drive from Barmah heads off along River Rd, which is two-wheel drive friendly, but dusty when dry. Kingfisher Wetland Cruises allows people to see the ecology and history of the forest, with some trees estimated to be more than 300 years old and more than 40 m high, the birdlife and its habitats and the Aboriginal significance of the area.

Lockington

33 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Lockington is a small country town in the heart of farming country. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the landscaped park areas, take a walk following the self-guided heritage walk or choose a route past the mural in the pavilion, the rose garden and Lions flower clock. The Lockington and District Living Heritage Complex is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment if you are looking for a trip down memory lane, while enjoying friendly hospitality.

Womboota

29 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Follow the Perricoota Rd tourist drive to Womboota, a quaint little village settled in the 1870s. Discover the charm and character of the old cottages, churches and other historic buildings such as the Womboota Hall. Enjoy wine and mead tasting or browse through local art and pottery at Womboota’s Old School Winery and Cellar Door Pottery. Explore the Womboota Arboretum, which showcases many species of drought-resistant district plants from the Riverina plains.

Rushworth

53 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Rushworth is a historic gold mining town, steeped in well preserved history and nostalgia. Great views from the fire lookout at Growlers Hill encompass Waranga Basin, Rushworth Forest and the Goulburn Valley. Waranga Basin, to the northeast of the town, is a tourist drawcard providing opportunities for boating, fishing and camping, while south of Rushworth is Whroo Historic Reserve, which represents the remnants of what was once a thriving gold mining town of 1000 people and 139 buildings.

Rochester

23 MINS FROM ECHUCA

Part of the Silo Art Trail with a larger than life azure kingfisher and squirrel glider, this resilient little town is home to many great things including the Rochester Sports Museum containing personal memorabilia from Sir Hubert Opperman’s sporting and political life, Iddles Lane, a handful of historical buildings and more. A life size Oppy bronze statue is situated in Moore Street alongside many colourful and interesting murals created by artists during the annual Mural Festival each March. The murals have become pride of place for the Rochester community. A free event for the public each March, come along to watch the artists at work. For a full map of where to find the murals visit

rochestermuralfest.com.au

Acknowledging the contribution and sacrifice Australian service men and women made during in war, Rochester and Elmore District Health Service Entrance features two sculptures modelled on a WW2 soldier and nurse. A heritage walk from the main bridge to the red brick bridge takes in the old sale yards bull ring, the old water tower and shire hall, while the western bank of the Campaspe River has been set aside as a passive recreation reserve. The Campaspe Weir can be reached by travelling south on the Northern Hwy toward Elmore and turning left on to a gravel road after 9 km.