Echuca-Moama welcomed many visitors in the lead-up to the new year.
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The Riv caught up with tourists from across Australia and overseas, who soaked up all the twin towns had to offer.
Jason Holt, his wife Kelli and their children Cohen, Skyla, Kyran, Savannah and Tori were in town on a day trip.
“We came from Mackay in Queensland to visit family in nearby Kerang,” Mr Holt said.
“We might even go for a ride on one of the paddlesteamers.”
The Holt family enjoyed the sights on the viewing deck that looked out on the Murray River as boats cruised by.
Kellie Harvey, her husband Shane and their children Marlow and Annaliese were enjoying their time admiring the scenery at the Port of Echuca.
The four moved from Melbourne to Bendigo last January.
Mrs Harvey’s most recent visit to the area was two decades earlier.
She said that despite being in town just for the day, they would have plenty to do.
“We are also looking to do some kayaking or a trip on one of the paddlesteamers,” Mrs Harvey said.
“After that, we’ll have lunch at one of the restaurants and browse the shops for a bargain.”
Fellow visitors Paul and Trina Baker came from Wagga Wagga and have been based at one of the caravan parks since Boxing Day.
“Echuca is a lovely town with plenty of history. We also enjoy watching the boats on the Murray River,” Mr Baker said.
“We went to the American Hotel on Wednesday night and it was a fantastic dinner.
“On Tuesday (December 27), we went to the Moama market, and that was good, and afterwards we went for a bike ride.
“The locals are friendly. It’s such a great place to visit.”
Charlotte Zeng, originally from China, her mum Anna Wu and her cousin Eiling Zeng were also in town with local host Richard McLean.
Eiling is spending two weeks with her extended family in Victoria before returning to Guangzhou in China.
Charlotte spoke on her cousin’s behalf.
“We are here in town for a few days visiting the winery and also to see a friend,” she said.
Charlotte lives in Melbourne and was impressed with how Echuca was presented and how it shared its history with curious tourists.
“Echuca is a much more calmer place. It’s a nice getaway from Melbourne,” she said.
“It’s very rare to have so many historical locations in one town.”
Another group visiting the region was originally from the United Kingdom and Ireland and has been based in Melbourne for five years.
Julie Duff was among the six and was thrilled to be back in the town she had visited twice.
“For us, it’s a wee holiday town to come visit. Coming here, we feel super relaxed,” Ms Duff said.
“We like to get away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.”
The six intrepid travellers were all smiles as they enjoyed their break.
“The weather here is a lot warmer than Scotland. The coffee here, too, is much nicer,” Ms Duff said.