Page 15 - NSW Senior Scene - 2022

www.seniorsbook.com.au PAGE 15
before the Mary Ann. The few set- and Perricoota Forests surround-
tlers along the way greated both ing Echuca. Before long the two
with much enthusiasm and hospi- industries began to rely on each
tality. Randell took the Mary Ann other.
on up to Moama, while Cadell The riverboat days boomed at
after travelling a short distance Echuca – until the great depression
upstream, turned back for Goolwa. of the 1890’s. As the railways were
Echuca’s close proximity to extended in New South Wales and
Melbourne and the ambitions of road transport improved, the river
the city’s founder, led to the Port trade declined and the old wharf,
of Echuca becoming the largest built in 1865, was defunct by the
inland port in Australia. The river- 1920’s
boat trade was of national impor- By an accident of good fortune
tance because it had the effect of Echuca’s subsequent growth
opening up inland Australia for moved away from the river, leav-
settlement and thereby increasing ing the old wharf and the original
the country’s production of wool. buildings in decay but intact.
When the rail link was established Now the old Port of Echuca has
with Melbourne in 1864, Echuca, been restored and the century
being the closest point on the The old buildings are open for inspec-
Murray to Melbourne, grew rap- tion and business once again. The
idly. Paddlesteamers traded along entire Port Area was declared an
the Murray Darling River System, historic precinct in 1975.
bringing wool from isolated sta- There are lots of stories to be
tions in outback Australia to the told about the riverboats and the
railhead at Echuca, for eventual colourful characters that crewed
sale and shipping overseas. During them. Stories too about the cus-
the boon period, products worth a toms strife between Colonies
quarter of a million pounds were that helped shape the free trade
handled annually. For many years provisions of the Australian
Echuca was the main ship building Constitution.
centre for the river transport indus- Please download the Heritage
try. As the ship building industry Cluster's 'Tracking down history
grew, so did the demand for red in Echuca Moama' brochure. This
gum as a durable timber for wharf brochure contains information
piles, railway sleepers and build- from The Echuca Historical Society
ing materials. Inc, The Echuca Moamra Family
In the 1870’s the district supported History Group Inc and Friends of
a dozen mills cutting in excess of Old Moama.
1000 logs each week. Felling was
carried out in the Barmah, Moira CONTINUED PAGE 16

Pet Friendly -

Cabin/Caravans

Our park is compact and very quiet at night due to being linen provided), Ensuite Powered Sites and Powered Sites that
away from the main highway. A short walk will have you on allow your Pets to be with you, just like at home!
the banks of the mighty Murray River and the boat ramp and We offer personal friendly service, full park amenities, camp
sandy beach is a mere 350 metres from the park gate. The kitchen, BBQ area, pool, children’s playground and games room.
town centre and historic port of Echuca is a short distance Our pricing remains the same throughout the year.
away with all the shops, facilities, pubs, clubs and eateries You will be greeted with a friendly welcome and personal
needed to enjoy your stay. service from Jo and Richard. Rich River Tourist Park is our
We welcome pets and offer Pet Friendly accommodation all home and we also like to relax and share our clean pleasant
through the year, which includes Standard & Deluxe Cabins (all environment with our Guests.

 (03) 5480 0999 www.richrivertouristpark.com.au am54009
40 Crescent Street, ECHUCA 3564
E: info@richrivertouristpark.com.au