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Tuesday 30 September 2008

Paddle Boats


30 September – Tuesday

A cold night followed by a beautiful day which warmed up nicely during the afternoon – and no wind.

Today we left the vineyards of Rutherglen behind, and most of the paddocks of Paterson’s Curse and capeweed, and headed west to Echuca. We followed the Murray River and, as the song says, went back to Yarrawonga! This town certainly seems to be progressing, with lots of new development taking place. The land in this part of Victoria is FLAT and the roads are straight. With the irrigation from the Murray, there is also plenty of agriculture – stone fruit and olive orchards, vineyards, wheat, canola and dairy cattle. Kraft has a large factory at Cobram which makes processed cheese. Murray Goulburn has their plant near Echuca and Uncle Toby is near Corowa.

We stopped at Echuca, along with lots of other people (school holidays in Victoria and New South Wales), and watched the paddle boats and houseboats on the river. The historic port area has been developed as a tourist area and was very pleasant to wander about. (The paddle boat in the photo is the one used in the television series All the Rivers Run.)

We eventually arrived at the Ascot Holiday Village, Bendigo, which is a very nice park with lots of Tasmanians heading south. A couple we spoke to are from Ulverstone and the man is the nephew of Les’ brother-in-law, Alan. Small world!

1 comment:

Jamie said...

Echuca is agreat Murray River town to visit. A ride on the paddlesteamers is a must and if you have a dollar to spend be sure to enjoy a meal at Oscar W's