If Queenstown was close to heaven, Echuca might well be the real thing. This river port connected the interior with the railroad when river traffic was king. With the coming of highways, it declined in importance, thus preserving it from the perils of modern development until it became nostalgic. I don't want to wait and see if I go there when I die, I might just move there so I can enjoy it while I am alive.
Now, several of the old, shallow draft river boats have been refloated and restored. West Coast Rail is working on running steam passenger service into the old Railroad Wharf. A locomotive boiler has been converted to stationary service operating a restored sawmill and some other industries at the wharf as well. The surrounding town has come back to life in a pleasantly informal slightly commercial way, with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
If you are planning a whirlwind trip to Oz, with little time to visit the interior, this is the place to see. It makes a nice full day trip from Melbourne, and the intervening scenery is splendid. When WCR gets up and running, it will be even easier.
Thanks to Claire and Foster the steamboat cat, and to Bruce Wheelan, port manager for everything. I wish I could have stayed a lot longer.
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