Stay and Cray
It’s cray fish season on the Murray River. Mike’s found a special Stay and Cray package at Hodgson House B&B in Moama-Echuca on the NSW/VIC border.
Murray River
The Murray River forms the border between NSW and Victoria. Echuca stands on the Victorian side & Moama stands on the NSW side of the Murray.
The Murray River’s ancient banks are lined with mighty red river gums - some as old at 500years and up to 40m high. The river was an enormous water highway running for 2600km from a source deep in the Snowy Mountains all the way to South Australia. Paddle steamers would work up and down the river carrying bales of wool or whatever needed to be transported. Nowadays they parade along the water as colourful reminders of the good old days. But the magic of the Murray still lingers and today, these converted trading boats take visitors on various cruises along the river.
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If you’re on the river then you’re still technically considered to be in NSW.
Echuca/Moama
Echuca-Moama is 805kms south-west of Sydney and is Australia's Paddlesteamer capital. The region is famous for transporting visitors back in time as they become immersed in the history and atmosphere of the bygone era of paddle steaming.
It’s a charming region set on the banks of the mighty Murray River that’s been restored to the paddle steaming era – there’s the historic port area, the streetscapes with large verandahs, wide streets and friendly locals.
Echuca is on the Victorian side of the river and Moama is on the NSW side of the river. This place is only 2.5hours from Melbourne.
Hodgson House B&B
Spoil yourself relaxing by the Murray River, listening to the birds and the haunting sound of a paddlesteamer as it makes its way up the river or walk along a river track away from the bustle of town and unwind.
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Life in a big city is so hectic, so when you go away, you want peace and tranquility, close to nature. Hodgson House is a traditional B&B with cooked breakfast and homemade goodies! Here you can sit at a private picnic table and enjoy the wonderful view of the Murray River.
Anne and Allen Perry of Hodgson House have taken the fundamental rules governing the traditional English B&B - good rooms and a great breakfast with friendly, welcoming hosts - and simply updated them a bit.
Originally their family home, Hodgson House is a modern home with a wonderful vista over the redgum forest to the Murray River. Each bedroom has its own ensuite and separate entrance. Like in the better, traditional English B&B's, you are pampered with home-made goodies and are given the chance to taste local produce whenever possible. Anne makes her jam and bakes biscuits and cakes. Orange juice is always squeezed fresh in the morning from Perricoota oranges. Later in the day, there is local wine and port on offer.
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"Self contained" is a dirty word at Hodgson House, with Anne and Allen cooking, cleaning and providing informed local knowledge on the best places to visit, eat and shop in Echuca. You are there to be welcomed and to rest - not having to cook your own breakfasts or wash dishes - it's your getaway and you deserve a little luxury!
With only two bedrooms, the privacy and service you want is assured but you'll need to book early for that special occasion to avoid disappointing your loved one!
Stay 2 nights and you will be welcomed at Hodgson House with a complimentary bottle of local wine and anti pasto platter which you can enjoy on your private picnic table by the Murray River.
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At Hodgson House you can do as much (or as little) as you like. Located on the riverfront, with an in-ground heated pool, access to a private boat ramp, a private picnic table at the riverbank and a forest on the doorstep, Hodgson House offers an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway. The Port of Echuca is within walking distance.
Murray Cray Gourmet Package
Cray season for 2008 - May to August ONLY - it's something you won't find anywhere else! If you don't want to eat the Murray Cray then they have a wonderful idea for you, keep Murray Cray as a pet but remember it must be a male!
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Gourmet lovers should try this unique "catch 'n cook" getaway package on the mighty Murray River for something that is certainly different.
You stay at Hodgson House and join Murray River Fishing Tours for a special adventure – fishing for Murray Cray.
The Murray Cray (also called the Murray Lobster) is a large crustacean easily identified by its size (200 mm-300 mm) and its ornately spined body. They are active in the winter months in the waters of the Murray and have a delicious flavour when freshly caught.
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The Murray Cray is caught in specially designed pots, which are lowered into the river and checked at regular intervals during the day. Undersize females are immediately released to ensure the ongoing survival of the Cray.
The fishing may not involve rods but when a Murray Cray is caught it is exciting.
Murray River Fishing’s Alan Culph explains that fishing is not all the guests do. “After laying the pots we don’t sit around and wait. We can take you upstream to see the historic Port of Echuca from the mighty Murray. It gives a whole different view of the Port of Echuca from a boat!”
After returning to check the pots, you are taken by river to Morrisons Winery overlooking the river where wines can be sampled and hot coffee and snacks are available.
After another check of the pots, Alan takes you downstream on his purpose-built boat to see some of the Murray’s magical scenery before returning for a final check of the pots. Meanwhile, Hodgson House hostess, Anne Perry, prepares a large campfire next to their private riverside picnic table awaiting the guests return. Anne explains, “The traditional cooking of the freshly caught Murray Cray is really only to be experienced besides the river next to an open fire.”
On your return, Anne serves home-made soup by the fire while local chef Ben Osmond prepares the Crays.
Freshly cooked Murray Cray, becomes the first course of an evening of exquisite dining at Hodgson House where guests are tantalised by expertly prepared local produce. You can choose a local wine at reasonable cost to accompany your meal or bring your own selection. www.hodgsonhouse.com.au
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More Information Hodgson House B&B 66 Wharparilla Drive, Echuca Telephone: (03) 5482 2128
Murray River Fishing Tours Echuca-Moama Telephone: 0418 576 526 www.murrayriverfishingtours.com.au The two night Stay and Cray package starts from $620 per couple. It includes breakfast, catch and cook crayfishing tour with dinner and a bottle of wine. Otherwise rooms on the weekend start from $370 per couple for two nights. |
Prices correct as at 14/06/08
Port of Echuca
The Port of Echuca is an authentic working steam port. Paddle Steamer cruises depart from Echuca Wharf daily and you can enjoy a whole day wandering around experiencing living history on a self-guided Port Tour exploring Echuca's heritage and learn of the exciting and bustling river trade of the 1800s, absorb true tales of the Murray River from days of old as this is a reminder of the days when steam ruled on the land, on rail and on the river.
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Port of Echuca shipwrights, steam engineers and river boat captains still fascinate visitors, not as deliberate tourist attractions, but because those trades are still as vital a part of the Port's operations today as they were in the late 1800's.
Things to see:
- Tread the boards on the huge red gum wharf built in 1865
- Discover the underground bar and escape tunnel at the Star Hotel once a 'sly' grog shop
- See shipwrights and apprentices at work & learn the techniques from the shipwrights while they restore the latest project, the wreck of the P.S Hero.
- Visit the magnificent Bridge Hotel
- See the cargo shed museum with a 10 minute audio/visual of Echuca
- Inspect one of the many steam engine displays
- Once Echuca's finest, view the 1800's squatter's suite and gallery in the Bridge Hotel
- See a red gum sawmill site
- Marvel at the magnificent view of the river at the Port and learn how high the flood waters have reached during the history of Echuca
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More Information Hodgson House B&B Port of Echuca 52 Murray Esplanade Echuca VIC Telephone: (03) 5482 4248 Port Tours are $12 for adults and $8 for kids. Cruises start from $20 for adults and $8.50 for children. |
Prices correct as at 14/06/08
The easiest way to get there is to fly into Albury with QantasLink.
One way fares from Sydney are on sale now for just $79.
Book your seat on www.qantas.com or call 13 13 13.
* For travel until 30/06/08