After departing the mine, we refuelled and replenished our supply of bottled water. Next stop was at Bendigo Pottery where we stopped for a quick look and lunch. The drive to Echuca was only 100 kilometers and we arrived just before 2.00pm which allowed us to book a 2.30pm cruise on a Murray paddle steamer. We retuned to the Echuca Port at 2.15pm aqnd after having a quick look a the relics we boarded the Alexander Arbuthnot for a one hour cruise. There is no denying the fact that the Murray is a magnificant river and we both enjoyed the opportunity to see some old paddle cruisers, new one and a sample of the pleasure craft that operate in the area. The captain of the boat explained that the river was about one metre lower than usual and it is hopeful that the snow fall this year will be substantial and allow for an increase in the amount of water that is released.
Next stop was a winery where we spent a considerable time tasting several ports and muscats before we purchased a significant quantity of port and a muscat. We won’t have a need to purchase port for a considerable amount of time (we also need to reduce our fresh water in the motor home to ensure that we are not overweight from the port).
We stayed overnight at the Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park which is located in NSW at Moama. We had a site adjacent to the river and we both agreed that this rates as the best caravan park we have ever stayed at. More remarkable was the cost (with discount) that was just over $30. Ther park is owned by Aspen Parks and is one of five parks acquired by Aspen Parks in this area over the past year.
We cooked ham steaks for tea and enjoyed several cold drinks after a very hot day.