13/01/2014
ECHUCA - here is a brilliant review written by Karleen Frost:
Maidens Inn – Echuca
This place surprised us, we have been to Echuca many times before but never to this park. We didn’t have a booking and the staff were very friendly and helpful considering this. We were put in the newer part of the park which is the Marina area, the camp kitchen facilities here were better than my own kitchen, there were overhead fans to cope with the heat, a television, microwave, huge stainless steel fridge, bbq facilities and plenty of seating. We had a caravan, but there are lots of cabins in this park that looked very fancy, with various positioning ranging from water front views, marina views and riverside views, the same positioning was available for caravans and tents as well. We got a pretty good site considering we didn’t book and could see glimpses of the river. There are 2 pools, a playground, jumping pillow plus activities for the kids and plenty of space for the kids to ride or scooter around. Our kids managed to get a ride on pony while we were here (all included in the price). The bathroom facilities were clean and large enough to cope with the many guests. As it is right on the river there is a boat ramp and you can even moor your boat while you are staying here (might have to take our boat next time) The cockies were very active and can become quite noisy especially at dusk and dawn but I love that about Moama. Nearly forgot to mention that you can have dogs here (under strict guidelines) and it’s a Big 4 park so if you have a Big 4 membership the tariff is even cheaper, I thought this was value for money.
While in Echuca make sure you go on a Paddle steamer, they have put in a new Port Discovery Centre and the staff here are very helpful about which paddle steamer would suit your requirements. We went on the Pevensey which did an hour tour up the Murray and return. The staff were all very informative and the kids also got to steer the boat and receive a First Mate Certificate. The Captain had a lot of information that was delivered well but was a little bit grumpy when asked basic questions. All in all it was a great trip on the river.
We discovered the best fish and chips I have ever tasted and I would highly recommend a trip even if it was just for this. Fish in a Flash 602 High Street Echuca. They did a family pack which was 10 fish bites, 4 mini dim sims, 4 potato cakes and minimum chips for around $18, we were expecting tiny bits of fish the size of nuggets but were surprised to be served decent sized fish pieces, delicious chips (with chicken salt if required – my personal favourite) and the dim sims and potato cakes were divine. Definitely not one to put on your diet list but for a lash out it was very nice and a pretty good price.
My last recommendation from our trip would have to be the Nagambie Lakeside Resort, again this was another one to surprise, the staff were extremely helpful the park was huge and again plenty of facilities for the kids and parents alike. The pool was beautiful and clean and it was also right on the water so you can again either fish or take you ski boat or other water activities (canoe, row etc) or you can hire these from the park. The bathrooms were relatively new in the part we stayed in and clean, they also had a jumping pillow and park area. They put on a movie for the kids in the evening which was nice to calm them down. This park also has its own café where you could get breakfast, lunch or dinner and maybe a snack in between.
