A week on the Murray River is the ultimate houseboat escape, with equal parts adventure, relaxation, and connection. Whether you want to explore historic Echuca Moama, unwind with a glass of wine on deck, or wake up to nothing but birdsong and gentle ripples, a 7-day houseboat holiday lets you do it all at your own pace.
If 5 days on the river feels too short, here’s the perfect 7-day itinerary to help you stretch out the magic – and make every sunrise and sunset count.
Day 1: Boarding and Setting Off
Your holiday begins in Echuca Moama, home to some of the most beautiful Murray River houseboats. After an induction and a quick driving lesson, you’ll be ready to set sail in comfort and confidence. Step inside your spacious vessel – with its modern kitchen, private bedrooms, and roomy deck – and you’ll see why these floating homes are called Echuca Moama luxury houseboats.
Spend the first afternoon cruising slowly upstream. Anchor near a quiet bend, light the BBQ, and settle in for your first sunset on the water. As the golden light filters through the gum trees, you’ll realise how far away the everyday world suddenly feels.
Day 2: Coffee Spots and River Cruising
Start your morning with breakfast onboard or cruise into town to explore some of the best places to stop for coffee and food. Echuca’s cafes are full of character – think country hospitality, rich espresso, and baked goods that give you all the energy you’ll need for a day on the water.
Once you’re back onboard, spend the day cruising further up the Murray. Bring your camera – you’ll pass sandbanks dotted with native birds and perhaps see a family of kangaroos onshore. In the afternoon, anchor near one of the river’s calm stretches and take a dip, read on the deck, or enjoy a lazy picnic lunch.
Day 3: Wineries and Local Produce
Day three is perfect for exploring Echuca Moama’s nearby wineries. Dock your houseboat and head for a short drive or shuttle ride to some regional favourites. Many of these cellar doors sit right on the river’s edge and serve delicious platters of local cheese, olives, and seasonal produce.
Alternatively, spend part of the day sourcing local ingredients from farm gates or weekend markets. Stock up on fresh veggies, meats, and baked goods for cooking onboard. There’s something wonderful about preparing dinner in your own kitchen – especially when the sun sets over the water and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air.
Day 4: Adventure and Canoeing
By midweek, it’s time for something a little active. Experience the Murray from a new perspective with Murray River canoe hire. Paddle through calm sections of water, glide under gum trees, and see wildlife up close – pelicans, ducks, and maybe even a platypus if you’re lucky.
If paddling isn’t your style, you can try fishing from the deck or bring along equipment for waterskiing or tubing. With wide, open stretches of water around Echuca Moama, the day is yours to play. In the evening, trade the adventure for relaxation – unwind with a glass of wine in the onboard spa or curl up under a blanket for a movie night.
Day 5: Discovering Echuca’s Heritage
Dedicate the fifth day to exploring Echuca itself. Once you’ve moored your houseboat, wander through its charming streets and the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, where restored paddle steamers tell the story of the river’s past. The heritage buildings and old-world atmosphere make it easy to imagine what life was like during Echuca’s busy trading days.
After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a riverside pub or one of the region’s boutique restaurants. You could even browse the local shops for travel souvenirs or handmade crafts. Then it’s back to your houseboat for a quiet evening, maybe another BBQ on deck, along with local wine and stargazing.
Day 6: Hidden Beaches and Relaxation
Today is your chance to slow down completely. Cruise until you find a secluded sandbank or hidden beach – these little pockets along the Murray feel untouched and peaceful. Anchor, lay out your picnic chairs, and let the day flow naturally. Swim, nap, or simply listen to the river moving softly around you.
If you’ve brought board games, books, or music, today is perfect for enjoying them. The beauty of a 7-day Murray River houseboat holiday is that there’s time – time to relax without rushing, to laugh with friends and family, and to truly sink into the stillness.
Day 7: Farewell Cruise and Reflections
Your final morning arrives, but there’s no need to hurry. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the deck, maybe your last coffee from the best cafes in Echuca, and cruise slowly back toward the marina.
Take in the familiar bends of the river one last time. It’s amazing how much of the Murray’s rhythm – the colours, light, and sounds – you come to know over a week. Before docking, drift for a while near your favourite spot, reflecting on the memories you’ve made: early morning coffees, winery afternoons, sunset BBQs, and the sheer joy of slowing down.
Your Luxury Murray River Escape Awaits
A week on a Murray River houseboat is more than just a holiday. It’s a reset. You can fill your days with adventure or let them pass gently to the rhythm of the river.
With Echuca Moama luxury houseboats, you’ll experience the perfect mix of comfort and freedom. From fully equipped kitchens and modern interiors to outdoor spas and entertainment systems, our houseboats are designed to make your time on the Murray unforgettable.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this 7-day itinerary helps you truly explore Australia’s most iconic waterway – one peaceful sunrise at a time.
