One of the best parts about an Echuca houseboat getaway isn’t just the scenery – it’s enjoying great food with the people you love. When you’re out on your Luxury Houseboat, sharing meals becomes the heart of the holiday – and the kitchens onboard are fully equipped, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice flavour or convenience while cooking on a boat.

Whether you’re planning a romantic trip for two, hosting a group of friends, or bringing the whole family along, these easy boat meals are perfect for any occasion. Here are five houseboat meal ideas inspired by local Echuca flavours and the relaxed riverside lifestyle.

Our Top 5 Houseboat Meal Ideas

1. Echuca Moama BBQ Platters

Nothing says Echuca quite like a barbecue by the water, and the spacious decks on your houseboat make quite the ideal backdrop for a grilling session. 

This is one of the easiest boat food recipes because everyone can help themselves, making it great for family houseboat hire trips where larger groups want plenty of variety!

Here are a few ingredient suggestions to get you started, but you can really use any barbecue staples that your family and friends enjoy.  

Barbecue Ingredients: 

  • Sausages
  • Marinated chicken skewers
  • Crumbed fish fillets
  • Zucchini, sliced lengthwise
  • Red capsicums, quartered
  • Corn cobs, halved
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 

  • Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
  • Lightly brush vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook sausages and skewers for around 10–12 minutes, turning often until golden and cooked through.
  • Grill fish fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp and flaking.
  • Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
  • Serve everything together with salads and fresh sourdough bread.

2. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Prawn Pasta

Seafood is an Echuca Moama favourite, and this houseboat meal idea keeps it simple while feeling indulgent. Quick to prepare, light to clean up, and perfect for romantic evenings on the water when you want a delicious yet fuss-free houseboat meal idea.

Ingredients: 

  • Fresh prawns (available locally)
  • Garlic
  • Cream
  • Lemon
  • Butter
  • Parsley
  • Spaghetti

Method: 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add in your pasta and cook for 10 minutes (for al dente)
  • While the pasta is cooking, sauté the garlic in butter, then add your prawns. 
  • Stir in cream and a squeeze of lemon. 
  • Toss with pasta and top with parsley!

3. Create Your Own Riverside Grazing Boards

Sometimes you might not feel like cooking on a boat after a long day of adventure and exploring, and that’s okay. But that’s where making your own riverside charcuterie board comes in! 

Perfect for a relaxed day on the Murray, grazing boards are minimal prep, maximum enjoyment. Pair your spread with a bottle from one of Echuca’s wineries and breweries!

Ingredients

  • Local cheddar cheese
  • Brie or Camembert
  • Sliced salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Mixed olives
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Punnet of seasonal fruit (such as grapes or strawberries)
  • Mixed nuts
  • Baguette, sliced

Method:

  1. Arrange cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce onto a large board or platter.
  2. Place olives and nuts in small bowls for easy serving.
  3. Slice bread and serve on the side.

4. Slow-Cooked Beef and Veggie Stew

A hearty option, especially on cooler evenings or winter escapes. This easy boat meal fills the houseboat with comforting aromas while you relax.

Ingredients (serves 8–10):

  • 1kg diced beef chuck
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 3 potatoes, chopped
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1L beef stock
  • 250ml red wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and cracked black pepper

Method:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Brown beef cubes for 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in potatoes, herbs, and seasonings.
  4. Return beef to the pot. Add stock and wine.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 2–2.5 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Serve with crusty bread or rice.

5. Camp-Style Breakfast Brunch

The ultimate houseboat meal idea is a proper Aussie brunch – a perfect start before a day of cruising along Echuca Moama’s stretch of the Murray. Rustic, filling, and family-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • Free-range eggs
  • Avocados
  • Rashers of bacon
  • Mushrooms
  • Sliced sourdough bread
  • Olive oil or butter for frying
  • Salt and pepper

Method:

  1. Heat a large frying pan with oil or butter.
  2. Fry bacon until golden and crisp. Set aside.
  3. Add mushrooms and tomatoes, cooking for 5–6 minutes until tender.
  4. Fry eggs to your preference.
  5. Serve everything hot with toast and plenty of coffee or juice.

Cooking Made Easy on Your Houseboat

One of the joys of houseboat hire in Echuca is that you don’t have to compromise on comfort. The kitchens are fully kitted out, giving you all the tools you need to cook on a boat for family-style meals or intimate dinners. If you’re new here, our guide for houseboats for beginners covers everything you need to feel confident on your holiday.

If you’re planning a group getaway, you’ll find family houseboat hire an easy way to stay connected, with plenty of space to cook, eat, and relax together. For couples, easy houseboat meal ideas like pastas and grazing boards make your holiday as romantic as it is delicious and stress-free.

For those planning ahead, you can check our Echuca houseboat hire prices and choose the perfect vessel for your trip to the Murray. Then, it’s all about good company, great food, and unforgettable river views.