The Frasers come to town

We are still in Echuca, having spent 6 days here with Shelly Lili and Jack. I cant believe how fast the time has gone. I think we have seen everything Echuca has to offer. The old port area is steeped in history. It was restored in the 70’s and in the early 1980’s the mini series “All the rivers run” was filmed here and that really put Echuca on the map. It has been a very popular tourist destination ever since. This port was once one of the busiest in Australia, but when the rail came through, the port area died. We took a paddle steamer boat down the river. The water levels are about 4 to 5 meters down on normal, that is, since the drought began 6 years ago. The roots of the river red gums along the banks, are completely exposed. Lili and Jack were allowed to steer the boat for a short distance, and got a certificate for their efforts.

The pool in the caravan park was a great hit for the kids, as we had a couple of really hot days.
The Holden museum was also a winner with over 40 restored Holdens, from the 1950s to the 1990s.
With the school holidays a few weeks away, we were the only visitors to The Billabong Range, where you can play Mini golf, ride a pony/horse, see the baby animals , climb a rock wall etc. The whole property is a little aging but the kids had a great time.
On Thursday evening we enjoyed an early Christmas dinner together, as we wont be home till March. Roast dins, plum pudding and pressie frenzy, was as close as we could get to the real thing. Of course one of the gifts just had to be “All the rivers run”. Every shop in Echuca sells it .
We will all have dinner together tonight then Shelly and the kids will head back to the Central Coast in the morning. It has been great having them here and I feel sad to see them go .
Suddenly, we will have to start thinking about Where to next.. We have an extra day here free, so will probably take advantage of that (pay for 6 get the 7th free) and wash The Manna House inside and out before heading off in the direction of Swan Hill.

Just when you thought I had forgotton, here's another verse of "My Country"

Core of my heart, my country!
Land of the Rainbow Gold,
For flood and fire and famine,
She pays us back threefold -
Over the thirsty paddocks,
Watch, after many days,
The filmy veil of greenness
That thickens as we gaze

Vicki

Marnie and Lili at the port of Echuca

Lili And Jack at the old port Echuca

Old paddle steamers.

More Lili and Jack

The Holden Museum

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pony ride for Jack at Billabong Grange

And Lili too

The Old Port of Echuca from the Murray river.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The mighty Murray river

Jack and Lili steering the steamer down the Murray

Family portrait of the Frasers