North East Towns
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ALBURY/WODONGA
Albury/Wodonga is the ideal spot to enjoy the surrounding countryside, visit the upper reaches of the Murray near Corryong, fish the streams and the dams, or sail or waterski on Lake Hume. There are also international standard golf courses and lawn bowls to keep visitors entertained.

The PS Cumberoona takes visitors on a leisurely trip along the Murray and there are plenty of shady picnic spots along the banks.

Albury's Regional Art Gallery is worth a visit, and the cities have an excellent array of theatre, clubs and restaurants. A wide range of local produce is available for sampling including cheese, trout, jams, yabbies and nuts. And, of course, there are the local wines.

ECHUCA/MOAMA
Echuca, hub of The Murray River trade of the 1870s and 80s, remains faithfully intact 100 years on. Here you can re-live the river boat days - days when Echuca was Australia's largest inland port. Bawdy hotels, general stores crammed with supplies and the public buildings of law and order sprung up out of this frantic activity. Two hundred trading boats carrying wool, grain and red gum passed through the port every year.

Today, as then, the Port remains the true heart of Echuca. The River traffic still bustles but this time their cargo is pleasure seekers. The Port area is serviced by Murray Esplanade, a pedestrian walk flanked by fine 19th Century buildings. These have been faithfully restored so visitors can experience the sights sounds and smells of this "step back in time" community.

There is no entry fee to Murray Esplanade. Stroll past the towering red gum wharf, once a kilometre long, which still stands as a lasting monument to the Murray River's major inland port. The wharf was built on three levels to accommodate the rise and fall of the mighty Murray River and is still used to house a collection of some of the world's oldest "still operating" paddlesteamers and barges and other paraphernalia.

The Star Hotel on Murray Esplanade - now the headquarters of the Port of Echuca Authority, a souvenir shop and a Museum - is linked with the wharf by an underground tunnel which allowed the old timers to avoid the police who frequently raided the hotel looking for after hours "drinkers".

Discover the Bridge Hotel, built by the Echuca's founder Henry Hopwood in 1858, furnished in period style. It is a living monument to the many travellers who crossed the river on Hopwood's punt to quench their thirst.

A unique feature of the Esplanade is the only brothel (no longer operating) in Australia which is classified by the National Trust.

The sounds of horse drawn Cobb & Co coaches, the steam whistles of the paddlesteamers, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer and the buzz of the massive saw as it slices through the red gum logs, the laughter from the old time Movie House or the clatter of coins in the Penny Arcade are all part of the living history experience of the Port of Echuca.

At the western end of Murray Esplanade you enter Hopwood Gardens, now referred to as Paddlewheel Park, which sprawl along the river bank. This is the embarkation point for a one hour cruise aboard the PS Pride of the Murray, PS Canberra or MV Mary Ann, or for a one or two night cruise aboard the PS Emmylou which is a fully licensed floating hotel.

Visitors to Echuca can experience the river as Captain of their own "drive yourself" houseboat. The more adventurous can join a guided canoeing safari.

Echuca/Moama is the closest Murray River community to Melbourne, about 206 kilometres, and in addition to Australia's river history, it boasts magnificent sporting facilities. These include the Rich River Golf and Country Club, the first class bowling greens at the Moama bowling Club, croquet, water skiing and fishing.

WANGARATTA
Wangaratta is a visitor's haven from which to enjoy the delights of the region. Explore over 26 local wineries, the extensive Ovens, Murray River and Lake systems, the Warby Ranges. Discover the haunts of the infamous Kelly gang and the fascinating history of the gold rush days. Wangaratta. heart of the North East is home to Airworld Aviation Museum, The House in Miniature, the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and the Country Music Festival.

YACKANDANDAH
In the heart of the beautiful North East, where cattle graze in the lush valleys of the Kiewa River and its tributaries and trout abound in crystal clear streams. Cold! That was the catch cry that first attracted people to our majestic valleys. Take a 4wd adventure into the many goldfields with history dating back to the 1850's, see the relics of a bygone era come to life before your eyes. Step into the folds of the nearby ranges, into a world where bushwalking, fossicking, horseriding , native birds and animals in abundance attract those with a love of our unique country.

Wander along the main street of Yackandandah with its old shopfronts. beautiful trees and old village atmosphere. where you will find quality crafts. souvenirs and meals to tempt your tastebuds and country hospitality you did not dream still existed in this day and age. Stay in cosy country pubs, where you can quench your thirst on warm sunfilled days. Or maybe you prefer a friendly bed and breakfast or a hostfarm experience. Our caravan parks are the best you'll find. Take your choice of easy excursions around the region - snowfields, water-skiing. wineries architecture, breathtaking scenic drives. Come and see for yourselves the beauty we have to offer you, where the gold remains. in the fiery colours of autumn in the warm summer sun. Turn your back on the 1990's, step into the peace and tranquillity of the historic shire of Yackandandah.

CHILTERN
Spend a day and stay the night - a visit to the colonial township of Chiltern is a must. Step back in time to a town untouched by the fast pace of today's living, a town full of history, presenting itself as it was in the gold rush days. You can spend days visiting the three National Trust properties, museums, enticing antiques, art and craft or bric-a-brac shops, where you will find many bargains. Tempt your taste buds at the restaurants and eating places, meet the lovable Alpacas a the Alpaca Farm on your way to the beautiful Chiltern State park. Chiltern is a town which holds something of interest for everyone, and is central to Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen and Corowa.

BEECHWORTH
To visit Beechworth is to step back into history. Once the centre of one of the biggest goldfields in Victoria, its solid granite and dignified brick buildings are beautifully preserved. This is the real attraction of Beechworth. It is a living and working town, proud of its history, its buildings and its stories.

There are magnificent buildings here. Some twenty- five of them are listed on the Victorian Historic Buildings Council Register. They reflect the fortunes that were made - and spent - during the gold rush days.

Form more information on Beechworth please visit Beechworth Website

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