mmg.com.au

The countdown is on to the first-ever Riverboats Music Festival on the banks of the Murray River, and it won't just be the artists on show during the three-day event in Echuca.

The all-Aussie music event will also put the region's food, wine and lifestyle in the spotlight.

Festival producer David Frazer said the event was born from the desire for a world-class contemporary music festival on the Murray, which would feature local emerging acts as well as established Australian music icons.

“The Murray River is one of the most iconic and picturesque stretches of water in Australia, and for the first time the historic river towns of Echuca-Moama will host a uniquely Australian festival experience music fans are going to absolutely love" he said.

Echuca-Moama Tourism chief executive Pete White said the festival was a great addition to the area's calendar of events.

''We look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide and showcasing Echuca-Moama’s quality restaurants, bars, clubs and attractions,'' he said.

Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher said the festival would show off Echuca's rich heritage and highlight what the region had to offer.

''With a variety of food and wine businesses set to host live entertainment throughout the festival, it's not just music that will delight the senses,'' she said.

''An exciting array of local food and wine is on offer in the heart of Echuca's vibrant tourism precinct.

''Pair some of Echuca's signature slow-cooked cuisine with a glass of locally produced, award-winning wine and soak up the festival atmosphere under one of the towering river red gums.''

The Riverboats Music Festival will be held from February 17-19. Tickets for the full three days are $75, with day passes at $40 or $25 for the Friday night (children and family tickets are also available). 

For interviews with artists and organisers in the lead-up to the festival, keep watching mmg.com.au

Information for festival-goers:

For tickets to the Riverboats Music Festival visit www.riverboatsmusic.com.au

For accommodation information phone the Echuca-Moama Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 446 or visit www.echucamoama.com

V-Line runs a number of regular bus and train services, both direct to Echuca and via Bendigo. For more information visit www.vline.com.au

Schedule:

Friday, February 17

Gates open 5.30pm 

Benny Walker – 6.15pm

Angels Voices Band (22-person Congolese choir) – 7.45pm

Vika and Linda Bull – 9.15pm

Gates close 12am

Saturday, February 18

Gates open 1.30pm

Ryan Meeking – 2.15pm

Lanie Lane – 3.45pm

The Audreys (acoustic duo) – 5pm

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission – 6.30pm

Mark Seymour – 8pm

The Bamboos – 9.30pm

Gates close 12am

Sunday, February 19

Gates open 11.30am

The Bride Stripped Back – 12.15pm

Clairy Browne and The Bangin’ Rackettes – 1.45pm

Tex Perkins and The Band of Gold – 3.15pm

Colin Hay – 4.45pm

Gates close 8pm