Our Club
Echuca Club
125 Years of History
Founding and Early Years (1897-1903)
The Echuca Club was established as a social organisation on 5 May 1897 at a formal meeting, reflecting the community's desire for a dedicated gathering space. The Club officially opened its doors on 10 July 1897, initially leasing four rooms at Wilson's Bridge Hotel on Murray Esplanade. While the building was ready, the Club operated without a liquor license until August of that year, when this essential privilege was finally granted.
Recognising the need for a permanent home, the Club secured a new location in 1898, leasing the historic Criterion Hotel building at 19 Murray Esplanade. This acquisition proved transformative for the organisation. On 16 June 1900, three trustees—Michael Kickham, William Wilding, and John Stokes—purchased the property on behalf of The Echuca Club, establishing it as a permanent fixture in Echuca's community.
Recognising the need for a permanent home, the Club secured a new location in 1898, leasing the historic Criterion Hotel building at 19 Murray Esplanade. This acquisition proved transformative for the organisation. On 16 June 1900, three trustees—Michael Kickham, William Wilding, and John Stokes—purchased the property on behalf of The Echuca Club, establishing it as a permanent fixture in Echuca's community.
the Criterion Hotel
The Criterion Hotel site carried significant historical weight. The original structure, erected in 1853 by Echuca's founder Henry Hopwood, had operated as the New Road Inn before becoming known as Hopwood's Old House by 1865, and later as the Criterion Hotel from 1872. The building stood as a testament to Echuca's early development.
In 1902, recognising the need for modernisation, the Club demolished the front section of the old hotel while preserving strategic elements. The new Echuca Club building was completed in 1903, representing a significant investment in the Club's future. This substantial structure would become the heart of Echuca's social and cultural life for generations to come.
In 1902, recognising the need for modernisation, the Club demolished the front section of the old hotel while preserving strategic elements. The new Echuca Club building was completed in 1903, representing a significant investment in the Club's future. This substantial structure would become the heart of Echuca's social and cultural life for generations to come.
Twentieth Century Development
Throughout the 20th century, The Echuca Club established itself as the premier private social venue in Echuca, hosting members for dining, socialising, and community gatherings. The Club's location on Murray Esplanade, adjacent to the historic riverfront, made it an ideal venue for various functions and events. The building, with its heritage architecture, became an iconic landmark in the town's cultural landscape, attracting members from across the region who valued its traditions and hospitality.
The Club maintained its role as a cornerstone of Echuca society while adapting to changing times and community needs. Its membership reflected the town's business leaders, professionals, and prominent citizens who gathered to strengthen business connections, celebrate milestones, and participate in formal community events.
The Club maintained its role as a cornerstone of Echuca society while adapting to changing times and community needs. Its membership reflected the town's business leaders, professionals, and prominent citizens who gathered to strengthen business connections, celebrate milestones, and participate in formal community events.
Modern Era to Present
oday, The Echuca Club stands as a fully operational events and functions venue, honouring its 125-year heritage while embracing contemporary hospitality standards. The Club offers comprehensive facilities including a fully staffed bar, modern catering kitchen, and elegant event spaces suitable for a wide variety of occasions.
The Club regularly hosts weddings, receptions, engagements, birthday celebrations, corporate training sessions, conferences, formal dinners, meetings, and specialised events. Its central location on Murray Esplanade, combined with ample nearby parking, makes it accessible and convenient for Echuca's residents and visitors alike.
As The Echuca Club enters its second century, it continues its founder's vision—to serve as a welcoming social space where the community gathers to celebrate, connect, and create memories. The building itself stands as a living link to Echuca's rich past, while the Club's modern operations ensure its relevance and vitality for generations yet to come.
The Club regularly hosts weddings, receptions, engagements, birthday celebrations, corporate training sessions, conferences, formal dinners, meetings, and specialised events. Its central location on Murray Esplanade, combined with ample nearby parking, makes it accessible and convenient for Echuca's residents and visitors alike.
As The Echuca Club enters its second century, it continues its founder's vision—to serve as a welcoming social space where the community gathers to celebrate, connect, and create memories. The building itself stands as a living link to Echuca's rich past, while the Club's modern operations ensure its relevance and vitality for generations yet to come.
