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Murray Cray Package
Murray Cray pet

Spring is here! Hodgson House is looking great with new life in the gardens and  of course, warmer days when you can enjoy our unique riverside picnic table -   Hodgson House, Echuca's B&B on the Murray River - our promise is we will pamper you!

 

Murray Cray Gourmet Package

Book now for the Cray season for 2008 - May to August ONLY - it's something you won't find anywhere else!  If you don't want to eat the Murray Cray then we have a wonderful idea for you, read Murray Cray as a pet. We would be delighted if guests took a Murray Cray home as a pet but remember it must be a male!

Gourmet lovers should try this unique "catch 'n cook" getaway package on the mighty Murray River for something that is certainly different, just read what Jacinta & Darren  of Canberra said in our guestbook,

"It's been a pleasure to experience the Murray Cray Package. The campfire & food was divine. We will recommend the stay to others. Thanks for your hospitality. " 

- they caught 12 Crays and released 9 including 3 females so understandably they were excited!

You stay at Hodgson House, Echuca’s only B&B located on the Murray River, and join Murray River Fishing Tours for a special adventure – fishing for Murray Cray.

The Murray Cray (also called the Murray Lobster) is a large crustacean easily identified by its size (200 mm-300 mm) and its ornately spined body. They are active in the winter months in the waters of the  Murray and have a delicious flavour when freshly caught.

The Murray Cray is caught in specially designed pots, which are lowered into the river and checked at regular intervals during the day.  Undersize and females are immediately released to ensure the ongoing survival of the Cray.  

The fishing may not involve rods but when a Murray Cray is caught it is exciting and very few guests want the legal one’s released!  Just look at the claws on this Cray!

The photo shows Alan Culph of Murray River Fishing Tours with the first Cray caught legally in Echuca for 2007. Well done Alan! We put this fella on display in a fish tank at Hodgson House for the season though he has now been released to the safety of the Campaspe River.

Murray River Fishing’s Alan Culph explains that fishing is not all the guests do.  “After laying the pots we don’t sit around and wait. We can take you upstream to see the historic Port of Echuca from the mighty Murray.  It gives a whole different view of the Port of Echuca from a boat!”

After returning to check the pots, you are taken by river to Morrisons Winery overlooking the river where wines can be sampled, hot coffee and snacks are available.

After another check of the pots, Alan takes you downstream on his purpose-built boat to see some of the Murray’s magical scenery before returning for a final check of the pots.

Meanwhile, Hodgson House hostess, Anne Perry, prepares a large campfire next to their private riverside picnic table awaiting the guests return.   Anne explains, “The traditional cooking of the freshly caught Murray Cray is really only to be experienced besides the river next to an open fire.”

On your return, Anne serves home-made soup  by the fire while while local chef Ben Osmond prepares the Crays.

 Freshly cooked Murray Cray, becomes the first course of an evening of Exquisite dining at Hodgson House where guests are tantalised by expertly prepared local produce.  The rest of meal is based on Ben's  Exquisite dining  menu to ensure a truly delightful experience. You can choose a local wine at reasonable cost to accompany your meal or bring your own selection.

 Guests stay overnight in either of the two queen rooms offered by Hodgson House in 4-½ star luxury. A full country cooked breakfast that will satisfy the heartiest appetite is served in the morning to complete the getaway experience.

Package price including two night’s accommodation is $620 for a couple or $1,030 for two couples, mid week.  The package is available only during winter months while the Murray Crays are active. Additional nights to enjoy Echuca’s many offerings start at $150 per night.  

 

 

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