The Murray River is the original life blood of the Echuca-Moama region. All year round anglers, campers, water skiers, house boating holidaymakers, canoeists, power boat enthusiasts and nature-lovers, gravitate to Echuca-Moama as their preferred aquatic playground along the Murray River. The Southern 80 Water Ski Race provides the vehicle to showcase and celebrate the essence of the region. Staged annually over 80 kilometres on the Murray River, the Southern 80 attracts up to 400 boating enthusiasts from all around Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA as well as an estimated 100,000 people to appreciate and immerse themselves in the stunning natural surrounds of the Murray to witness the stunning spectacle that is the Southern 80 event. This history has evolved and is ingrained in the culture and lifestyle of the region, and visitors are drawn to Echuca-Moama all year around to participate in the event. The community involvement and support has seen the Southern 80 grow from a sporting event into a world class community festival, putting Echuca/Moama on the map.