Please enjoy your stay in Shepparton. Shepparton is a great place for tourists to visit and experience the region’s abundant dairying, fruit growing, and agricultural production firsthand.
There are many places to visit in and around Shepparton, including the town itself and the surrounding countryside. It’s a wonderful place to take the kids and grandma and grandpa on a vacation.
Read on for information about the top things to do in Shepparton so you can start organizing your next weekend trip.
Things To Do In Shepparton
Shepparton is a vibrant city in Victoria, Australia, known for its beautiful parks, museums, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in Shepparton:
1. Visit The Shepparton Art Museum:
The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is a modern museum that showcases contemporary Australian art. The museum features a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, with works from both established and emerging artists.
SAM has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and works on paper.
The museum also has an extensive program of events, workshops, and talks, aimed at engaging visitors and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.
SAM is located in the heart of Shepparton, within walking distance of Victoria Park Lake, and is open seven days a week. Admission to the museum is free, although some exhibitions and events may have an admission fee.
2. Take A Stroll In Victoria Park Lake:
Victoria Park Lake is a beautiful park located in the heart of Shepparton. The lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. The park features walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds for children.
The lake itself is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including black swans, pelicans, and ducks.
There is also a scenic walking trail around the lake, which is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the park and take in the surrounding scenery.
Victoria Park Lake is open seven days a week, and admission is free. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, a picnic with friends and family, or some outdoor recreation, Victoria Park Lake is a must-visit destination in Shepparton.
3. Explore The Shepparton Farmers Market:
The Shepparton Farmers Market is a popular weekly market held every Sunday in Shepparton. The market features a wide range of fresh produce, homemade goods, and locally-made products.
Visitors to the market can browse a variety of stalls selling fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, bread, cakes and pastries, honey, jams and preserves, and much more. There are also stalls selling handmade crafts, clothing, and jewellery.
The Shepparton Farmers Market is a great place to meet local farmers and producers and learn more about where your food comes from. It’s also a great opportunity to support local businesses and sample some of the best products that the Goulburn Valley region has to offer.
The market is held at the Emerald Bank Leisure Land, which is also home to a variety of other family-friendly attractions, including a mini-golf course, animal nursery, and mini train ride. The market is open every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, and admission is free.
4. Check Out The Mooving Art Cow Parade:
The Mooving Art Cow Parade is a unique attraction in Shepparton, featuring over 90 life-size fibreglass cows that have been painted and decorated by local artists.
The cows are scattered throughout the city and can be found in various locations, including parks, gardens, and public spaces.
The Cow Parade is a celebration of Shepparton’s dairy farming heritage, and each cow has been decorated with a unique design, often inspired by the local landscape, culture, and history. Some of the cows are painted in vibrant colours, while others feature intricate designs and patterns.
Visitors to Shepparton can take a self-guided tour of the Cow Parade, using a map and guidebook that are available from the Shepparton Visitor Centre. The tour takes around 90 minutes to complete, and it’s a great way to see the city and discover some of its hidden gems.
The Cow Parade is a permanent feature of Shepparton, and the cows are periodically updated and replaced with new designs. It’s a fun and quirky attraction that’s well worth a visit for anyone who loves art, culture, and the outdoors.
5. Visit The Emerald Bank Leisure Land:
The Emerald Bank Leisure Land is a popular family-friendly attraction in Shepparton, located just a few minutes drive from the city centre. The leisure park features a range of activities and attractions, including:
- Mini-Golf Course: The 18-hole mini-golf course is a fun and challenging activity for all ages.
- Animal Nursery: The animal nursery is home to a variety of farm animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks.
- Miniature Train Ride: The miniature train ride takes visitors on a scenic tour of the park, offering great views of the surrounding countryside.
- Playground: The park has a playground with a range of equipment suitable for children of all ages.
- Café and Gift Shop: The park has a café serving snacks, drinks, and light meals, as well as a gift shop selling souvenirs and local products.
The Emerald Bank Leisure Land is a great place to spend a few hours with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors and the many activities on offer. The park is open seven days a week, and admission is free, although some activities may have an admission fee.
6. Discover The History Of The Region At The Shepparton Heritage Centre:
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the Goulburn Valley region.
The museum is located in a historic 1920s building and features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts, including photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the region’s history.
The museum tells the story of the indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years, as well as the European settlers who came to the region in the 19th century. The exhibits cover a range of topics, including agriculture, industry, transport, and the social history of the region.
One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of vintage cars and machinery, which includes a steam engine, a tractor, and a range of vintage cars and motorcycles. Visitors can also see the original printing press used to produce the Shepparton News, the local newspaper.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is by donation.
It’s a great place to learn more about the history and culture of the Goulburn Valley region, and to discover some of the fascinating stories and personalities that have shaped the area over the years.
7. Taste Some Of The Region’s Best Wines At The Local Wineries:
The Goulburn Valley region, of which Shepparton is a part, is known for its excellent wines, with a variety of vineyards and wineries located throughout the area. Visitors to Shepparton can take a short drive to the nearby wineries and taste some of the region’s best wines.
One of the popular wineries in the area is the Tahbilk Winery, which is located in Nagambie, about a 30-minute drive from Shepparton.
The winery is one of the oldest in Victoria, with a history dating back to 1860, and it produces a range of award-winning wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting and tour of the winery, and explore the beautiful gardens and grounds.
Another popular winery in the area is the Mitchelton Winery, which is located in Nagambie as well. The winery is known for its excellent Shiraz and Riesling, and visitors can take a tour of the winery and enjoy a wine tasting at the cellar door.
Other wineries in the region include the Fowles Wine in Avenel, about a 45-minute drive from Shepparton, and the Box Grove Vineyard in Nagambie, which produces a range of excellent red and white wines.
Visiting the local wineries is a great way to experience the region’s culture and taste some of its best wines. Many of the wineries also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a memorable experience for visitors.
8. Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Going on a hot air balloon ride is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley region from above. Several companies offer hot air balloon rides in the area, providing visitors with a bird’s eye view of the region’s stunning landscapes.
One popular hot air balloon company is Global Ballooning Australia, which offers flights over the Goulburn Valley and nearby vineyards.
The flights typically take place in the early morning, providing stunning views of the sunrise and the surrounding countryside. The flights usually last for around an hour, and passengers can enjoy a champagne breakfast upon landing.
Another company that offers hot air balloon rides in the area is Go Wild Ballooning, which operates out of nearby Benalla. The company offers flights over the Goulburn Valley and the High Country, with flights ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour in length.
Hot air balloon rides are a great way to experience the beauty of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley region uniquely and memorably. It’s an activity that’s suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and it’s sure to be a highlight of any trip to the area.
9. Visit The Moooving Art Shepparton Gallery:
The Moooving Art Shepparton Gallery is a unique art gallery that showcases a collection of fibreglass cows that have been decorated by local artists. The gallery is located in the Shepparton CBD and features a range of colourful and creative cows that have become a symbol of the region.
The cow sculptures are part of the Mooving Art Cow Parade, which began in 2003 and has become a popular attraction in Shepparton.
The parade involves local artists decorating fibreglass cow sculptures in a variety of creative and imaginative ways, with the cows then being displayed throughout the town.
The Moooving Art Shepparton Gallery is a great place to see some of the most interesting and creative cows from the parade, and to learn more about the artists who created them.
The gallery also features a range of souvenirs and merchandise, including cow-themed gifts, t-shirts, and other items.
The gallery is open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free, and it’s a fun and quirky place to visit for art lovers and anyone looking for something a little bit different to do in Shepparton.
10. Relax And Unwind At The Aquamoves Wellness Centre:
The Aquamoves Wellness Centre is a popular destination in Shepparton for those looking to relax and unwind. The centre features a range of facilities for fitness, health, and well-being, including a gym, swimming pools, spas, saunas, and more.
The gym at Aquamoves is equipped with the latest cardio and strength training equipment, as well as free weights and functional training areas. The centre also offers a range of group fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, spin, and aqua aerobics.
For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, Aquamoves offers a range of wellness facilities, including a 25-meter indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a spa, and a sauna. There’s also a dedicated wellness studio where visitors can enjoy massage therapy, beauty treatments, and other holistic therapies.
The Aquamoves Wellness Centre is open seven days a week, and visitors can choose to purchase a day pass or a membership. The centre also offers a range of programs and services for children and seniors, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, de-stress, or simply relax, the Aquamoves Wellness Centre is a great place to do it in Shepparton. With a range of facilities and services available, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and recharge.
Conclusion
Shepparton is a vibrant regional city located in the heart of the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, Australia. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and wide range of attractions and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Shepparton.
From exploring the Shepparton Art Museum and Victoria Park Lake to visiting local wineries, going on a hot air balloon ride, and relaxing at the Aquamoves Wellness Centre, there’s no shortage of things to do in Shepparton.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family with kids, Shepparton offers a unique and memorable destination that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. So if you’re planning a trip to Victoria, make sure to put Shepparton on your list of places to visit.
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