Shepparton, Victoria: Top 10 Things to Do in the Goulburn Valley

Shepparton, Victoria: Top 10 Things to Do in the Goulburn Valley

Shepparton is a welcoming regional city located in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, approximately 190 kilometres north of Melbourne. Known for its strong agricultural roots, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly attractions, Shepparton is a great destination for a relaxed weekend getaway or a longer stay.

With a beautiful central lake, impressive museums, colourful public art, and easy access to surrounding towns and attractions, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are our top 10 things to do in Shepparton, Victoria.

Victoria Park Lake

Victoria Park Lake is a scenic lake and recreational area located right in the heart of Shepparton. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to walk, cycle, picnic, birdwatch, or simply relax by the water.

A 1.8-kilometre sealed walking track loops around the lake and is suitable for all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll find playgrounds, BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, and plenty of shaded spots to sit and enjoy the views. The lake is especially lovely in the early morning or late afternoon when birdlife is most active.

Mooving Art

Mooving Art is one of Shepparton’s most fun and unique attractions. This colourful outdoor exhibition features life-sized fibreglass cows that are displayed in parks, gardens, public spaces, and even outside businesses around the city.

There are more than 90 cows in the herd, each painted by local artists and designed with its own personality. The cows regularly move locations, making it a bit of a treasure hunt to spot them all. Monash Park is a great place to start, but keep your eyes peeled — you never know where you’ll find the next cow.

MOVE – Museum of Vehicle Evolution

The Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) is a must-visit attraction, especially for car, truck, and motorbike enthusiasts. Located at Emerald Bank, MOVE is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

This impressive museum houses an extensive collection of vehicles and memorabilia, showcasing Australia’s transport history. Exhibits include classic cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes, bicycles, and much more.

Collections on display include the Furphy Museum, Garth Wallace Harley-Davidson Collection, Farren Bicycle Collection, Clayton Gramophones, Telephones and Radios, the Loel Thomson Costume Collection, the Classic Bus Collection, and the Kenworth Dealer Truck Pavilion.

Chocolate Apple Factory

Located at Emerald Bank, right next to the historic windmill on the Goulburn Valley Highway, the Chocolate Apple Factory is a sweet stop that’s popular with all ages.

This family-owned business produces a mouth-watering range of chocolate apples, handcrafted chocolates, lollies, and freeze-dried treats. Their signature creation is a Pink Lady apple dipped in caramel, coated in chocolate, and finished with colourful toppings. Best of all, they offer free tastings — which makes stopping in even more tempting.

Discover Street Art

As you explore Shepparton, you’ll notice vibrant street art and murals brightening laneways, walls, and public spaces throughout the city.

A highlight is the Aboriginal Street Art Project, which features large-scale murals celebrating local Aboriginal history, culture, and connection to Country. These powerful artworks were painted by renowned street artist Adnate, whose work is highly respected within the Aboriginal community.

Many of the murals include plaques explaining their meaning and cultural significance, adding depth to the experience.

Shepparton Heritage Centre

The Shepparton Heritage Centre is built around the city’s oldest surviving building — the Public Hall of 1873. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and closed on Mondays.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating displays that tell the story of Shepparton’s past, including exhibits on local farming, industry, early settlement, and pioneer life. It’s a great place to gain a deeper understanding of how the region has evolved over time.

Shepparton Observation Tower

The Shepparton Observation Tower is located at 8 Fraser Street in the CBD and is open daily. Standing 76.2 metres tall, it’s one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Climb the eight flights of stairs (around 160 steps) to reach the viewing platform at 35 metres high. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views over Shepparton, the Goulburn River, and the surrounding farmland — a great spot for photos.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)

The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is a striking architectural landmark and one of Victoria’s standout regional art galleries. It’s open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Tuesdays.

SAM features four major exhibition spaces, including a dedicated Children’s Gallery, and is home to a nationally significant collection of Australian ceramics alongside contemporary art exhibitions. Even if you’re not a big art fan, the building itself is well worth a visit.

Australian Botanic Gardens

Just a few minutes from the city centre, the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton showcase a wide variety of native Australian plants in a beautifully designed natural setting.

The gardens feature bushland walking tracks, wetlands, and themed garden areas that reflect the cultural, environmental, historical, and agricultural character of the Goulburn Valley. A highlight is the 7-hectare reclaimed landfill hill, which rises 30 metres high and offers views over the Goulburn and Broken Rivers floodplain.

Explore the Silo Art Trail

Shepparton is a great base for exploring the Goulburn Valley Silo Art Trail, where massive murals transform grain silos into striking works of art that tell local stories.

• Goorambat features works by Jimmy Dvate, including a Barking Owl and three Clydesdales

• Devenish showcases powerful murals by Cam Scale honouring local men and women who served in the military

• St James is home to a mural of Sir George Coles, founder of Coles supermarkets, painted by Tim Bowtell

• Tungamah features a stunning selection of birds painted by Western Australian artist Sobrane Simcock

Each stop offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and character of the surrounding communities.

Best Time to Visit Shepparton

Shepparton is an enjoyable destination year-round, with each season offering something a little different. The best time to visit Shepparton is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Victoria Park Lake, the Australian Botanic Gardens, and the street art around town.

Spring brings fresh greenery and colourful gardens, while autumn offers comfortable days and golden landscapes across the Goulburn Valley. Summer is ideal for lake walks, festivals, and nearby water activities, though days can be hot, while winter is quieter and well suited to museum visits, galleries, and relaxed café hopping.

No matter when you visit, Shepparton offers a welcoming mix of culture, nature, and regional charm.

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