10 things to do in Shepparton, Victoria

Nestled in the heart of the 'Goulburn Valley food bowl', Shepparton is a vibrant agricultural town famous for its fruit growing and dairy industries. With art galleries, fascinating museums, a diverse cultural scene, boutique wine and cider production, and a multicultural dining experience, Shepparton has plenty to offer.

Here are ten must-dos in Shepparton:

1. Snap a Selfie with a Rainbow-Coloured Cow

Check out the quirky Moooving Art project featuring 90 life-sized, artist-decorated fibreglass cows celebrating the region’s dairy industry. They’re scattered all over town—spotting them is half the fun!

2. Admire Aboriginal Street Art

Explore the Aboriginal Street Art Project with murals Matt Adnate and Cam Scale, honouring significant Indigenous figures and Aboriginal soldiers who served in Australia’s military.

3. Tour the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)

Dive into Shepparton’s cultural scene at the Shepparton Art Museum known as SAM, home to an impressive collection of ceramics, contemporary art, and Indigenous works. The lakeside setting is a bonus!

4. Feast on Exotic Fare

Greater Shepparton is a true multicultural melting pot. Around 15% of the city’s residents were born overseas, and in recent years, migrants from India, Italy, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa have added to the city’s cultural diversity—and its array of restaurants. Try the aromatic dishes at The Indian Lounge, where the beef Madras and chicken saag are standout options.

5. Taste the Region’s Best Wines

Winemakers were drawn to the fertile soils of the Goulburn Valley in the late 1800s, and today, the region is dotted with boutique wineries. Visit family-run Tallis Wines to try handcrafted Shiraz, Nebbiolo, merlot, viognier, and Riesling. Enjoy an informative tasting at the cellar door, then pick a bottle and settle in to graze on a platter of local cheeses, all while drinking in the panoramic scenery.

6. Sample Some Cider

Back in 2014, the third-generation fruit-growing Morey family were looking for a way to use leftover apples from their harvests. They decided to give cider-making a go, and the Cheeky Grog Co was born. Today, they produce around 30 different varieties of cider from their home-grown fruit. Order a tasting paddle and choose your favourite.

7. Step Back in Time at the Shepparton Heritage Centre

The Shepparton Heritage Centre, the oldest surviving building in the city, showcases Shepparton's agricultural and social history. It features six exhibition rooms filled with vintage vehicles, farming equipment, and military artifacts. One of the most popular exhibits is the original clock from the town’s 1882 post office.

8. Stroll Through the Australian Botanic Gardens

Wander through 22 hectares of native Australian plants at the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton, showcasing a wide variety of native Australian plants. The gardens are helping to protect some rare and threatened Australian plant species while also providing a habitat for birdlife. A recent bird count recorded more than one hundred different species in the gardens.

9. Indulge in a Blue-Ribbon Vanilla Slice

The Baking Association of Australia lists the best pies, pasties, hot cross buns, and, of course, vanilla slices in the country. Treat yourself to an award-winning vanilla slice from North End Bakehouse. They came up trumps in 2023 and were highly praised by the judges for their fine pastry, creamy filling, and beautifully tempered crown of fondant.

10. Explore the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE)

Road transport is the backbone of agriculture in the Goulburn Valley, and the region’s motoring history is on display at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE). There’s a collection of classic cars and trucks, and don’t miss the unique Loel Thomson vintage clothing collection, showcasing 7,000 garments spanning Australian fashion history.

For more information about Lifestyle Shepparton, visit us at 65 Channel Road, Shepparton. To book an appointment with a Lifestyle Consultant, call (03) 5821 5155.