Image Credit: John Gollings

Travel Guide: Shepparton stands as a celebrated arts hub

As their annual arts festival Shepparton Festival wraps, there's still so much to see and do in the creative town.

Shepparton is a lively and dynamic regional hub, brimming with creativity, history, and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, it’s an area that effortlessly blends its agricultural roots with a flourishing arts scene. With vibrant food, drink, and shopping spots, as well as unique outdoor experiences, Shepparton offers a refreshingly laid-back escape for those looking to discover something off the beaten track. Whether you’re into exploring world-class galleries or taking in picturesque landscapes, this charming town promises a variety of experiences that will leave you feeling truly connected to the region’s heart and soul.

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STAY

 

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The Trawool Estate

Where: 8150 Goulburn Valley Highway, Trawool

This luxury escape is calling your name. The Trawool Estate is a breathtaking architectural marvel that overlooks the National Trust listed Trawool Valley. The historic building features 20 luxurious rooms, and seven two-room spaces for those family trips. Doubling as one of the most sought after wedding destinations, The Trawool Estate is only elevated by its award-winning on-site restaurant experiences.

Mantra Shepparton

Where: 7 Wyndham Street, Shepparton

A new addition to the Shepparton tourism sector, Mantra Shepparton is primely positioned in the heart of Shepparton, sitting just 1.6 kilometres from the CBD. With 59 refurbished and stylish rooms on offer, and amenities to suit both the leisure-seeker and the business-maker, Mantra Shepparton ticks the boxes on the two C’s: convenience and comfort.

EAT AND DRINK

 

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Shepparton Brewery

Where: 15 Edwards Street, Shepparton

The craft beer industry is flourishing in Shepparton and lifted higher with Shepparton Brewery. The local taproom is housed in their renewed warehouse site. Spearheaded by Daina Winch and Matt Milsome, Shepparton Brewery is your spot for a cold site-brewed tap beer, woodfire pizza, BBQ meats, or a side of their Side Hustle Distillery spirits. 

Elsewhere at SAM

Where: 530 Wyndham Street, Shepparton

Housed inside the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), Elsewhere at SAM is the dedicated on-site cafe. With a view of Victoria Lake from the balcony area, you can refuel with hearty breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings between art viewings. There’s Turkish Eggs, Afghan-Spiced Lamb Skewers, Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), and their signature BBQ Pork Bánh Mi. 

The Local 

Where: 23 Parker Street, Shepparton

When the menu is small, you know those items have been perfected. That’s certainly the case for The Local. The self-proclaimed “cool kid on the block”, The Local is the go-to for great coffee, mouthwatering toasties, and deeply indulgent pastries. Think thick bread with generous oozing filling, decadent loaded cookies, and aromatic blends of caffeinated goodness. 

SHOP

 

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Boutique on Binney

Where: 221 Maude Street, Shepparton

Your fashion needs are sorted at Boutique on Binney. Shepparton’s dedicated shopping hotspot, Boutique on Binney stocks everything from daywear to occasional pieces from brands like Elk, Sass, All About Eve, Foxwood, Hammill Co, Elm Lifestyle, and more.

Chocolate Apple Factory

Where: 7717 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla

A windmill as the home of the famous chocolate and caramel coated apples? Say no more! Chocolate Apple Factory is a true-blue representation of the famous Goulburn region but adding a little bit of sugary goodness to the exterior. There’s rocky road, chocolate coated nuts and fruit, freeze dried lollies, rock candy, and so much more to take home inside this unique tourist attraction. Just don’t tell your dentist!

Emporium 3630

Where: 147-149 High Street, Shepparton

You know we love to champion small businesses and creators so what better place to recommend than the hub for Shepparton’s finest makers. Emporium 3630 is the space for local Goulburn Valley creatives to showcase and sell their goods. From candles to pottery, earrings to textiles, and unique handcrafted souvenirs, you’ll pick up something special at Emporium 3630, and you’ll know it’s made with passion.

SEE

 

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Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)

530 Wyndham Street, Shepparton

Boasting the largest ceramics collection in regional Australia, Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) has to be one of the most distinguished homes of art in Australia. From its picturesque base to its dynamic displays of artwork, SAM is all about being fully engrossed in the experience. Their 2026 program further tells the tale of distinction, as the exclusive Victorian venue to host the Archibald Prize for 2026, and procuring the blockbuster international exhibition of Degas to Picasso from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE)

Where: 7723 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla

Rev heads – this one is for you! Take a step into transport history at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE). MOVE is a dedicated display of all things with wheels – cars, trucks, buses, bikes and trikes. From the cruisy hot rod and their flamed up fins to the Bedford bus, this museum takes you off the road and into the evolution of the vehicle.

EXPLORE

 

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Moooving Art

Where: Art installation across the township

While MOVE is all about cars, Moooving Art is all about cows. This vibrant public art installation has now become one of the region’s defining features. Cow sculptures can be found scattered around Shepparton, painted with bold and vibrant colours by local artists. It’s a unique and constantly evolving commission that is utterly amusing! 

Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton

Where: Botanic Gardens Avenue (formerly Kialla Tip Road), Kialla

Another Botanic Gardens to add to your travel list, but this is not your typical case for horticulture. A former landfill site, the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton is a masterclass in regeneration, and is now a thriving showcase of native plants and distinct themed gardens. Featuring wetlands, native bushland, and a 30-meter-high lookout offering stunning views, it’s perfect for walking and cycling. Explore trails like the River Walk, Weaving Garden, and Honeysuckle Rise, with new developments to enjoy year-round.

Explore more things to see and do in Shepparton and Goulburn Valley here.