Shepparton Main Street

Shepparton Vic 3630 (Pop 46 000)
Pic: by Mattinbgn

Shepparton is a major Murray region rural centre 179 km north of Melbourne. Original inhabitants were the Yota-Yota Aborigines with the first white settlers arriving around 1840. Dairying and orchards were established and flourished resulting in one of the world’s largest fruit canneries (SPC) opening in 1917. Today, fruit, vegetables, cereals and milk remain important industries. Shepparton is also the headquarters for the Goulburn Valley irrigation system. Markets each Sun & every 3^rd Sun. International Dairy Week (Jan), Mooroopna Fruit Salad Day (Feb), Arts Festival (Mar), Goulburn Valley Vintage Festival (Mar), Agricultural Show (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Victoria Park Lake (Tom Collins Dr) built in 1920s on a former swamp and popular for boating, swimming and birdlife. Shepparton Historical Museum (High St) excellent transport, agriculture, clothing and industry displays and memorabilia. Shepparton Art Gallery (Welsford St) specializes in ceramic displays as well as Australian modernist paintings. Open (10am-5pm) Tues-Fri and (2pm-5pm) weekends/public holidays. Aboriginal Keeping Place (Parkside Dr) Aboriginal history and culture displays, artifacts and sale items. Open (9am-4pm) daily. Free entry. Reedy Swamp Walk (Wanganui Rd) Wetlands rich in birdlife. Lookout Tower (Mall) 160 steep climb for great town views.

Nearby:
Tallarook State Forest (5 km s-w) features Mt Hickey, Falls Creek Reservoir, Warragul Rocks and excellent bushwalking, camping and abseiling. Mooroopna (5 km west) small fruit growing town and host of the annual Fruit Salad Day (Feb). Tatura (17 km s-w) WWII migrant camp display museum and host of Taste of Tatura (Mar).

Accommodation:
Shepparton has about 20 motels, half a dozen hotels and caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 534 Wyndham St. Tel (03) 5831 4400 or 1800 808 839.