Day 1: Arrive & Explore
Begin your journey at milestone marker 108 outside Milestone Café. The marker signifies the distance from Melbourne. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee will draw you in for a pit stop adjacent to the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE). Art steeped walls welcome you with modern Australian fare and a dash of S.E. Asian fusion, setting the perfect tone for your adventure.
After rejuvenating your senses, delve into the fascinating world of automotive evolution at the MOVE. From vintage Harley Davidsons to iconic Furphy water carts, immerse yourself in the legacy of Australian innovation and craftsmanship. When you think you’ve seen it all, open the door to the Loel Thomson Costume Collection also at MOVE, a rich tapestry of Australian fashion history, where over 200 years of curated pieces offer a glimpse into the evolution of style and society.
Satisfy your appetite for art and culture at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM). Indulge in a menu offering reflective of the diverse community at Elsewhere at SAM, while gazing upon panoramic views of Victoria Park Lake. Step into SAM, where architectural marvel meets artistic wonder, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions, from local treasures to bold international showcases.
Day 2: Creative Connections
Venture into the heart of Shepparton's culinary scene, Fryers Street Food Strip, where an assortment of flavours await. From traditional Italian delicacies at Little Lipari to authentic Vietnamese delights at Pho Viet, each bite tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary delight.
Roam through the streets captivated by the vibrant murals adorning the cityscape, a testament to Shepparton's thriving art scene. Discover the Moooving Art Cows at Monash Park, each a canvas of originality with their own story to tell.
Rise to new heights at Shepparton Tower, with panoramic city views. Connect with Indigenous culture with a Kaiela Arts turtle-making workshop, and discover Yorta Yorta artwork to take home.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the spirit of Shepparton’s migrant community with a traditional Afghan game of Sangi Rag at Victory Park’s purpose built facility (only the second of its kind in Australia), teams compete throwing rocks at a target from afar.
Day 3: Past to Present
Embrace the serenity of the Botanic Gardens at sunrise, as the sun kisses the horizon, where nature's beauty intertwines with tales of migration and resilience. Traverse the labyrinth of history as you choose today’s adventure – head east to the creative enclave of Dookie or south-west to loop yourself in the history of Murchison, Tatura and Mooroopna.
In Dookie, wander the quaint main street, where the Dookie Flowering Gum installation and Nomadic Silos beckon with whimsical charm. Indulge in a culinary escapade at Rye at Tallis or savour the General Store burger, each bite a tribute to local flavours.
Alternatively, uncover the wartime legacies of Murchison, where echoes of history ring through Meteorite Park. Pause for reflection at the Italian Ossario and German War Cemetery, the resting places of many from seven WWII internment and POW camps. Appreciate Tatura’s Water Tower murals, before biting into Australia’s best vanilla slice at Mooroopna’s North End Bakehouse.
Day 4: Natural Curiosity
Awaken your senses at Stanley’s, from the moment you walk in the door, you enter an Albanian oasis, where recipes have been passed down through generations. It’s hard to resist baklava made with love by Chuz’s mum. Then, embark on a culinary journey through Vaughan Street, where Deli Europa and Fiore's Bakery beckon with gourmet delights.
Curious sweet delights await at The Chocolate Apple Factory, where caramel-coated apples and chocolate pork crackle tempt the palate. Venture into the tranquillity of Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery to throw in a line, the world's largest Murray Cod awaits amidst the fresh country air.
Whether casting a line or paddling along the Kaiela, immerse yourself in curiosity as the natural wonder abounds. As you bid farewell, carry with you memories of a journey unlike any other, where every moment is a celebration of diversity and discovery.
In Shepparton, the journey is not just a destination – it's a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unravelled, a symphony of flavours waiting to be savoured. Pack your bags and embark on a voyage of cultural appreciation, where every step leads to a new adventure and every moment is a timeless tale waiting to be told.
Come explore for yourself.
