Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Mooroopna, Australia

Nestled in the Goulburn Valley, Mooroopna is a rural community positioned directly across the river from its larger counterpart, Shepparton.

In Mooroopna, traditional agricultural industries from the 20th century, such as grain processing, have transitioned into upscale residential areas, complemented by amenities including parks and golf courses.

The valley, benefiting from one of Australia’s most expansive irrigation systems, serves as a verdant corridor adorned with farms and wineries, while the floodplain between the towns hosts an abundance of parks, trails, and nature reserves.

Shepparton’s central business district, including its museums and retail outlets, can be reached from Mooroopna within minutes, yet the journey features family-friendly attractions, heritage walks, and a vibrant main street to explore.

1. The Flats

On the floodplain of the Goulburn River, one can engage with local Indigenous history through the Mooroopna Aboriginal History Walk.

This 3.5-kilometre trail features informative boards detailing the presence of a significant Aboriginal community residing by the river.

They migrated from New South Wales after the Cummeragunja Walk-Off of 1939, marking the first mass strike of Aboriginal people in Australia.

This protest addressed the restrictive measures imposed on their mobility, inadequate rations, and the escalating practice of governmental child removal.

As you examine the boards, established in 2013, you will gain insights into their daily existence and dietary practices along the riverside, as well as the disruptions caused by annual flooding.

2. Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton

Created on what was formerly a landfill site, this attraction encapsulates the agriculture, botany, history, and culture of the Goulburn Valley within a single location.

Visitors can explore wetlands and native grassy bushland, while a notable vantage point is a lookout situated atop a 30-metre manmade hill.

The elevated, landscaped areas of the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton feature a Terrace Garden, Food Garden, Refugee Garden, and Residence Garden, complemented by a Billabong Walk, Children’s Garden, Weaving Garden, River Walk Loop, Turtle Garden, and Rockwall Garden located on the River Plain.

3. Victoria Park Lake

Cross the Goulburn River once more to discover this delightful public space, located a mere ten minutes from the center of Mooroopna.

Situated on the eastern bank is a lake that was created at the beginning of the 20th century on former swamp and grazing land.

The lake and its surrounding park encompass over 40 hectares, serving as a summertime venue for outdoor events and performances.

The Shepparton Park Run takes place here every Saturday morning, while the S-Cape skate park is popular among skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter users, and BMX riders.

The lake serves as a sanctuary for waterfowl and features jetties along its shoreline for fishing.

4. Goulburn Valley Wine Region

Vine cultivation in the Goulburn Valley has its roots in the 1860s, and the sector continues to flourish, supported by a warm climate, sandy soils, and ample water supplies.

Among the primary varietals produced are Riesling, Marsanne, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, while Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape at nearly every vineyard, yielding wines with earthy and fruity characteristics, often featuring signature chocolate notes.

Wineries and tasting rooms are distributed throughout the valley, from Seymour to the confluence with the Murray at Echuca.

For a true heritage experience, one might consider visiting Tahbilk, which has operated since 1860 and is a member of Australia’s esteemed First Families of Wine.

5. KidsTown Adventure Playground

Located a mere five minutes from the Midland Highway, this attraction near The Flats is more accessible from Mooroopna than Shepparton’s central business district.

KidsTown features a range of innovative and secure play areas enclosed within a tranquil bush setting, spanning over two hectares.

Facilities cater to diverse age groups and abilities, accompanied by picnic and barbecue spaces.

The playground operates 360 days a year from dawn until dusk, featuring a miniature train that operates on weekends and school holidays, as well as a café offering refreshments and snacks.

6. Mooroopna Water Tower

At the heart of Mooroopna, along McLennan Street (A300), stands the town’s renowned landmark.

This cylindrical water tower, erected in 1927, was established to secure the water supply for local industries.

Several decades earlier, Mooroopna became the first township in the Goulburn Valley to implement a reticulated water supply in 1876. Although the tower may appear unremarkable by day, it transforms at night, becoming a canvas for stunning themed light displays.

These displays are updated periodically to commemorate events such as the 70th anniversary of the United Nations in 2015, as well as various charities.

7. Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve

The Mooroopna side of the Goulburn River floodplain features this expansive 170-hectare reserve, comprising wetlands and floodplain forest.

A network of trails allows for exploration of the wetlands and stands of river red gums by foot or bicycle.

This reserve is relatively untouched, ensuring visitors can experience tranquility and potentially observe rare and vulnerable wildlife that inhabit these ecosystems.

Species such as turquoise parrots, colorful superb parrots, and squirrel gliders can be spotted here.

8. Riverlinks Westside

For those seeking live entertainment in Greater Shepparton, Riverlinks provides two venues with a diverse schedule of performances and events featuring music, musicals, plays, classical music, dance, circus, and comedy.

Located in Mooroopna, Riverlinks Westside features a proscenium arch theatre that accommodates 416 guests and boasts outstanding acoustics.

This venue includes an orchestra pit and fly tower, making it ideal for enjoying a musical or theatrical production.

9. Historical Society of Mooroopna Museum and Gallery

Mooroopna possesses its own narrative, which can be explored at this local history museum located in what was formerly Grutzner House Nursing Home.

Goulburn Valley Health and the previous Mooroopna Hospital have entrusted the society with an extensive collection of medical artifacts, the largest of its kind in regional Victoria.

Visitors can delve into intriguing aspects of local history, including the unique direct blood transfusion service established during WWII.

Comprising 15 themed rooms, the museum portrays a comprehensive picture of agriculture, industry, commerce, and domestic life in Mooroopna, filled with captivating artifacts ranging from heirloom clothing to military memorabilia, archival photographs, maps, and documents.

10. Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE)

As a prominent transport hub and home to the Driver Education Centre Australia (DECA), Shepparton serves as an exemplary location for a major automotive museum.

The Museum of Vehicle Evolution showcases over 100 historical automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, with exhibitions rotated quarterly to feature new collections.

This assortment of vehicles is accompanied by a rich trove of memorabilia, including vintage enamel signs, oil cans, photographs, and posters that adorn the walls.

Additionally, the museum houses the Furphy Museum, dedicated to the longstanding agricultural machinery enterprise founded in 1864, which produced an array of products from water carts to harvesters.

11. Tatura Irrigation and Wartime Camps Museum

For those interested in agriculture in the Goulburn Valley, a visit to this insightful museum in Tatura is worthwhile.

Here, visitors can learn about one of Australia’s largest and oldest irrigation systems, discovering how vineyards and dairy farms are sustained by the Goulburn River through human ingenuity.

The town of Tatura also has historical significance as it housed military installations, a hospital, and multiple POW and internment camps during World War II.

This history has enriched the museum with a vast collection of artifacts recounting a fascinating chapter in Australian history.

12. Belstack Strawberry Farm

Situated in a remarkably scenic location above the Goulburn River, Belstack Strawberry Farm boasts an extended harvest season from mid-October to late May.

During this period, visitors can pick their own strawberries and enjoy a variety of homemade products available at the farm shop, such as jams, sauces, and pickles.

The farm café offers delightful options ranging from strawberry sundaes and high tea to milkshakes and hearty meals, while providing numerous activities for children.

Guests can interact with farm animals, particularly during the lambing season in March, and explore a nine-hole mini golf course, a permaculture garden, as well as ample space for bushwalking and cycling.

13. Mooroopna Golf Club

In this region of Victoria, golf is a year-round activity, and there are two courses available not far from the center of Mooroopna.

The nearest is the 18-hole Mooroopna Golf Club, which is conveniently located off the A300 and offers a picturesque rural course, meticulously maintained throughout the year.

This course provides a forgiving environment for golfers to regain their skills, and despite its narrow, tree-lined fairways, the lush greens will assist in achieving precise approach shots.

Green fees for non-members are $33 for 18 holes and $20 for nine holes, while renting a cart costs $40 (18 holes) or $25 (9 holes). After your round, consider dining at the Eagles and Birdies Bistro, which overlooks the course and is situated at the first hole.

14. Shepparton Observation Tower

Shepparton features a utilitarian structure situated in the town center.

This broadcast tower, constructed in 1968, rises to a height of 76.2 meters and introduced microwave technology to the area.

The observation platform at 35 meters provides expansive views over the Goulburn Valley and its lush surroundings.

Visitors must traverse 160 steps across 8 flights to reach the platform, where a record ascent and descent of only 89 seconds was established during the 2015 Zaidee’s Tower Run.

15. Moooving Art

Since 1999, Greater Shepparton has embraced an artistic installation featuring a herd of fiberglass cows, celebrating the area’s dairy industry.

Moooving Art originated as a temporary holiday initiative, yet these creatively painted cows have now become beloved fixtures of the local landscape.

With over 90 distinctive cows scattered throughout parks, gardens, streets, and workplaces, visitors can enjoy the imaginative designs, including clownfish cows, mer-cows, and tiger cows.

Moooving Art memorabilia is also available at the Greater Shepparton Visitor Information Centre.