Shepparton has a quietly impressive food scene, and staying here puts you within easy reach of some genuinely good local favourites.

For coffee and breakfast, The Last Straw Café was our pick. It’s a charming space with mid-century furniture, high ceilings and plenty of natural light, giving it an open, relaxed feel the moment you walk in. There’s also a lovely outdoor area if the weather’s on your side. We went for the prawn chilli scrambled eggs, which were packed with flavour and set us up nicely for the day.

A visit to Shepparton wouldn’t feel complete without stopping at Higgins Bakery, a much-loved institution in the Goulburn Valley since 1947. Still family run, this bakery takes its craft seriously. The sourdough loaves are excellent, with a soft crumb and proper crust, and the croissants and hand-shaped bagels are well worth taking back to the park for breakfast or lunch.

For dinner, Bicaro’s Ristorante Bar Forno is a standout if you’re in the mood for Italian. The menu blends Italian classics with local Australian produce, all centred around a wood-fired oven. The outdoor area, with vine-covered seating, has a relaxed, European feel that makes it a great spot for a slower evening. Add in a solid drinks list and friendly service, and it’s a reliable choice for a proper sit-down meal in town.

Shepparton is an easy place to explore, with a mix of culture, green spaces and family-friendly attractions that are all close at hand.

Start with a visit to the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), one of regional Victoria’s standout cultural institutions. Set beside Victoria Park Lake, the striking modern building is home to an impressive collection of Australian ceramics, Indigenous art and rotating exhibitions. Even if you’re not usually one for galleries, it’s worth the visit for the architecture alone.

Right next door, Victoria Park Lake is perfect for a gentle walk or cycle. The flat loop track makes it an easy outing for all ages, and it’s a popular spot for picnics, watching rowers on the water or stretching the legs in the late afternoon.

If you’re travelling with kids, or just want some active fun, Aquamoves is a great option. This indoor and outdoor aquatic centre has pools, slides, a splash zone and leisure areas that suit everyone from toddlers to adults, making it an easy way to fill a few hours regardless of the weather.

Keep an eye out for the Moooving Art display as you move around town. These brightly painted cow sculptures are scattered throughout Shepparton and make for a fun, low-effort way to explore different pockets of the city. The kids had fun hunting them down. 

Speaking of kids, KidsTown Adventure Playground is a standout. It’s one of the largest playgrounds in the region, with slides, climbing structures, water play areas and plenty of shaded spots for parents to relax.

After a day out, it’s easy to head back to the park, fire up the BBQ or unwind by the pool and enjoy the slower pace of the Goulburn Valley.

Families tend to enjoy the simple, low-key feel of this park. The pool, playground and tennis court keep kids entertained without things feeling overly busy or crowded, especially outside of school holiday periods.