When you think of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley what comes to mind – big open skies? Fruit orchards? Dairy farms?
Shepparton is a great place to visit with kids if you’ve looking for somewhere new and interesting to explore in regional Victoria.
With adventure playgrounds, quirky art trails, standout museums and foodie treats thanks to its multicultural population, there’s no shortage of places to go with kids.
Here’s your go-to guide for the most family-friendly things to do in Shepparton. Keep it handy for a fun and stress-free family visit!
Outdoor Adventures in Shepparton
1. Victoria Park Lake
This central lake is the heart of Shepparton’s outdoor fun.
Stroll, scoot or cycle around the lake’s flat 1.8km path, see if you can spot turtles in the water, or simply enjoy a picnic on the grass or a barbecue in the shaded areas.
Kids will love the three playgrounds – with sun shades, multiple opportunities to climb and slide, and the S.CAPE skate park.
Victoria Lake Park, Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630
2. KidsTown Adventure Playground
KidsTown provides children of all abilities and families hours of entertainment.
For just a gold coin entry, children can climb towers, hang from monkey bars, play in sandpits and swing to their hearts content.
For an additional small fee, you can challenge your friends and family to a game of disc golf in a natural bushland setting during cafe opening hours.
Bring your own picnic or enjoy eats at the Dig In cafe between 10am – 2pm on weekends and school holidays – KidsTown is a low-cost way to keep kids entertained for hours!
KidsTown Adventure Playground, 7287 Midland Hwy, Mooroopna VIC 3629 | (03) 5831 4213 | info@kidstown.org.au
3. Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton
These free gardens in Kialla offer a peaceful setting for families to relax and explore, surrounded by native plants.
It’s connected to central Shepparton by the shared path network, so bring your bike or scooter so that you can explore!
The Children’s Garden features natural play spaces, logs to climb, and sculptures made from recycled materials.
Don’t miss the view at the top of the hill – it’s a gentle climb (and not shaded) but the scenery is worth it, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Australian Botanic Gardens, 98 Botanic Gardens Ave, Kialla VIC 3631 | 0487 538 638
4. Moooving Art
Monash Park is home to Shepparton’s famous Moooving Art cows. More than 90 fibreglass cows are painted in bright designs by local artists, creating a quirky outdoor gallery across the region. The QR codes give extra information about each artwork.
It’s free, fun, and full of photo opportunities, making it a must-do on a family trip.
Monash Park – Fryers St, Shepparton, VIC | 1800 808 839 | Website
5. Riverside Gardens
Laugh A Lot Links is a colourful mini golf course located at Riverside Gardens Nursery that is perfect for some family competition! With fun obstacles and well-kept greens, kids and parents can play a quick round while enjoying the fresh air. Located close to other Kialla attractions, it’s easy to include in a day out.
Riverside Gardens, 7715 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 5823 1515 | info@riversidegardens.com | Website
6. Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery
Just 20 minutes south of Shepparton, the Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery is home to Australia’s largest Giant Murray Cod sculpture!
Families can enjoy a relaxed and free visit to this iconic site, complete with a shaded playground, undercover barbecue facilities and clean toilets.
For fishing enthusiasts, there are static displays with information about local fish and Australia’s most famous river fish, the Murray Cod. If you bring your own rods, you can even try the fishing pond.
Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery, 200 Ross Rd, Arcadia VIC 3631 | 136 186
Best Indoor Things to Do in Shepparton
7. Shepparton Art Museum
The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is a newly built, modern art gallery space that I think is the crowning glory of Shepparton’s major attractions.
Entry is free and the multi-level gallery houses permanent works as well as temporary touring exhibitions.
The delightful Children’s Gallery is filled with hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and curiosity in kids, including drawing and making activities and books to share. I think it’s best suited to children under 8 years old.
SAM’s riverside setting next to Victoria Park Lake makes it an easy stop before or after a playground visit, and the museum’s inhouse cafe is worth a stop for the food and hilltop views. Note that the museum and the cafe are closed on Tuesdays.
Shepparton Art Museum, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 4804 5000 | info@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au | Website
8. Kaiela Arts
Right next to SAM, Kaiela Arts showcases Aboriginal art and culture through exhibitions, workshops, and retail sales. Families can chat with artists, view works in progress, and learn about the stories behind each piece.
It’s free to visit and gives kids a chance to connect with Indigenous creativity.
Kaiela Arts 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 5821 9842 | info@kaielaarts.org.au | Website
9. Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE)
MOVE is a modern museum packed with vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes and transport memorabilia.
If you love cars, you’ll be in vehicle heaven with all of the shiny displays inside the huge indoor warehouse-style building.
If you’re not generally a car fan, you’ll still discover plenty of interest in the many displays relating to motoring history, the Furphy exhibition and a surprising addition, a very well-maintained vintage fashion collection.
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring this museum – and it’s a great indoor activity.
Museum of Vehicle Evolution 7723 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla VIC 3631 | (03) 5823 5833 | info@move.org.au | Website
10. Fun Planet
On rainy days, Fun Planet is your go-to. With interactive bowling, a 3 story laser tag arena, dodgems, Pixel floor, wall climbing and a huge arcade all under one roof, kids of all ages will find something to enjoy.
Fun Planet, Shop 47 Riverside Plaza, 8025 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla VIC 3631 | (03) 5823 5565 | fun@funplanet.com.au | Website
Family-Friendly Food in Shepparton
Shepparton is one of Victoria’s most culturally diverse regions – so you can expect a town packed with multicultural family-friendly restaurants.
Here are some recommendations for family friendly cafes and restaurants in Shepparton, mostly centred around Shepparton’s main dining precinct, Fryers Street.
11. Elsewhere at SAM
As the biggest city located in ‘Victoria’s food bowl’ it can be hard to pinpoint the best cafe in Shepparton.
As a visitor, our vote goes to Elsewhere at SAM. It’s a dining destination located at the Shepparton Art Museum, and it’s worth a special trip (but don’t just save it for a special occasion)!
The cafe is perched on a hilltop overlooking Victoria Park Lake, with breezy views outside and high ceilings inside (complete with cotton wool clouds hanging overhead!)
The menu is quirky and worldly, with meals inspired by global tastes. We recommend the okonomiyaki, prawn fried rice and the generously proportioned fish and chips! There is a kids menu, high chairs, plastic crockery and the museum has accessible bathrooms.
The friendly staff, bright atmosphere, and vibrant dishes make it a memorable experience.
Elsewhere at SAM, Level 1, Shepparton Art Museum, 530 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 4804 5023 Instagram | Facebook
12. Shepparton Zaika
Ask any Shepparton local and they all seem to have a different recommendation for the city’s ‘best’ Indian restaurant! So we’re going to have to plant a flag and recommend just one – Shepparton Zaika.
The large restaurant brings bold authentic Indian flavours to an expansive menu, with rich curries, tandoori specials and plenty of vegetarian treats. We recommend the chicken biryani, butter chicken and daal all accompanied by fluffy warm naan.
Shepparton Zaika, 67 Fryers St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 5858 5660 | sheppartonzaika@gmail.com | Website
13. B.Love
Step into B.Love and step back in time to America in the 50s! This casual retro diner specialises in American-style BBQ, burgers and shakes that are sure to be a big hit with families.
B.Love 51 Fryers St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | +61 3 5814 4927 | info@barcalove.com | Facebook
14. Fryers Street Food Store
French- inspired Fryers Street Food Store is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and coffee, with house made cakes and slices. The relaxed setting is part of The Teller Collective, which also includes The Teller, offering a more refined dining experience in the evenings in the same Fryers Street location.
Fryers Street Food Store, 53 Fryers St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | Facebook
15. Fiore’s Bakery Café
Known for its fresh Italian pastries, bread, and sandwiches, Fiore’s is a welcoming breakfast and lunch stop for families shopping nearby. Quick service makes it handy when you’ve got hungry little ones in tow.
Fiore’s Bakery Café 34 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | +61 3 5831 2548 | Facebook
16. Donut a Go Go
Donut a Go Go is famous for warm, sugar-coated donuts! It’s a perfect morning treat stop, but get in early before they sell out! It shuts by mid-afternoon (and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays).
Donut a Go Go, 46 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | +61 481 135 211 | info@donutagogo.com.au | Facebook
17. Nedal Kebabs
Family-owned and operated Nedal Kebabs is home to authentic Middle-Eastern cuisine and slow-cooked comfort food; the drifting wafts of marinated meats and aromatic spices will have the whole crew salivating!
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try the crispy deep-fried falafel, made with chickpeas and fresh herbs.
Nedal Kebabs, 132 High Street, Shepparton
18. The Last Straw Café
This quirky out-of-the-way café, built with straw bales and recycled materials, serves hearty Asian-inspired meals in a relaxed setting.
Families will find plenty of room for prams outside (inside is a little tighter) and there is a high chair available. While there’s no children’s menu, many of the options would be suitable for little tummies, such as the milkshakes and Thai tea waffles. Also it’s open daily, making it an easy breakfast or lunch choice.
The Last Straw Café: 24 Keppel St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | 0490 – 684 989 | laststrawbale@gmail.com
19. Berri Bar
Shepparton’s late-night dessert bar is the ultimate treat stop. Expect waffles, crepes, proffertjes, ice cream, soft serve, açai – and plenty of toppings! It’s the perfect location for an after-dinner family outing.
We highly recommend the crispy, fluffy loukamades that would get Yia Yia’s approval.
Berri Bar: 302 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | +61 405 082 861 | berribarshepparton@gmail.com | Instagram
20. Chocolate Apple Factory
Ever tried a chocolate toffee apple? This sweet stop in Kialla is the place for kit.
Choose from a range of caramel dipped, chocolate-coated apples decorated in bright colours, starting from $10. The factory also stocks other treats, making it a fun side trip after visiting MOVE and Riverside Gardens.
Chocolate Apple Factory 7717 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla VIC 3631 | 0358 232 416 | sales@chocolateapplefactory.com.au | Website
Where to Stay in Shepparton with Kids
Shepparton is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne and is doable on a day trip.
However, there’s so much to see and do that we highly recommend spending a few days exploring, which means you’ll need somewhere family friendly to stay.
Quest Shepparton
Quest Shepparton offers affordable self-contained apartments with plenty of space—ideal for families. We stayed in a comfortable 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, free wifi and free parking (including paid EV charging).
Its central location near Victoria Park Lake and SAM makes sightseeing easy.
Quest Shepparton 177–183 Welsford St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | +61 3 5814 4800 | Website
Quality Hotel Parklake Shepparton
Located opposite Victoria Park Lake, this hotel is a more elevated stay for families as it has a pool, spa, and on-site dining. Some of the rooms can be configured to be more family-friendly, and the prime position makes it easy to explore Shepparton’s key attractions on foot.
Quality Hotel Parklake Shepparton 481 Wyndham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 | (03) 5821 5822 | reservations@parklake.com.au | Website
BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park
This holiday park is great for families wanting cabins, camping, or caravan sites. On-site facilities include a communal kitchen, a playground and plenty of space for kids to roam. It’s a relaxed base for exploring Shepparton and Goulburn Valley.
Contact: 7835 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla VIC 3631 | (03) 5823 1576 | Website
Riverside Cabin Park
Riverside Cabin Park offers budget-friendly cabins with easy access to town. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and facilities like a pool and barbecue areas.
Riverside Cabin Park, 8049 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla VIC 3631 | (03) 5823 1561 | stay@riversideparkshepparton.com.au | Website
Plan Your Visit to Shepparton Now
Shepparton makes family holidays easy with a mix of outdoor play, indoor fun, food stops, and cultural highlights. With so much to do, kids of all ages will never be bored and parents will love the convenience of a regional town where everything is no more than 10 minutes drive.
Pack comfy shoes, bring your appetite, and enjoy a family trip filled with memories!
This post was published in partnership with Shepparton & Goulburn Valley
