Vic Open visitors – what to do in Shepparton

by Team BV

Visiting Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley for the Victorian Open? When you’re not bowling, there’s plenty to do. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in the Greater Shepparton region.
 
Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre in Nixon Street, Shepparton, is your first stop for information about things to see and do, and where to stay, while in Greater Shepparton.  Open daily 9am–5pm throughout the Victorian Open.
Discover Shepparton website
 
Moooving Art
Moooving Art is a unique and ever changing public art exhibition using a 3D canvas: life-sized cows! Scattered throughout the region in parks, gardens, public spaces and at businesses, there are over 90 of our ever-changing colourful fibreglass girls in the herd. Each one is individual and distinctive in their persona. And the Victorian Open’s host venue Shepparton Park Bowling Club will have two cows of its own for the duration of the event. Make sure you get a selfie with one of our girls when you’re not bowling!
Shepparton Moooving Art website
 

Aquamoves
Aquamoves is Greater Shepparton’s premier recreational centre. The indoor pool facilities provide hours of fun with the Rapid River and Water Slide. The centre also boasts an outdoor 50 metre pool and splash park that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities.
Aquamoves website

 
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
 
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of regional Australia’s leading cultural institutions. SAM’s public galleries feature its permanent collection along with a series of changing exhibitions.
Shepparton Art Museum website
 
Retail therapy
Shopping in Greater Shepparton is fantastic, with more than 400 retail outlets. Shopping centres include Riverside Plaza – just a couple of hundred metres from the Vic Open’s host venue Shepparton Park BC – and the Marketplace. Specialty stores, farm sales, bulk goods, major chains, boutiques and traditional shopping strips, a mall and arcades combine to make Greater Shepparton a premier shopping destination.
 

Dining
Discover a world of dining in the cafes and restaurants from al fresco to elegant, as well as better known fast food outlets. Take the best of the region’s produce, add a selection from the great range of delis and bakeries, and create your own picnic feast to be enjoyed in one of the many parks and riverside areas.

Watch the APL
After the Vic Open action finishes each day, cheer on the Murray Steamers or Melbourne Roys in the Australian Premier League, televised live from Queensland. Moama Bowling Club will have coverage of games involving their APL entry, the Steamers. Shepparton RSL will also screen APL action at their venue from November 10 to 13. So even if you’re involved with the Vic Open, you can still cheer on the Steamers or the Roys, and watch all the action.

KidsTown
Got some younger visitors in your paty? KidsTown is a world-class children’s adventure playground located on the Midland Highway between Shepparton and Mooroopna, which are both hosting Victorian Open action.
Designed to entertain, inform and stimulate children, parents and grandparents will be delighted at the creative, imaginative and safe play equipment available for children. The playground has facilities for children of all physical abilities, including wheelchair access for some equipment.
KidsTown is open 360 days a year, from dawn to dusk, and entry is by gold coin donation.
KidsTown website
 

Out and about
The Goulburn River Pedestrian Bridge links the popular Victoria Park Lake precinct to the Yahna Gurtji pathway network. There are opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy our tranquil waterways with popular pastimes like fishing, boating, walking, cycling and relaxing. And outside Shepparton, check out Mooroopna, Dookie, Murchison and Tatura while you’re visiting for the Open.

2015 Victorian Open event details
2015 Victorian Open draw