Eat, Do, Stay: An Out-of-Town Guide to Shepparton

Just a quick jaunt up the Hume, the Goulburn Valley has weekend trip written all over it. Shepparton in particular has become a standout thanks to its diverse culinary scene and art offerings.

And the latest exhibition at Shepparton Art Museum is worth travelling for. Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso runs until September 20, and the city’s brimming with themed deals and experiences. Just pick up a pocket guide from the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre and participating businesses, or access the interactive map online to help you plan your visit and unlock the exclusives.

Whether you’re browsing First Nations art or laying eyes on a Picasso, art is a perfect launchpad into this culturally rich regional getaway. Here’s what else you can get up to.

Eat

The Last Straw

Named after the straw bales used in the building itself, this Thai-inspired cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. Expect generous swathes of natural light alongside the smell of coffee roasted on-site. Sweet treats like trending cinnamon scrolls are favourites with locals, and the food menu balances cafe classics with Thai dishes like rich curries, alongside waffles topped with Thai tea custard.

Obertor

This European-style bistro is named for an Alsatian word meaning “upper gate”. French-born owner Aline Davies and chef Nigel Brown  bring European flavours to their plates, anchoring the all-day menus with hearty choices like croque madame, crispy waffle fries and an elevated take on bangers and mash. Dinner opens up even more options, from fresh oysters and cured salami to rich barramundi bouillabaisse and mighty cuts of steak.

Shepparton Brewery

Besides the obvious draw of independent local beer, Shepparton Brewery is also home to Side Hustle Distillery and a handy kids’ area. Food-wise, the woodfired pizzas play nicely with tacos (including pescetarian and veggo options), glazed pork ribs and playful burgers. The shareable small plates jump across cuisines, mixing Korean fried chicken and Sichuan salt-and-pepper calamari with chorizo meatballs and beef brisket quesadillas.

Do

Facing Modernity: From Degas to Picasso at Shepparton Art Museum

Chart art history from the late 19th century to the mid-20th at this exclusive winter exhibition. With 37 paintings and sculptures never before seen in Australia, Facing Modernity boasts names like Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Dalí, Gauguin and Hepworth, along with a packed slate of workshops, lectures and more. And if you’re there in September, you can make it a double feature with the Archibald Prize 2026, on display from September 5.

Victoria Park Lake

For a centrally situated and family-friendly outdoor experience, you can’t go past Victoria Lake Park – it’s perfect for birdwatching or spotting the lake island’s resident barking marsh frogs and long-necked turtles. Over 35 kilometres of shared bike and walking pathways wind along the Goulburn and Broken rivers, connecting Shepparton to Mooroopna and passing attractions such as the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and Kidstown. Whether you’re an experienced rider, an e-bike user or just up for a gentle stroll, there’s a direction and distance for all needs, and plenty of picnic locations and playgrounds along the way.

Kaiela Arts

For the past 20 years, Kaiela Arts has provided a hub for First Nations artists from the local Yorta Yorta community and beyond. Browse paintings, ceramics, mugs and more in the gallery, where pieces are for sale, or join hands-on workshops for pottery, weaving and more. Kaiela is housed on the ground floor of Shepparton Art Museum, making it an easy stop to visit.

Stay

The Carrington

Sitting across the road from Victoria Park Lake is this polished modern accommodation. With 30 guest rooms that vary in size and function, The Carrington is a popular destination for families, couples and work groups alike. It’s also home to Restaurant 505 and a wine lounge, in addition to an outdoor swimming pool. For those craving something extra special, 505 also serves high tea on the first Sunday of each month – including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

Parklake

Also overlooking Victoria Park Lake (hence the name) is this luxury hotel that offers a wide range of different rooms alongside a cafe, beer garden and restaurant. The latter is offering a limited-edition two-course set menu for $39, while the regular menu spans breakfast, lunch, afternoon tapas and dinner. As with The Carrington, Parklake’s central location means you’re right in the thick of things, making for easy strolling and exploring around town.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Shepparton & Goulburn Valley.