Reasons To Visit Goulburn River Valley, Australia

Established in 1936, the Shepparton Art Museum is known for its Australian ceramic collection featuring the work of both convicts and notable artists including Merric Boyd, Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott, Stephen Benwell and Deborah Halpern, as well as the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The collection currently features over 3,000 works of art including the Paintings & Works on Paper Collection and the Contemporary Art Collection.

Make the pilgrimage to Seymour and visit one of Australia’s most significant military sights. In 1914 the Seymour Camp was established as an army base as a result of the Great War. Once the war ended, the camp was expanded in 1921 and once again proved its importance during World War II. Tourists will enjoy visiting ANZAC Hill, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a reminder of Seymour’s ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) heritage.

Motoring enthusiasts should steer in to the Shepparton Motor Museum, which features over 100 vintage, classic and veteran cars and motorbikes from private collectors and restorers as well as motoring memorabilia. The rotating exhibitions ensure that there is always something new to see, and there are plenty of ways for car enthusiasts to get involved.

Unveiled on November 16, 2014, VC Memorial Park pays tribute to Victoria Cross recipients Fred Tubb, Alex Burton and Leslie Maygar with three bronze statues overlooking the picturesque Seven Creeks in Euroa. Euroa is the only town in the Commonwealth to have been home to three Victoria Cross recipients. The park also has BBQ facilities, making for a perfect picnic area.

The Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum operates as a tourist railway and museum which provides insight into the local timber history and the history of Rubicon Forest from 1900 to 1950 through sawmills and tramways. The museum also includes one of the most extensive machinery collections in the country, with a focus on narrow-gauge railway systems. Plus, you can ride the Great Victorian Rail Trail from Tallarook to Alexandra and Mansfield.

The Tatura Museum features memorabilia and items with a specific connection to the town. The collection encompasses three themes: the history of irrigation in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, the local and family history of Tatura and district, and the history of the seven World War II Prisoner of War and Internment Camps which existed in the area during World War II. The exhibitions include photographs, books, maps, art and records.

Dating back to 1872, the heritage Old Post Office in Seymour is now an art gallery, café and restaurant. The collection houses Australian impressionist, realist and contemporary art as well as pottery, sculpture, artglass and woodwork. After you’ve finished browsing, dine beside an open fire with a glass of Goulburn Valley wine in hand.

On the second Saturday of every month, the Violet Town Market sets up at the Recreation Reserve in Tulip Street, Violet Town. Since 1978 the Violet Town Market has been focused on sustainability and has become one of Victoria’s most renowned markets. Up to 250 stalls roll in each month offering fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewellery, plants, furniture, wine tasting and more.

Be dazzled as you wander through The Rockery Gemstone Museum’s nine rooms packed with crystals, polished gemstones, minerals, precious gems and jewellery. Sourced from around the world, the collection at The Rockery Gemstone Museum has been cultivated through the passion of owner Maurie, whose fascination began half a century ago.

Starting in Seymour, the Winery Trail follows Route 64 and will lead you through some of the oldest wineries in Goulburn Valley. The first shiraz vines were planted in 1860 at Tahbilk Winery, Victoria’s oldest winery and vineyard. Five generations have worked at Tahbilk, and today the cellar door is still open to the public, as is the café.