Sitting in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, Shepparton is an easy, practical base with a distinctly country pace yet it still delivers plenty to see and do: public art trails, a standout regional museum, parkland around a central lake, and access to Goulburn River camping within a short drive.
Shepparton is built for touring convenience. You have the essentials close by fuel, supermarkets, services plus a strong mix of “do a lot” days and “do very little” days.
The region’s visitor resources also provide practical information specifically for caravan and RV travellers.
A major draw of the areas is the ability to blend town based attractions with nature-based escapes. One day you can walk around the lake and visit the museum; the next, you can head out to riverside camping areas in the nearby regional park.
Four Things To See & Do In Shepparton
Victoria Park Lake: The Heart Of An Easy Day
For many visitors, Victoria Park Lake becomes the default “morning routine.” It is central, scenic and designed for leisurely walking, cycling, picnics and birdwatching are all part of the appeal.
If you are travelling with kids, it is also the kind of place where you can let the day unfold naturally with plenty of entertainment options: a lap of the lake, a coffee, a playground stop, and a slow return to the caravan.
Image Soruce: Victoria Lake - Shepparton” by Roni (Wikimedia Commons)
Shepparton Art Museum: A High-Quality Cultural Stop
The Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is a must if you appreciate regional destinations that do culture properly. Entry is free, and it is an easy half-day (or full-day) activity if the weather is warm or too wet..
Moooving Art: A Playful Trail That’s Genuinely Iconic
Shepparton’s Moooving Art trail is exactly what caravan holidays should include: something unexpected, photogenic, and fun to explore at your own pace.
The trail features a large herd of life-sized, artist-designed cows placed across the region perfect for families, casual explorers, and anyone who likes a “treasure hunt” style activity.
Shepparton Regional Park And The Goulburn River
When you want river time camping, walking, fishing, or simply sitting under trees with a book the Shepparton Regional Park delivers multiple camping areas along the Goulburn River corridor.
It is one of the region’s biggest drawcards for travellers who want that “bush beside town” balance.
Always check current conditions and any restrictions before you go, particularly during hotter months. Parks Victoria maintains seasonal safety guidance for visitors.
Best Time Of Year To Caravan The Shepparton Region
Shepparton is very doable year-round, but timing matters because inland Victoria can swing from crisp winter mornings to very hot summer afternoons.
Spring And Autumn: The Comfort Zone
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are typically the best all round seasons for caravanning around Shepparton, comfortable days for lake walks and art trails, and pleasant evenings for outdoor dining and camp cooking.
Summer: Great Energy But Plan For Heat
Summer is a season made of long daylight hours and a lively holiday feel, but Shepparton can experience very hot conditions. Use the Bureau of Meteorology’s Shepparton climate statistics and forecasts to plan your activities and your cooling setup.
Winter: Quiet, Clear And Easy Touring
Winter is often a good choice if you prefer quieter parks and attractions. Nights can be cold, so having adequate caravan heating and insulation becomes more important than cooling.
Caravanning Accessories You’ll Want For Shepparton And The Goulburn Valley
The right accessories make the region more comfortable especially if you are mixing town parks, lakeside time and river camping. Come prepared based on the season you want to visit.
Towing And Set-up Essentials
- Tyre pressure gauge and portable inflator (tow vehicle and van)
- Levelling ramps/blocks and wheel chocks for uneven sites
- Quality power lead, adapters, and a small spare-fuse kit
- A printed or saved pre-trip checklist for coupling, lights, weights and load security
Transport Victoria (VicRoads) provides caravan towing guidance and a dedicated pre-trip caravan checklist that is well worth adopting as a standard habit.
Caravan supplies stores like CARAC stock a solid range of towing aids and supplies if you find yourself needing towing gear fast.
Heat, Shade And Summer Comfort
- 12V fans and ventilation aids for hot evenings
- Awning tie-downs (useful when conditions change)
- Extra shade (shade wall, screen room, or compact gazebo)
- High-SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-aware planning (UV can be high in Victoria for much of the year)
River And Outdoors Practical Kit
- Insect management (repellent, coils where permitted, and fly screens)
- Headlamps/lanterns and spare batteries for riverside evenings
- Collapsible water containers and a reliable drinking-water set-up
- A first aid kit suitable for outdoor days (not just the basics)
Four Safety Tips For Caravanning In The Shepparton Region
Road And Towing Safety
If you are touring with a caravan, safe towing is the foundation. Use official towing rules and guidance, keep your weights within limits, and do pre-departure checks every time.
Outdoor Planning
Parks Victoria recommends planning ahead for summer conditions, heat increases risk outdoors, and hydration and weather awareness matter. For sun safety, Victorian health guidance notes UV levels are often high for a large part of the year, so sun protection should be routine rather than occasional.
Water Safety Around Lakes And Rivers
If you are swimming or letting kids play near waterways, treat rivers and lakes as changeable environments. Victorian health guidance recommends entering water feet first (to avoid submerged hazards), being mindful of cold water risk, and supervising children closely around waterways.
Flood Awareness
Parts of Greater Shepparton have a well documented flood history. If you are travelling during wetter periods, staying informed is essential. Use:
- VicEmergency for warnings and incident updates
- VICSES local flood guides for suburb-level flood information
- Greater Shepparton Council’s flood planning and response resources (including what to do and who to call).
A Simple Way To Do Shepparton
The best Shepparton caravan trips are built around a basecamp approach: book a comfortable site, keep your daily driving short, and alternate between town highlights (lake, art, local food) and nature days (regional park and river areas). It is an easy region to travel, and a rewarding one especially if you value calm, space and a holiday that feels genuinely unhurried.
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