Independent Visiting

‘The finest example of traditional milling technology in working order in its original setting’ in Victoria, and probably Australia. The three storey brick mill of 1865 and later granary extension, the flanking two-storey brick residence, the evocative collection of farm buildings, and the peppercorn- and pine tree-lined drive from the gatehouse comprise an unforgettable heritage site. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

(no paved areas)

Shepparton’s oldest building, constructed as the first public hall by William Fraser in 1873. Used for many different purposes, e.g. Foresters’ Lodge (1933). Many absorbing exhibits: see the Post Office clock! Various publications for sale.

Both tangible and intangible heritage! The 1908 ‘amphitheatre–style’ church, with accomplished local musician Graeme Brewer at the historic 1951 Fincham pipe organ, will host a grand session of hymn-singing, now a declining tradition. All welcome!

Louis Williams, a renowned church architect, designed this 1926 church with his particular twentieth century adaptation of Gothic and his usual emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Note the beautiful features of the interior.

LAST CHANCE! OPENING ESPECIALLY FOR Heritage Open Days 2023.

The Shepparton Fibro Plaster Works were established in 1926 as Brown and Anderson. See where the linings of many Shepparton homes originated and hear about the process. A heritage business! Good walking shoes required.

Dating from 1874, adjoined for many years by the now forgotten Shepparton Park State School, this fascinating cemetery reflects the multicultural nature of the community in the range of burial practices it encompasses.

(with your assistant) Some rough terrain.

The Philippine House, portraying a typical (if idealised) Philippine home, was constructed in 1988 as part of the International Village. Restored in 2015, it houses Philippine history and artefacts, and hosts community activities.

Designed by renowned local architect JAK Clarke in 1900, St Brendan’s was renovated and enlarged to the design of high profile and prolific Catholic architect AA Fritsch in 1923-24, with later alterations and additions.

From Coghlan’s Hotel in the early 1880s to Union Hotel to the Hotel Australia in 1929: most of this building dates from the rebuilding in 1898. Take a tour through the hotel, including the former family area and the cellar.

The 1889 brick tower, no longer needed and minus its tall wrought iron tank, is an iconic local landmark being preserved by GV Water for its regionally significant heritage value.

Shepparton’s second Catholic parish erected this distinctive futuristic church, by Triesteborn architect Ermin Smrekar, in 1970. It catered to the influx of Italian migrants as Shepparton expanded. The spaciousness of the interior is striking.

This proud little 1924 Memorial hall, topped by its trophy WW1 German trench mortar, retains many interesting artefacts. At £2500, it cost the small community £1000 more than Shepparton’s famous statue. See the RSL ‘dugout’.

Situated on the western slopes of Mt Major, with panoramic views providing a striking backdrop to the graves. It is one of two cemeteries in the Dookie area, with burials dating from the 1870’s.

(no made paths)

A huge and varied collection relating to Mooroopna’s history is attractively displayed throughout the former Grutzner House. The sometimes gruesome medical collection, the largest in country Victoria, relates particularly to the Mooroopna Hospital.

This fine cemetery, with its stately avenue of cotton palms, includes 19th century graves of ethnic Chinese and the unmarked graves of 937 persons of many nationalities who died between 1881 and 1944 in the Mooroopna Base Hospital.

(few made paths)

The award-winning Heritage Centre collects and preserves Murchison’s history. Informative displays cover the Aboriginal Protectorate, Day’s Mill, Camp 13 and much more. See sporting memorabilia, and part of the famous Murchison meteorite!

This charming red brick Gothic country church of 1884 contains high quality memorial windows by two well-known Melbourne firms of glass manufacturers, Brooks Robinson and W Montgomery.

This picturesque early cemetery (1860) contains the graves of three local Ngooraialim Aborigines. The distinctive Italian Ossario houses the remains of 130 Italian POWs and internees who died on Australian soil, many in the local camps.

The fascinating WW2 internment and POW camps collection is of State heritage significance. Irrigation is the other focus: from the original four-roomed building (c.1888) the irrigation scheme for the western Goulburn Valley was developed. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Open: Fri 1pm – 3pm, Sat 2pm – 4pm

Explore the twin halls, reinvigorated and restored by concerted local effort, which now enrich the Tatura streetscape and again provide a social and cultural focal point. Hear about their history from those who saved them.

This imposing group of church, convent, and the former St Mary’s school, on a prominent site in the town, reflects Tatura’s strong Catholic allegiances. The detailed Romanesque (round-arched) exterior is complemented by the beautiful interior.

One of the most extensive collections in the municipality; includes agricultural machinery and household items. The Judd family conducted their general store here for 66 years. A rare original early 20th century shop front.

Prolific ecclesiastical architect Alec Eggleston designed this substantial church for Tatura’s Presbyterians in 1912, Rodney Shire engineer A Knee (Snr) locally supervising some of the construction details. The earlier 1883 church stands alongside.

Designed by prominent Australian architect Frederick Romberg and opened in 1982 as part of the International Village, the Centre houses an important collection of Indigenous cultural items from the local area and beyond. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register

Wondered about your family’s history? Curious about that family rumour? Come and see how the SFHG and its wide range of resources can help you with genealogical research, and how some of the unknowns in your family’s past might become clear. You may even have information to contribute on your ancestors!

Very popular for weddings due to its picturesque rural setting outside Dookie, on land donated by vineyard owner John Curtain, this impressive cruciform (cross-shaped) 1898 church is a prominent local landmark. The presbytery is the municipality’s only Catholic monastery.