More than 40 places are open for free across the municipality, with many of the historic locations rarely on view or never open to the public. The Heritage Open Days are on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 May 2023, and with just a few days left before the event now is your final chance to book a tour or find out more information.
There are four walking tour locations across the weekend, in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura and Murchison, with participants guaranteed to enjoy exploring the historic locations while enjoying the outdoor scenery. These short but informative trips will see attendees spend time with enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides who will share fascinating stories about our region’s past.
A not to be missed tour across the weekend is the Mosques and Temple Tour which is subsidised by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton. The tour includes visits to two of the region’s mosques and the Sikh temple, with lunch provided. The tour departs on Saturday at 10.00am with participants returning at approximately 4.00pm. Bookings for this tour are through the Ethnic Council of Shepparton on 5831 2395.
Another tour expected to impress is the Australia Hotel Tour. You may know this beautiful building on the corner of Maude Street and Fryers Street in Shepparton, but the tour being held at 10.30am on Saturday includes an exclusive visit to the former family area and the cellar. Bookings for both of these tours must be made through Council by phoning 5832 9730.
The brick water tower at the Goulburn Valley Water site on Welsford Street, Shepparton is also open on Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm. This iconic tower tells a story of our past and our growth as a regional city. The tower includes a display that explains the history of providing water services to Shepparton.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged residents and visitors to take part in the Heritage Open Days.
“There are over 40 heritage sites across our region which are open this weekend so it’s a perfect opportunity to visit some places and buildings which you may never have been before. It is guaranteed to be an interesting day out with the chance to learn more about our region’s heritage,” he said.
For full details of all tours, a booklet is available online on the Council website as well as in hard copy at Greater Shepparton City Council’s Welsford Street Office, local libraries and the Shepparton Visitor Centre. All bus tours, some walks and some independent visits require bookings.
The Heritage Advisory Committee and Council would like to extend their appreciation to the very generous venue owners and proprietors who are offering access to their properties for this event, along with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton for subsidising the Mosques and Temple Tour. The Dyson Group and Prominent Group have also helped to make the event possible by generously sponsoring the buses and booklets.
More information is available on Council’s website or by calling Council’s Building, Planning and Compliance Department on 5832 9730.
