Discovering Mooroopna
Mooroopna, a unique town minutes from Shepparton, welcomes you to discover Yorta Yorta Country.
The wide open streets are a great place to stop and relax at any time of the day. A bronze statue of local legend Cyril “Jack” Findlay, a Grand Prix motorcycle racing legend in Australia, is featured on the streetscape, along with a war memorial that features heritage imagery, and a distinctive rotunda. After dark, the precinct is brought to life by the illumination of war memorial panels and tree lighting.
Explore the centre of town where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops. Visit the Mooroopna Education & Activity Centre to see regular exhibitions.
The more adventurous golfer can take on the course, which is a challenging challenge for any golfer. The Riverlinks Westside offers a diverse and ever-changing program of live music and theatre. Or, you can connect with the history of the town through displays in the Mooroopna Heritage Museum or other community exhibitions.
KidsTown Adventure Park is a five-acre outdoor playground that offers giant slides, mazes, and disc golf. It caters to children of all abilities, with some equipment accessible for wheelchair users. The Flats Walk begins here, and interpretive signs tell the story of the 1939 Walk-Off from Cummeragunja. This important moment in local Aboriginal History protested the restrictive controls that were placed on Aboriginal People at the time.
Yorta Yorta and Biyula Country Aboriginal Street Art are two ways to express the local Aboriginal culture. These colourful works of art visible from the main road are a testament to the way the community has thrived, sharing and embracing their culture and heritage.
Mooroopna is home to the friendly people and welcoming atmosphere that Shepparton and Goulburn Valley are famous for.
Gemmill Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is known for its country atmosphere and relaxed pace located between Mooroopna & Shepparton encompasses 170 acres of Tall Spike Rush and Red Gum floodplain forests. Gemmill Swamp is home to a wide variety of wildlife including pelicans and swans.
Mooroopna is a city rich in culture, history and art.
Things to See and Do
The Mooroopna history walk is a wonderful exploration of the rich heritage and historic significance of this town. This self-guided trail will take you to key landmarks and places that tell the history of Mooroopna, especially during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
1. The Mooroopna History Walk:
The Mooroopna History Walk offers a great way to learn about the history of the town while taking a stroll through the charming streets and scenery. The most interesting places are:
- Flour Mill
The Mooroopna Flour Mill, located on Midland Highway was built by Elias Ralph in 1872. He had previously run the Maroopna Punt. Since 1872, the mill has been continuously operating. Until recently, when it was acquired by a group, it was operated by Ralph, and from 1886, when they purchased it for PS1500 by the McLennan Family. The silos, which cost PS20,000 in 1944, were constructed. Ridley Agriproducts now resides there.
- Punt Crossing the Goulburn River
A park that runs to the Goulburn River is just across the street from McLennan’s house. The remains of a jetty that was built in 1875, and which was the main link for punts to cross the river, can be seen when the river is at its lowest.
- Mooroopna War Memorial
This memorial is a powerful reminder of what World War I did to local communities. This memorial in McLennan Street is marked with PALESTINE, BELGIUM, FRANCE, and GALLIPOLI. It contains a list of 145 local men and 21 local nurses who served in World War I. All the nurses were trained at Mooroopna Hospital. The monument was built in 1928 after the community contributed PS1,100.
- Chinaman’s Garden Reserve
Located along the Goulburn River, just off the Midland Highway. Ah Wong created the garden in 1877 and sold vegetables to the locals. It offers a pleasant view across the river. During the 1889 floods, it was reported that a Chinese market gardener almost lost his life when he tried to cross with his cart. He held on to his cart for three hours until he could be rescued by a person in a boat. Cart and horse were swept down the torrent and the horse drowned.
- Kialla Bridge
The historic bridge with a single lane was built between 1877-1878 to connect Mooroopna and the Kialli Settlement. It crosses a shallow part of the Goulburn River today. George Tanner used the timbers to build his Broken River bridge near Shepparton. Tanner’s Sawmill is owned by George Tanner. The bridge had a central pull bridge originally to allow paddle steamers to pass “on their journey to the wharf in the common (now demolished), at the first bend downstream from the bridge”.
- McLennan’s Home
The McLennan home, located in Archer Street was built in 1910 for Reuben McLennan. The home is quite substantial but has been overshadowed by the nearby flour mill complex.
Accommodation
Mooroopna is located in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley and offers a wide range of accommodation options that will suit all tastes and budgets. The town offers comfortable and convenient accommodations for those who are planning a trip or a quick stop. Mooroopna offers a range of accommodations, from budget motels to luxurious accommodations that are rurally charming.
1. Motels and Hotels
Mooroopna has a number of well-established hotels and motels that offer budget-friendly accommodations to those passing through the area or staying a few nights. These motels offer basic amenities but are comfortable, such as free WiFi and air-conditioning. They also provide on-site parking.
- Mooroopna Motel: This motel is a popular choice among visitors. It offers many options, including self-contained rooms and family suites. The motel offers a variety of rooms, including family suites and self-contained options.
- Kingswood Motel This locally-run motel offers spacious rooms with standard and premium options. The central location allows guests to walk to local shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s an excellent choice for short or extended stays, with its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service.
2. Bed and Breakfasts and Guesthouses
Mooroopna offers bed and breakfast as well as guesthouses for those who prefer a more intimate and comfortable experience. They offer a more intimate setting, allowing guests to interact with their hosts and enjoy home-cooked meals. Bed-and-breakfasts are often located in heritage properties and peaceful, rural settings. This gives guests a taste of country life.
- Mooroopna Bed and Breakfast is a cozy bed and breakfast that welcomes families and offers comfortable rooms in a welcoming atmosphere. The property offers a delicious home-cooked breakfast, and guests can relax in the gardens.
- Old Dairy Guesthouse Located just outside Mooroopna on a historic farm, this guesthouse has a tranquil setting. The Old Dairy Guesthouse offers a tranquil rural retreat with modern amenities. It is ideal for those who are looking to relax or stay longer in a more tranquil environment.
3. Caravan Parks and Camping
Travelers looking for an affordable, flexible and rustic accommodation option can choose from the caravan park or campgrounds at Mooroopna. These parks are perfect for those travelling in groups, with family, or with campervans and caravans. Most of the parks offer powered campsites, camping kitchens and barbecue areas. This allows for a comfortable and convenient stay in nature.
- Mooroopna Caravan Park: This park is a great choice for travellers who want to be close to town. It offers camping sites with and without electricity, basic cabins, and powered and unpowered campsites. This is a great base to explore Mooroopna and the Goulburn Valley.
- Shepparton Caravan and Camp: This park is located just a few minutes away from Mooroopna and offers spacious, grassy sites, amenities and a variety of cabins to suit the needs of families and solo travellers.
4. Self-contained Cottages and Apartments
In Mooroopna, and in the surrounding area, self-contained cottages or apartments can be rented for longer stays and by travellers who want more privacy. The accommodations include a full kitchen, private bathroom, and living area, giving guests the comfort of a “home away” while still enjoying their convenience.
- Mooroopna Lakeside Apartments Located in the heart of town, these fully-equipped, modern apartments provide a convenient and comfortable stay. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area and a private outdoor space. It is perfect for groups or families.
- Riverside Cottages: Located in a quiet area near the Goulburn River, these fully equipped cottages are ideal for guests who prefer a more independent experience. These cottages are ideal for those who want a quiet retreat with all the comforts of home. They also make a good base to explore the natural beauty in the area.
