Greater Shepparton is a vibrant, diverse regional city located approximately two hours north of Melbourne in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, the food bowl of Australia. It offers the charm of a rural lifestyle combined with all the big city facilities

It offers an exceptional year-round destination thanks to its temperate climate, diverse community, a plethora of outdoor activities, and a rich culinary scene.

This charming town along the Goulburn River welcomes visitors of all abilities to revel in its delights. Have a look at the Greater Shepparton City Council Accessibility Effort Maps.

Below, is the perfect accessible day trip for anyone in a wheelchair 😍 Get ready to have a day of leisurely shopping, swimming, eating yummy food and being inspired by the greatest artists in the Greater Shepparton area!

First Stop: Breakfast at The Lemon Tree Cafe

First, you will head to The Lemon Tree Cafe in the township of Shepparton for breakfast.

They offer great coffee and breakfast – and a warm welcome and a smile by their friendly staff.

They can pull out a ramp for wheelchair users and there is usually plenty of parking out the front.

Call them on (03) 5822 2300 to confirm your unique accessibility requirements.

Click here for more information about the cafe.

Second Stop: Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), located on Yorta Yorta Country, is one of Australia’s outstanding regional art museums, showcasing exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences.

Artists are central to their work. Their programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and their nationally significant collection of Indigenous art.

To find out about tickets, opening hours and location go here.

There is full disabled access to the Shepparton Art Museum including lift access and disabled toilets.

Call them on (03) 4804 5000 to discuss your unique accessibility requirements.

Third Stop: Aquamoves

Aquamoves Shepparton is the place to go for fun and fitness. With indoor and outdoor pools and a full range of fitness facilities and programs, plus a sauna and cafe, this place has everything you need under the one roof!

Aquamoves aims to provide a warm, safe and friendly environment for the enjoyment of members, guests and staff. 😊

For more information about their prices, location and opening hours go here.

They are wheelchair accessible and provide a hoist in the 25m pool and hydrotherapy pool.

They have a wheelchair accessible bathroom in the 25m pool area and near the gym.

They have 4 disabled parking spots right out the front of the entrance and there are ramps throughout the whole building.

With a concession card entry is $4.30 for the general pools and $7.40 for access to the pools, spa (not wheelchair accessible) and sauna (wheelchair accessible).

Call them on 03-5832 9400 to discuss your unique accessibility requirements.

Fourth Stop: Lunch at Welsford Street Cafe

Next, you will stop off at Welsford Street Cafe for lunch.

Dine in or alfresco on the shady deck. Cosy licensed café serving great coffee, breakfast, lunch & house made sweet treats all available to take away.

Click here for more information on the cafe.

You need to come through the double glaze sliding doors for wheelchair accessibility.

They have a disabled bathroom and if you park at Aldi there is disabled parking spots.

Call them on (03) 5821 8498 to confirm your unique accessibility requirements.

Fifth Stop: Victoria Park Lake

Victoria Park Lake in the heart of the city of Shepparton is a tranquil, picturesque area popular with visitors and locals for walking, cycling, picnics, fishing, bird watching and outdoor games.

Take a walk along Victoria Park Lake using this walking tour map and visit the All Abilities Playground. A playground which provides a wealth of play opportunities for children and families of all abilities. See more here.

Fifth Stop: Shepparton's CBD:

Shopping in Greater Shepparton is more than an experience – it’s an indulgence! Appealing arcades, malls and shopping centres cater to all tastes and budgets.

There is a subtle mix of older style stores with new shopping complexes that cater for the discerning shopper.

If it’s a bargain you’re seeking, the factory sales outlets at some of the major industries are well worth a visit.

Food processing companies such as SPC offer first quality products at greatly reduced prices. During the fruit season it is possible to purchase fresh product direct from the growers. Some smaller manufacturers have a factory outlet – soap products, preserves and health foods to name a few.

For a list of shops that will inspire tastebuds and unique style click here. You can use this as a guide to which shops you want to visit in the time you have available. 😊

Make sure to call each shop in advance to confirm their accessibility and use this interactive accessibility map and this Disabled off-street parking map to find disabled parking.

Sixth Stop: Dinner

You will finish your day off with dinner at the Goulburn Valley Hotel.

The GV Hotel provides a great Bistro Menu offering Dinner options perfect for any meal. Their bistro menu has something for everyone!

Click here for more information.

Wheelchair users will need to go through the back courtyard which leads to the main bar area.

There is disabled parking behind the courtyard and they have a disabled bathroom.

Call them on (03) 5821 9822 to confirm your unique accessibility requirements.

What to Prepare?

Make sure to prepare for your trip! Below is a rough guide for you to follow, however there will be things that you need to prepare specifically for your needs. Try to write these down and organise them in advance to have everything perfect for your trip, and to avoid unnecessary stressors.

Look at guide below ↓ ↓ ↓

2 Week's Prior to Day-Trip:

Verify parking options at each location and look over and keep this interactive accessibility map and this Disabled off-street parking map handy to find disabled parking
A support worker to push you around on your chair and to drive you to the different locations
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (if you do not have a vehicle you can drive and need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, have a look at our vehicles here, we would love to support you on your day out!)
Disability Parking Permit
Make sure your chair is in good working condition and that you have essential back ups for your mobility device e.g. batteries, power bank, crutches, waterproof covering for your wheelchair, visibiliity LED lights just in case it becomes dark etc.
Book reservations at your breakfast, lunch and dinner venues. Whilst doing this confirm all of your unique accessibility requirements, e.g. steps, accessible bathroom, corridor space etc.
Call each activity and confirm your unique accessibility requirements, their location, opening hours and prices
Look up and view the day trip route on your maps and print the map off or download it onto your phone
Check weather and consider any potential impact on outdoor activities. (do this a few times leading up to trip and organise a plan b if its predicted to be bad weather!)

2 Day's Prior to Day-Trip:

Check weather and organise essentials for changing weather conditions; e.g. an umbrella, extra layers, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket etc.
Water bottle
Confirm bookings and details with support worker, accessible vehicle hire company, restaurants and activities
Collate back ups for your mobility device
Personal Comfort and Supplies e.g. snacks and first aid kit
Emergency contacts
Your ID, Insurance information and any other medical documentation you need
A camera or smart phone for photos and binoculars
A reusable bag for any items you purchase along the way
Ensure your phone is fully charged
Download relevant apps for navigation, accessibility information and communication
Download copies of reservations

A Wheelchair Accessible Day Trip In Shepparton