YOU don’t have to travel far from home to get a taste of the great outdoors.
Here are seven of the best outdoor spots to be explored right here in Greater Shepparton.
For more information, drop into the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre at 33-35 Nixon St (soon to be moving to the new Shepparton Art Museum), or contact them on 5832 9330.

1. Australian Botanic Gardens, Shepparton (above)
The Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton feature native plants in seven hectares of themed gardens designed to represent the cultural, environmental, historical and agricultural characteristics of the Goulburn Valley. With extensive walking paths, the gardens provide expansive views of the local landscape from the top of the 30m-high Honeysuckle Rise lookout.

2. Cussen Park, Tatura
Cussen Park is a bushland style park encompassing 33 hectares of wetlands, woodlands and open space on the outskirts of Tatura. It is host to an array of wildlife, birdlife and mammals and provides ample opportunity for walking and bird watching with well-made paths and bird hides.

3. Goulburn River, Greater Shepparton
The Goulburn River is one of four Heritage Rivers in Victoria. It is popular for fishing, canoeing and camping in the nearby Lower Goulburn National Park and the Shepparton Regional Park. The Yanha Gurtji shared path network has over 40km of pathways that run alongside the banks of the river.

4. Mt Major, Dookie
Mount Major is a popular destination for both walkers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Mulana nin iyoga (Yorta Yorta for ‘Spirit of the Stone’) is a 4.6km (return) walking trail on the northern side of Mount Major, while the southern side has a great network of mountain bike trails. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside can be seen from the summit.

5. Dookie Rail Trail, Dookie
The region’s first rail trail, this scenic bitumen path is set at the base of Mt Saddleback and traverses more than 4.7km (9.4kms return) of the Goulburn Valley’s most fertile farm land. The recently opened extension adds another 3.1km (6.2km return) to the trail, making for a great family day out.

6. Murchison Rail Trail and Doctor’s Swamp Wildlife Reserve, Murchison
An 8km section of trail from the Murchison Township to the rail bridge at Channel Inlet Road includes the recently refurbished historically significant bridge over the Stuart Murray Canal, and borders the unique ecosystem of Doctor’s Swamp wetlands.

And further afield…

1. Mansfield Bushwalks
A guided bushwalk is the perfect way to experience the Mansfield region on foot.
Simone (Monnie) Richardson was born in Mansfield and offers walks and tours for beginners though to experienced bushwalkers for a duration of 1.5hr through to full day walks.
“I was inspired to create something new for locals, visitors and educators, giving them the confidence to venture out into our beautiful bushland…and so Mansfield Bushwalks was born,” Monnie said.
“I look forward to guiding locals and visitors on and off the beaten track.”
For more information, visit mansfieldbushwalks.com.au or call Monnie on 0480 226 256.

2. M.V. Mary Ann, Echuca
Experience Australia’s longest river by climbing aboard Echuca’s M.V. Mary Ann, and have a rich, modern dining experience while floating along the famed Murray River. With the ever-changing views of the river, dining on the M.V. Mary Ann is unlike any other culinary experience in the region.
Sailing past the historic port of Echuca and under the 150-year-old Echuca-Moama Bridge, the M.V. Mary Ann departs from Riverboat Dock, Watson St, Echuca from Wednesday through to Sunday at 10am and 12pm, with sunset dinner cruises on Saturday nights.
For more information, visit maryann.com.au or call 5480 7000.

3. Kingfisher Cruises, Barmah
Kingfisher Cruises tour a stretch of the Murray River known as the Barmah Choke.
Guests who cruise the ancient waters are often surprised and amazed by close encounters with local wildlife including emus, turtles, snakes, and the many hundreds of migratory birds passing through from Alaska, Siberia and China.
Passionate eco-tourism advocate and owner/operator at Kingfisher Cruises, Benita Cox, is proud to showcase the world heritage listed wetland with thousands of years of indigenous culture.
“This is a place where I continue to learn and see new things every day. It’s a place where I can connect with the environment by experiencing its past, present and future at the same time… it’s simply just magic,” Benita said.
“It’s a place of peacefulness and remoteness, where you can slow down and relax away from everyday troubles, connect with nature and create memories.”
For more information, visit kingfishercruises.com.au or call 5855 2855.