In Summary River Tales and Trails will take place on Tuesday 15 April 2025 from 10am to 12pm, offering free, family-friendly activities along Shepparton’s shared path network. The event stretches 1.5km between the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and Victoria Park Lake, featuring hands-on workshops, wildlife displays, and interactive nature activities. Children can create their own ‘River Passport’ and collect stamps at various pop-up stations along the trail. Proudly presented by RiverConnect and partners as part of Council’s Home for the Holidays and Activities in the Park programs.

This wonderful outdoor experience will be held along the shared path network between Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and the southern end of Tom Collins Drive/Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton.

Community members and visitors are invited to join the fun, explore the local scenic paths and take part in the many exciting and interactive pop-up activities happening across this 1.5km section. Attendees will be able to walk, run or ride along the trails while engaging with this outdoor celebration that promises something for everyone to enjoy.

Kids will be able to create their own ‘River Passport’ to collect stamps of the activities along the way. Activities feature hands-on workshops, learning experiences, wildlife watching, taxidermy display and more.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said this event is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy this incredible path network.

“If you are staying home for the holidays, this event is a fantastic opportunity to grab the family, enjoy a day outdoors, while taking advantage of the many free activities taking place at River Tales and Trails,” he said.

“We have such an incredible path network, from the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton all the way to Victoria Park Lake. I encourage community members to discover these wonderful trails and explore our local scenery.”

RiverConnect Project Officer, Alison Brett, invited local families to join River Tales and Trails and connect with nature these school holidays.

“We’re thrilled to bring River Tales and Trails to life for the first time with the help of many RiverConnect partners. What better way to enjoy the school holidays than out in nature, lapping up the sun and enjoying free activities for the whole family,” she said.

“We recommend getting out early and exploring the path network near you, then joining the activities at either of the two starting points in Kialla or Shepparton. Did you know that you can travel on the Yahna Gurtji Shared Path Network from Mooroopna, all the way to North Shepparton or south to Kialla?”

River Tales and Trails is a free family event proudly brought to you by RiverConnect in partnership with Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project Pitstop Program, Parks Victoria, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, headspace Shepparton, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, Resilience in Recovery, Shepparton Mooroopna Urban Landcare Group, Friends of the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and Greater Shepparton City Council's Environment Team.

For more information, please follow RiverConnect's social media channels and visit the event webpage here. 

Event details

Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025 Time: 10am to 12pm Cost: Free Location: Pop-up activities on Shared Path Network between Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and Southern end of Tom Collins Drive/Victoria Park Lake