MOOROOPNA
Mooroopna is in truth an inner suburb
of Shepparton. Tell that to a local and you will be blasted with a bit
0f local passion. The M and S thing is as strong in M as are the
Canada and US; Aus and NZ; Syd and Melb or even the Albury and Wodonga
distinction. Mooroopnas’ to a person defend their identity. That said
the common traveler would not make that parochial position.
Mooroopna is a somewhat typical
Victorian Country town.
The name Mooroopna was used by the original
Kaieltheban tribe living in the area and meant 'deep water hole'. This
refers to a very deep part of the Goulburn River behind the old
Mooroopna Hall.
Two explorers camped on the edge of Gemmill's
Swamp, close to Mooroopna, in January 1838. They were over landing
large herds of cattle and sheep Three years later, squatters settled
in surrounding areas running sheep on the well-grassed plains. The
first settler in the town was William Simmonds Archer who purchased
land in 1860 and built his home/hotel in McLennan Street, overlooking
the river. He was followed by W. H. Morrell who selected most of the
remaining township. Early commerce flowed from revenue.
The Mooroopna War Memorial is an absolute stand
out. Be sure to stop and check this ‘exhibit’ out. Given the size of
the town, mind blowing.
The Mooroopna Hotels are the traditional mix of
basic pubs.  
The Mooroopna Museum is on the ‘rivers edge’ of the
town.
The United
and
Anglican churches are old and the traditional and untradional
design.
For the traveler heading to Shepparton should not
consider Mooroopna to be a diversion or stay over. 
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