SHEPPARTON Shepparton is a ‘new’ city that did not participate in Victoria’s early and colourful history. That said Shepparton is the ‘capitol’ of the Murray/ Goulburn region. Shepparton is the fifth largest city in Victoria and clearly planned, and as a result a little boring. The name of Shepparton is derived from the surname of the town's first settler Sherbourne Sheppard. The first permanent settlement in the area was by squatter Edward Khull at which a man named Sherbourne Sheppard was to take over two years later. Sheppards holding developed into a village adjacent to the Goulburn River known as "Sheppardton". Shepparton began as a tiny sheep station and river crossing before undergoing a major transformation as a railway town. Today it is an agricultural and manufacturing centre and the centre of the Goulburn Valley irrigation system, one of the largest centres of Irrigation in Australia. Being a young city it is mainly the Anglican and Catholic churches that are approaching the century. The Anglican Church is a magnificent building with an interesting history and unique facets. Take the time to visit this great church. The other ‘old’ churches are the classic design. The suburban Catholic Church built in the 70’s is scary to say the least. The Shepparton War Memorial is a striking acknowledgement to the fallen. The Museum is on the fringe of the cbd, but poorly signed. The Shepparton hotels are a mid century offering. Shepparton is a nice town/city and is easy to enjoy. Allow a few days at least to get the feel of the place and people.