Greater Shepparton saw over 4,000 visitors and around 400 GT's descend on the region, for the 2025 Falcon GT Nationals last weekend. The event marked the 20th Nationals held, hosted by The Falcon GT Club of Victoria.
In Summary
- The 2025 Falcon GT Nationals attracted over 4,000 visitors and 400 GTs, kicking off Greater Shepparton's peak event season.
- From March to April, the region will host a diverse range of sporting events, cultural celebrations, festivals, and art exhibitions, drawing thousands of visitors.
- The influx of visitors will support local businesses, fill accommodation, and inject millions into the local economy, benefiting retailers and industry suppliers.
- Mayor Cr Shane Sali highlights Greater Shepparton's growing reputation as a premier events and tourism destination and urges businesses to capitalise on the opportunities.
This iconic event was the perfect way to kick start the peak event season in Greater Shepparton. From March to April, the region will see a suite of outstanding events bringing positive economic impact to the municipality, welcoming thousands of visitors, filling accommodation and creating business opportunities for local retailers and industry suppliers.
Starting this weekend, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy a new season of exhibitions at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) from Friday 21 March. Presenting 'The Shape of Things to Come', 'Echoes of a new eden', and Ayako Rokkaku, alongside exhibitions 'More than this', which features a collection of works from multi-disciplinary artist Belinda Fox, and Magic Mountains, a new series of prints from local artist Emmet O'Dwyer.
Following the outstanding success of the GT Nationals, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships, including the Urban Junior and Senior Events will take place at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve bringing over 1,500 visitors from across the state. Also on Sunday 23 March is the Rotary Club of Shepparton Motor Show and Market Day is to be held at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
The following weekend on Saturday 29 March, the Shepparton Italian Festa will bring the Shepparton Showgrounds to life with all things Italian, while Melbourne Victory takes on Green Gully as part of the National Premier League Soccer at Shepparton Sport City, guaranteeing an action packed day. Along with this, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will host over 2,000 visitors for the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Urban Senior Championships on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March, and Golf Australia's Victoria Women's Autumn Tournament on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April will continue to bring visitors to town.
From Friday 4 until Sunday 13 April, the Shepparton Festival is returning once again with a top program, featuring more than 40 events encompassing performances, music, literature, visual arts and workshops. Access the full Shepparton Festival program here.
On Saturday 5 April, the festivities continue with Melbourne to MOVE Rally and Finish Line Festival and on Sunday 6 April the much anticipated Albanian Harvest Festival.
To continue with the sporting events, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 April, the Australian Ultimate Championships Division 2 Frisbee will be landing in town, while the iconic Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club Easter Tournament will be taking place on Friday 18 to Monday 21 April.
Converge on the Goulburn will be also delighting the community on Saturday 12 April from 12pm to 7pm at Victoria Park Lake, with a fantastic one-day program featuring delicious food, cultural displays, family activities, creative workshops, live music and performances, this event is truly a celebration of the region and all we have to offer.
From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April, Shepparton will be welcoming over 600 BMX riders and 2,000 visitors for Round 1 of the 2025 BMX Racing National Series, an elite competition part of AusCycling BMX Racing National Series showcasing Australia's top BMX racers.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said this peak event season is a wonderful opportunity for the local economy, injecting millions to the region through the significantly increased visitation. He encouraged industry providers to get on board and make the most out of these business opportunities.
"There is plenty happening in the events space this season. It is an exciting time for Greater Shepparton as we continue to evolve as a major events and tourism destination, bringing many positive economic benefits to the region," he said.
"March and April are jam packed with cultural celebrations, major sporting events, festivals and art exhibitions. We know our region hosts events better than anyone and this is the perfect chance to take advantage of these businesses opportunities, inject capital into the local economy and showcase all the fantastic things we have to offer."
