History of KidsTown

Built through the passion of volunteers, sponsors, and local organisations, it quickly became a celebrated destination—featuring orchard-themed play zones, a miniature railway, inclusive equipment, and vibrant events like KidsFest and the Easter Egg-Stravaganza.

While established in 1995 through a community-led initiative, KidsTown was handed over to Council by the KidsTown Committee of Management in 2005.

At its peak, KidsTown was one of the most visited family attractions in regional Victoria, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. During its most active years, particularly in the early 2000s, monthly visitation often exceeded 3,000 to 5,000 people, with spikes during school holidays and community festivals.

Over the years, it expanded with new facilities, creative play areas, and award-winning programs, all while maintaining its deep connection to Shepparton’s orchard and dairy heritage.

See timeline below to follow the journey.

• 1995 Steering committee formed; site selected; fundraising launched; “Buy A Brick” and “Design Your Dream Playground” begin
• 1996 Fruit bins and kiosk open; Flying Fox and Picnic Shelter added; multiple sponsors contribute
• 1997 Official opening; wins Healthy Hearts Award; Ardmona and True Value Hardware join as sponsors
• 1998 Renamed Ardmona KidsTown; kiosk upgraded; toilet block planned; picnic table fundraiser
• 1999 VisyLine Miniature Railway funded; Amphitheatre completed
• 2000 Work for the Dole scheme begins; railway preview opens; new board of management formed
• 2001 Railway officially opens; walking track and toddler area completed; camel rides introduced
• 2002 $30K donation for greening; wheelchair swing opened; Dairy Maze construction begins
• 2003 Workshop built; Dairy Maze officially opened
• 2004 Furphy’s Picnic & Play area developed; rail track upgraded
• 2005 Council takes on management; Carlton Football Club opens paving area; TV commercial launched
• 2006 Easter Egg-stravaganza launched; volleyball court built; KidsFest debuts
• 2007 SPC Ardmona steps down; Junction Point gardens and water infrastructure installed
• 2008 Junction shelter completed; Rainbow Clowns launched; website refreshed
• 2009 Sunday market launched; train station renovated; Facebook page; makeover funding secured
• 2010 Teenage play area built; storm damage and flood resilience tested; biggest KidsFest; Tourism Award
• 2011 Events continue; KidsFest and Easter Egg-stravaganza remain popular
• 2012 Infrastructure upgrades and seasonal events maintained
• 2013 Focus on inclusive play and community partnerships
• 2014 New signage and minor refurbishments
• 2015 KidsFest celebrates 10 years; school bookings increase
• 2016 Landscaping and seating upgrades
• 2017 Community feedback highlights ageing infrastructure
• 2018 Minor upgrades; KidsTown remains a regional destination
• 2019 Early renewal discussions begin; accessibility improvements trialled
• 2020 COVID-19 impacts events; facility closes until further notice, maintenance scaled back
• 2021 Events return; signs of wear and tear increase
• 2022 Major flooding damages infrastructure, miniature train suspended indefinitely
• 2023 Public concern grows over safety and declining appeal
• 2024 Council begins planning for renewal; engagement flagged as priority
• 2025 $650K budget allocated; Master Plan launched;