Shepparton’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution claims to be one of the largest regional museums in Australia. And large it is. The vast expanse of vehicles under the one roof is impressive.

As well as the display of vintage vehicles, the museum also houses trucks that played a significant part in Shepparton’s transport history. Also on display is The Furphy Collection, the Farren Vintage Bicycle Collection, the Clayton Collection (gramophones, telephones and radio) and Loel Thomson Costume Collection.

History

Move began life in 2012 as the Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectables. A $5.3m upgrade started in September 2020. The Victorian Government provided a large grant. Funds also came from the Greater Shepparton City Council and donations from local residents. The upgrade finished in 2021 and expanded the museum’s floor space to 10,000 square metres. It was then renamed the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (Move)

Vehicle Collection

Taking up a large part of the ground floor is the vintage cars. Starting with early model Fords and progressing through Austins, massive Cadillacs, and Chevrolets to gleaming Mustangs and Thunderbirds. Visitors can stroll past a Ferrari the same model as Tom Selleck drove in Magnum or gaze in amazement at Johnny O’Keefes Thunderbird. The sheer size of the older cars is jaw-dropping. Compared to today’s modern vehicles, they are beyond huge with massive boots, bonnets and Of course, it goes without saying that parking them would be a nightmare in today’s crowded parking lots.

The Truck Collection

An extensive collection of trucks are also on display at Move. The curators approached Shepparton’s many trucking businesses for money and truck donations. As a result, trucks that once gathered dust in sheds are spruced up and sparkling under lights. There’s even a ’50s pioneer coach, a vintage fire truck and a truck driving simulator that kids of all ages will love.

The Furphy Collection

Born in Moonee Ponds to Irish immigrant parents in 1842, John Furphy began his blacksmith and wheelwright business at 22 years old. In time, he grew the company, adding a foundry and producing farm and agricultural implements. His patented grain stripper, which preceded the combine harvester, was awarded the first prize at the 1884 Grand National Show.

John is credited with inventing the “furphy”, a water cart used by the Australian Army in WWI. The term “Furphy” also became slang for gossip and tall stories, as many Furphy water cart drivers were supposedly spreaders of rumours and gossip.

The Farren Bicycle Collection

Over 30 years, Paul and Charlie Farren collected over 200 bicycles. Their collection includes bamboo bikes, adult tricycles, women’s side saddle bikes, tandems, and three-seater bikes that predate 1910. Look for the Penny Farthings; it’s hard to imagine riding these.

The Loel Thomson Costume Collection

Loel Thomson, a former school teacher, spent forty years collecting the history of everyday Australian fashion. She said it was a “hobby that grew”. While some items are high-quality designer fashion, most of the collection is clothing that ‘ordinary’ people wear. Her collection is primarily women’s wear. However, it also includes some men’s and childrenswear. Subsequently, the collection grew to include approximately 10,000 items. It is regarded as the world’s most extensive and best organised private collection of Australian fashion. Items in the collections date from the 1770s to 2000.

Move Museum is at 7723 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla, Vic 3631 and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

Ticket prices depend on if you visit all or part of the museum. Entry to all the exhibitions is $24 for adults, $20 for Concessions, and for children 5 to 16, it’s $12. Children under 5 are free. (Family ticket $60)