Sale

The historic Port of Sale first opened to shipping in 1890 as the westernmost port in the Gippsland Lakes. The cutting of the Sale canal in 1898 linked the town to the Thomson River and established Sale as a busy port for steamers. Its prosperity grew from nearby mountain gold rushes and its strategic location on the route between Port Albert and the gold diggings. It developed from being declared a borough in 1863, to a town in 1924, to finally a city in 1950. Latter day prosperity has stemmed from its proximity to the offshore oil and gas fields of Bass Strait. Sale is also home to the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team, often seen training in the skies over the city.

Sale has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and is central to the high country areas of Dargo and Licola and the spectacular ocean wilderness of Ninety Mile Beach.

Quick facts

• Population approximately 13,000
• 212 kilometres east of Melbourne
• Western Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes.

Activities and attractions

• Begin your boating journey in Sale, with access to the entire Gippsland Lakes
• Explore the newly redeveloped Port of Sale precinct with its myriad of cafes and restaurants
• Visit the renowned Gippsland Art Gallery-Sale
• Discover the bird life at the Sale Common, RAMSAR internationally accredited wetland
• Explore the nearby Alpine National Park, the Holey Plains State Park and the Ninety Mile Beach Coastal Park and Marine National Park
• Journey on to historic Port Albert, Victoria's oldest port, or the numerous villages and towns of the area including Yarram, with its historic buildings, and the lush rainforests of nearby Tarra Bulga National Park.

Major events

• Sale Cup – October
• Agricultural Show – November
• Gippsland International Showjumping Championships – December.

How to get there

Sale is approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne on the Princes Highway or alternatively take the scenic route via South Gippsland Highway. Daily rail and coach services run from Melbourne.