Sale: Nature, Heritage and Waterways

There are several interests to consider when planning a stay in Sale: botanical collections, heritage, cycling and water activities. Nearby, Sale Common adds a landscape of wetlands, woodland and grassland to the options. The following places and routes have different focuses and can help you include nature, architectural history and recreational activities in your plans.

Gardens, wetlands and cycling

Sale Botanic Gardens cover five hectares and feature a diverse collection of mature trees and living plant collections. Nearby, Sale Common covers approximately 300 hectares. Around 70 percent is freshwater swamp, with the rest consisting of red gum forest and grassland. The distinction is clear when choosing a nature experience: the gardens focus on plant collections, while Sale Common offers an expansive landscape with varied features.

The Sale Lakes & Wetlands Cycling Trail is a 14.4-kilometre, easy family bike ride around the lakes. It passes a bird hide, the botanic gardens and the wrought-iron swing bridge built in 1883. The bird hide, gardens and historic structure bring nature and heritage together on one bike ride.

History, architecture and art

The Sale Historical Museum presents local history and life in Sale, from its beginnings as Flooding Creek. It is housed in a colonial building originally designed as the administrative headquarters of the Borough of Sale. The town’s history and the building’s intended administrative function are presented side by side.

The Sale Heritage Walk has a distinct architectural focus: the route is 2.5 kilometres long and takes 45 minutes. Its features include stained-glass windows, Gothic architecture and classical design elements from the late 1880s. While the museum focuses on local history and life in Sale, the walk draws attention to architectural details.

You can also choose between the two routes based on their specific features: the Heritage Walk is 2.5 kilometres long and takes 45 minutes; the Cycling Trail is an easy 14.4-kilometre family bike ride. The options therefore differ both in how you get around and in their main focus.

The Gippsland Art Gallery adds an artistic dimension to the historical and architectural sites. It houses the region’s most comprehensive art collection.

Recreation and trips on the water

The Port of Sale precinct includes facilities for entertainment, art, heritage and recreation. The Port of Sale Heritage Cruise lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and travels aboard the 112-year-old EMV Rubeena from Port of Sale to the historic Swing Bridge. Check the cruise’s operating conditions before your trip.

Visitors can set sail from Port of Sale and travel through the Gippsland Lakes region to the connection with the sea at Lakes Entrance. The cruise has a clearly defined duration and destination; sailing offers the opportunity to travel through the Gippsland Lakes to the sea connection at Lakes Entrance.

Discover more destinations: Leongatha South, Beeac, Drouin, Panton Hill, Nathalia, Barongarook, Dartmouth, Eagle Point

For the broader travel guide: Victoria.