Pronounced Sale, like you, are going to a Sale at the shops. To google anything in town you need to put the postcode or Sale Victoria after it; otherwise, all you get is those amazing special deals. I don’t blame you if you haven’t heard of this little patch of paradise. I had not either and yet somehow the universe had brought me from Europe to Sale Victoria; where I met Neil my partner in crime. Check out our full story here. Sale Victoria is a beautiful piece of countryside nestled amongst the mountains, beaches, quaint townships, and the gateway to captivating natural wonders.

A leisurely 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne into the country will bring you to an unsuspecting gem of Sale. Not only does the township offer a warm welcome, beautiful café’s, historic architecture, but incredible nature also walks and open spaces. It is also the ideal access point for the Gippsland Lakes, the 90Mile beach and the Victorian Alps (Most popular in winter). Sale is the perfect base to explore the picturesque towns and green spaces of Gippsland.

Here are the top 10 secrets of Sale Victoria

Take a stroll along the boardwalk lining the banks of the canal. See the boats moored in the river, smell the fresh yet mangrove air, hear the chatter of people enjoying the stunning surroundings that have been created at the Port of Sale Victoria.

Sale Victoria became a particularly important hub in 1890. When the port was constructed in conjunction with a man-made canal that linked the Gippsland Lakes and the Open Sea (Via the Thompson River). This ingenious plan bridged the gap between receiving/delivering cargo directly to the town and rail transport.

The Port of Sale has been preserved and revamped to encourage tourists and locals to enjoy the special area. Offering boardwalks, fishing platforms, BBQ facilities, a skate park and the new Port of Sale precinct which is home to the Wedge (performing arts centre), council offices, the Sale Library and Sale Information Centre. Allison, Lynette, and the crew at the info centre will welcome you with open arms, call in and get a taste for the region with a wealth of local knowledge, passion and an amazing range of brochures and maps.

On a clear crisp autumn day take a walk along the boardwalk a causal 5km to the Historic Swing Bridge or jump in the car and follow the brown tourist signs to the Historic Swing Bridge of Sale.

The Historic Swing Bridge in Sale is a marvel of engineering. It was built between 1880-1883 and is the oldest surviving swing bridge in Victoria. The bridge was restored in the 2000s to its former glory; it still works and opens on Saturdays and Sundays between 3-4 pm. As well as every second Wednesday of the month between 11 am-12 pm. You can walk across it any time and enjoy the beautiful surrounding of the wetlands.

Owned and operated by Alan who is a retired Sale Council Engineer the Sale Heritage Cruise is a must-do for all visitors. Starting from the port of Sale you get to enjoy a leisurely cruise up the Sale canal, to reach the Historical Swing Bridge. The 5km journey, Alan will have you entertained and informed about the history of Sale, the wildlife, or anything you want to know about the area. With a wealth of knowledge and passion, Alan will make your trip memorable. The cruises run at 10am and 2pm daily however I would recommend checking the website for regular updates. http://www.saleheritagecruises.com.au.

10km return the Sale Wetlands is the perfect way to breathe the fresh country air. Wind your way through the boardwalks that so elegantly top the freshwater marsh below. Perfect for nature lovers as the wetlands are home to hundreds of wildlife species. The Wetlands Trail is perfect to stretch those legs after a long car journey and get the whole family outside

If you choose to walk the lake in the morning or afternoon you will be blown away by its beauty. The ever-changing scenery and picturesque backdrop of this gorgeous area is breathtaking. Lake Guthridge is the larger of the two lakes, it is about a 3km walk the whole way around both lakes. Check out the walking map’s website https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/748  for a fantastic guide of the two lakes and the main attractions you will see.

The Botanical Gardens are special to the local people of Sale, the Gardens are home to some historic red gums dating back over 300 years and has been sculpted and shaped over the years to the stunning area we have today. The gardens are also home to some beautiful peacocks who tend to hang out near the playground, keep your eyes peeled for the albino peacock.

I was blown away by this space, a section of land has been set aside to create this safe and neutral area for anyone and everyone to be involved in. The motto behind Seed is to allow people from all walks of life to come together and be a part of a community. This community group brings people together to grow anything that is in season. Not only is it a social community; the food that is grown here is donated to “Monday Night Tucker”. Who create delicious and nutritious meals to give to those in need throughout the community. Seeing such a special sanctuary for people is heart-warming and restores faith in humanity. https://www.seedcommunitygarden.org/

The Powder Magazine is located a 2 min walk off the main track from Lake Guyatt, you will head through a little bit of bushland, across a little bridge and then space will open up to a lush green space with the Historic Powder Magazine perched up on the little hill, there is a small lake that runs beside the building and a gorgeous willow tree that drapes over the water, a perfect spot of a picnic. The Powder Magazine building was built in 1864 for the government, its main function was to store black gun powder. The powder was used by the miners to blast rocks in the search for Gold.

The main street of Sale is called Raymond Street. It runs parallel to the Princes Highway and is a pedestrian mall; dotted with boutique shops, restaurants and funky cafes. Standing proudly in the middle is Sale Clocktower it was originally built on the wall of a post office in 1884 and was replaced in 1988.

Cob& Co Stables- located on Raymond Street which dates back to 1870 when they were established as the main transport source in Gippsland.

St Pauls Anglican Cathedral – 149 Cunninghame Street. This beautiful red brick cathedral was built in 1884, the interior is of a gothic style complete with incredible stained glass windows.

Criterion Hotel – on the corner of the Princes Highway and MacAlister St. Was built in 1866 and is one of the oldest hotels in Gippsland. The cast-iron fixtures and original wood give the Criterion an old school charm complete with fantastic dining options.

For a small town, Sale has ALOT of food options, there is an abundance of good old fashion country pubs, cafes and takeaway shops. Santos is a Portuguese takeaway that is absolutely to die for, owned and operated by the most humble Portuguese family it is definitely a treat. Thai@Sale has been rated one of the best Thai shops in Gippsland, their meals are authentic and mouthwatering.

Mister Raymond

Located adjacent to the Clock Tower of Sale, Mister Raymond is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the small-town charm. Erin and the team serve beautiful fresh and funky dishes. They pride themselves on the quality of their food and premium coffee to get your day started. Check out the website here https://misterraymond.com.au/

The possibilities are endless, head down to the Port of Sale and enjoy lunch overlooking the waterways, head into the pedestrian mall and discover some of the boutique cafes or if it is a nice sunny day, grab yourself some takeaway and find a lush spot in the Botanical Gardens.

Graze

Greyhounds Sale they have a boutique restaurant, serve quality meals with good old country service. The team are wonderful and will look after you to ensure you enjoy your evening.

The Star Hotel

The Star offers a huge bistro seating area and an amazing menu to choose from. Be prepared for a large quality man-sized meal. You definitely won’t leave there hungry!

The Princes Highway runs right through the middle of Sale. Being in the country it is best to have a car to get around, there are two trains daily (morning and evening) but to really enjoy the surrounding area; a car would be best. There are a number of motel/hotel options for all budget/types of travellers, The Comfort Inn and Suites King Avenue is a large grand motel. The rooms are older but they are HUGE! not like city hotels that you can not even open your suitcase, these rooms are like an apartment. It is always spotlessly clean, extremely comfortable and the service is impeccable. The rates are very reasonable and it offers everything you need.

The saying is true good things do come in small packages, the little town of Sale Victoria is bustling with character. Next time you are travelling through Victoria be sure to stop and check out the smaller towns they are usually the hidden gems of the countryside. With International put on hold for now, it is the perfect opportunity to visit places a little closer to home.