East Gippsland in Victoria is truly an outdoor playground, with mountains, beaches, lakes and incredibly countryside just waiting to be discovered. It’s one of Victoria’s most popular food and wine destinations, and an obvious choice for a short break at any time of the year with so much to offer. The township of Sale, located approximate two-and-a-half hours’ drive down the Princes Highway from Melbourne, is an ideal spot to base yourself and explore all the region has to offer. Whether it’s the great outdoors or gourmet regional produce, there’s something for everyone in Sale and surrounds.
Day 1
10:00AM: Head out on the water with a Port of Sale Heritage Cruise
The Port of Sale Heritage Tour goes for approximately two hours, aboard the Rubeen (1912). You’ll travel down the canal which links the Port of Sale to the Thompson River, Latrobe River, the Gippsland Lakes, and eventually out to sea.
At the junction of the Latrobe River, you’ll pass by the oldest operating Swing Bridge, initially completed in 1883. Learn about the history of the region while enjoying this scenic and relaxing tour.
12:00PM: Pack and picnic and visit the Sale Botanic Gardens
With several great cafes in town and a couple of supermarkets, organise your supplies and head to the beautiful Sale Botanic Gardens. The toughest choice you’ll make is selecting the most scenic spot. Featuring a sensory garden, an elm forest, a playground for the kids, a stunning fountain, and of course, the resident wild peacocks and wallabies to keep you company, this won’t be any ordinary picnic.
2:00PM: Hit the beach
Sale has the feel of a classic Aussie country town, so it’s easy to forget that you’re very close to one of Victoria’s most stunning pieces of coastline – 90 Mile Beach. Approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Sale is the sleepy seaside township of Seaspray. Park your car beside the pathway to the beach, and after a short walk up the sand dune, you’ll be rewarded with ocean beach as far as the eye can see. In the summer months, the beach is patrolled by Surf Life Savers on the weekends and holidays, so if you do go for a dip be sure to swim between the flags, and exercise extreme caution when the beach is not patrolled. Surf conditions can change rapidly.
6:00PM: Dine at one of the regions’ most awarded restaurants
You can be forgiven for having never heard of the town of Tinamba. A small town located about 15 minutes’ drive from Sale, is a fairly unassuming place – except for the fact it is home to one of the most awarded restaurants in Victoria. Book dinner at the Tinamba Hotel and experience their fine-dining Australian menu, exceptional service in beautiful country surrounds. Look forward to bragging to your friends about this dinner for a while!
Day 2
8:00AM: Breakfast at a local favourite
Head into the centre of Sale and grab a table at Mister Raymond, in Raymond Street. With an extensive breakfast and brunch offering and great coffee in a warm and comfortable café, there’s no better way to kick off a day in Sale.
9:30AM: Soak up some culture at The Gippsland Art Gallery
Get inspired by taking in the collection at The Gippsland Art Gallery, which hosts approximately 20 exhibitions a year, and is open to visitors seven days a week. Named by the Art Gallery of NSW as the sole Victorian Host Venue for the 2021 Archibald Prize Regional Tour, there’s never been a better time to visit. The Gallery will host the prize tour from October 8 – November 21, 2021. Best of all, entry is free!
1:00PM: Explore Lake Guthridge
Located on the edge of the Sale CBD, Lake Guthridge is the former water supply for the city and is now home to a host of birdlife and Aboriginal Art. Take a lap around the lake, or detour next door to Lake Guyatt and take in the cultural trail highlighting the local Aboriginal culture and native plants and animals. For history fans, make sure you stop by the Sale Powder Magazine, built in the mid-1860s to store gunpowder for mine blasting.
2:30PM Discover local military history
East Sale is home to a RAAF base and training school, but the regions’ military contributions date back a long way. The Gippsland Armed Forces museum highlights the role played by Gippslanders in the Australian Defence forces. Located at the West Sale Aerodrome, the collection features an array of memorabilia.
Need a place to stay? Book your accommodation at Comfort Inn & Suites King Avenue conveniently located a short five-minute drive from the city centre. Explore the local bushland by taking a river cruise or head to the unspoilt Ninety Mile Beach.
Cover image: 90 Mile Beach – Image courtesy Visit Victoria
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