When is the Port open?
It depends on where you're going. Different businesses within the precinct operate at different times, check out our Contact page for current operating hours.
How much does it cost?
Entry to the Port of Sale is FREE. Specific events and activities taking place at the Port may incur a fee, see the Events page for further information.
Is WiFi available?
Yes. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the Port precinct, and there are also PC's available for public use.
Wellington Shire students in Years 10 - 12 can also access their school network using the EduCloud platform, see our Study page for further details.
What is the history of the Port?
With the growth of shipping on the Gippsland Lakes and the establishment of a railhead at Sale in 1879, schemes emerged to develop Sale as a Port.
A man-made canal was developed and completed in 1890, linking the township to the Gippsland Lakes system (via the Thomson and Latrobe rivers), and ultimately the open waters of Bass Strait.
The gradual demise of water transport over time however, led to the decline of the port precinct and saw the town centre move further north - to the present-day location.
Port of Sale late 1890's. Image supplied by Sale Historical Society.
A significant redevelopment was undertaken in 2004 which saw the precinct reinvigorated to include entertainment, art, heritage and leisure facilities.
The development of extensive berthing/mooring facilities, a boardwalk, BBQ/picnic locations and walking paths saw the Port revitalised - and become increasingly popular with both tourists and locals alike.
In 2018, a major $14.53m redevelopment was undertaken which saw the former Sale Civic Centre, which overlooks the Port, transformed into the new Wellington Centre. This Centre presently houses the Sale Library, Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale Visitor Centre, Council Chambers, café and community spaces.
East of the Centre, the Borun & Tuk Aboriginal cultural walk was created, providing pedestrian access from Foster Street to the Port itself. The path includes lighting, landscaping and culturally significant canoe seating, whilst also telling the Gunaikurnai creation story of Borun the pelican and Tuk the musk duck.
West of the Centre, the Sale Skate Park received a significant facelift and expansion to become one of the best skate facilities east of Melbourne. This area also includes a multi-court facility, BBQ shelter and an all-ages play space.
Visually attractive and informative signage, combined with paving and landscaping seamlessly link all aspects of the precinct together.
Today, the Port Precinct is regarded as Sale's cultural and entertainment hub and is considered one of Gippsland's must-visit tourism locations.
The 2018 redevelopment was jointly funded by the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund ($4.5m), the Victorian Government’s Regional Growth Fund and Living Libraries Infrastructure Program ($4.75m), The John Leslie Foundation ($1.5m) and Wellington Shire Council ($3.78m).
How do I get there?
The Port is located at 70 Foster Street, Sale, Victoria. It may be accessed via Foster Street or Grand Canal Drive.
Parking is available along both Foster Street and Grand Canal Drive. If you are attending an event at The Wedge, you can access The Wedge car park from Raymond Street.
Is food available?
Yes. The Dock and Portside Food + Wine operate from the Port precinct. Check out our Food + Drink page for further details.
Is the Annemieke Mein Exhibition on permanent display?
Yes. There is a a permanent, dedicated showcase for the celebrated Sale-based textile artist Annemieke Mein OAM, within the Gippsland Art Gallery. Entry is FREE.
