In the mid 1800’s, the strategic location of the township of Sale, on route to Port Albert from the gold diggings, led to its growth and prosperity.
Following the completion of the Sale Canal and the Canal Railway, affectionately referred to as the “wharf line” or the “fish line“, in 1890, the Port of Sale became the connecting hub of Gippsland (via steamer) to Melbourne (via rail). Later that year the wharf was extended by 200 ft (61 m) to allow for a storage shed – half to be lockable and half to remain open.
The new inland port catered for the:
– Gippsland’s steamers, generally the SS ‘Dargo’ and SS ‘Omeo’, carrying cargo and passengers
– Inter-colonial vessels transporting coal to the Sale Gasworks
– Melbourne bound schooners and steamers, transporting merchandise to and from Sale, including exports such as beer, cordials, spa water, fish, cheese and timber . . .
Today, the canal and port are surrounded by parks, gardens, picnic tables, bike and walking trails and a rowing club. The wharf and marina has been delightfully refurbished and houses the iconic Kauri Pine Steamer, the ‘Rubeena’. Built in 1912, the ‘Rubeena’ has modified her form of propulsion from steam → to petrol → to diesel, and, as of 1994 → to electric. She still proudly plies the canal and river waters, transporting tourists along the Sale Canal to the historic Swing Bridge, via the Thomson and Latrobe Rivers – some 5 km south of the port . . .
Helpful Hints:
– Close proximity to Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Car Parking available along McMillan Street and Canal Road
– Nearby Features:
– Points of Interest
– Things to Do
– Dining Out
– Shopping
– Other Historical POI’s in Sale
– Museums
– History Tours
– Facilities available at Sale
