Port of Sale - Wellington Centre

The Port of Sale was originally constructed to assist with moving goods during the gold rush established in the late 1800's and became the main town centre. The man dredged Port allowed movement of goods to areas such as Dargo, Licola and Omeo. After the decline of the water transport around the Sale Canal, the town centre was moved further north into its present location.

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).