The delightful Port of Sale Heritage Cruise in Gippsland (Victoria, Australia)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
The Port of Sale Heritage Cruise offers a leisurely 1.5 – 2 hr cruise from the Port of Sale to the historic Swing Bridge and return.
Wonderful commentary is provided by the very passionate guide and includes the history of the Port of Sale, Sale Canal, Swing Bridge, indigenous culture (including scarred trees) and lots of wildlife spotting (birds and often koalas, sometimes platypus).
What to expect
The Rubeena
Your heritage cruise will be aboard the beloved Rubeena. The Rubeena was built in 1911 and first launched in 1912 in Lakes Entrance making it the oldest boat on the Victorian boating register. Love and care have kept the Rubeena in fine shape and made her the oldest boat in continuous use in Australia.
To put the Rubeena’s age into context think about this; the Titanic’s maiden voyage was 1912!
This piece of history is a comfortable ride but note there is no toilet onboard and limited disabled access.
EXPLORE | Looking for more adventures in the Gippsland region? Check out the other Gippsland blog posts for inspiration.
The cruise
The journey takes you from the Port of Sale down to the historic Swing Bridge. You can see the Historic Swing Bridge opening if you take the 2.00pm cruise on Saturday or Sunday.
During the cruise you will learn about the history of the Port of Sale and the Sale Canal. Opened back in 1890, the port was intended to be the main method of transportation for goods. However, a train line was opened around the same time and slowly the demand for coastal shipping reduced. The canal and port are now used for recreational boating as they connect with the stunning Gippsland Lakes system.
A detailed history of the Port of Sale, canal and swing bridge can be found in the Engineering Australia heritage marker nomination report.
Cost
At the time of publication the times and cost (in Australian Dollars) are:
- Daily Departure 10.00am and 2.00pm
- Adults: $35
- Children under 15: $15
- Family (2 adults, 3 children): $95
Includes light refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks. Check current times and cost on the Port of Sale Heritage Cruises website or call 0400 933 112.
Tickets can be booked directly through Port of Sale Heritage Cruises. Whilst tickets can be purchased on the day, it is best to book to avoid disappointment.
Getting There
The Port of Sale Heritage Cruises leave from the Port of Sale behind the Gippsland Art Gallery. Finding the Rubeena is easy. You will see her sitting proudly in the water waiting for her guests!
Self-drive is the easiest option for exploring Gippsland. Ample free car parking is available at the port.
If you require Public Transport there are bus and train services to Sale via V/Line. The closest train station is the Sale Train Station which is a 20 minutes walk to the Port of Sale. Alternatively, the bus service arrives at Gippsland Centre shopping centre which is around 10 minutes walk.
Or, if boats are your mode of transport you can berth at the Port of Sale (subject to availability).
PLAN | Need car hire? Check out the deals at rentalcars.com.
How long to visit
Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for the cruise. Given there is plenty to do at the port you could allow half a day to do the cruise and enjoy the area.
Tips for visiting
The following will help you enjoy the Port of Sale Heritage Cruise:
- The boat is not wheelchair accessible.
- The tour is good with children as there is plenty to look at and it isn’t too long in duration. However, at AUD$95 for a family it is on the expensive side.
- As noted above, the 2pm cruise on Saturday or Sunday coincide with the historic swing bridge opening.
- Bring binoculars if you are a bird enthusiast.
Looking for more inspiration?
Search many journeys blog
Places to eat
One of the wonderful things about the city of Sale is the ample picnic locations!
Choose somewhere along the Port of Sale, or wander a little down the rivers edge and find a grassy patch.
There are endless locations to picnic around Lake Guthridge and the Sale Botanic Gardens which 3-5 minutes drive away.
If a picnic doesn’t sound enticing, head to The Dock Expresso Bar located within the port precinct.
Alternatively, go into the main Sale town area and find something delicious.
PLAN | Sale is in the state of Victoria which has a varying climate. Read this post for the best time to visit.
Where to stay
Ready to rest after a day of exploring? The city of Sale has plenty of options for hotel accommodation, and also has a motor village with cabins including a pet friendly cabin.
Note, I have not stayed in any of the accommodation since I only live 30 minutes from Sale.
Things to do nearby
Combine your Port of Sale cruise with a visit to the:
- Sale Water Tower which is open from 2.00pm – 4.00pm every Saturday.
- Historic Sale Swing Bridge
- Port of Sale for fishing, skate park, playground and picnic areas.
- Gippsland Art Gallery to admire the incredible art.
- Sale Botanic Gardens and Lake Guthridge which have excellent walking tracks and playgrounds.
- Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve with kilometres of tracks and boardwalks to admire the wetlands.
- Aqua Energy leisure centre with indoor and outdoor pools.
Final thoughts
The Port of Sale Heritage Cruise is an enjoyable and informative activity that will widen your historical understanding of the Sale region. I recommend timing the cruise to coincide with the opening of the Swing Bridge to get a further glimpse into the history of the area.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Would you like to chat about this article? Join me over on Facebook or Instagram or send me an email!
Join the mailing list for more inspiration, tips and travel advice.
