VICPort & river
Sale
An inland transport town, later reshaped by offshore oil.
1850Town lots sold and Sale name adopted
WHAT STARTED IT
An inn and blacksmith served travellers at a shallow crossing of Flooding Creek. The settlement became a transport and service centre for Gippsland pastoral country, with access towards the lakes and coastal shipping.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Omeo goldfield traffic helped trade, and rail arrived in 1878. A later canal brought shipping close to the town centre. Air force bases and the discovery of Bass Strait oil and gas in 1965 created new periods of expansion.
TURNING POINTS
1848The settlement is surveyed.
1850Land is sold under the name Sale.
1965Bass Strait oil and gas discoveries transform its prospects.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A Gippsland administrative and service centre with defence connections, historic hotels, wetlands and a redeveloped port precinct.