Port of Sale, Canal for Thompson River
The Sale Canal is an excavated channel approximately 2400 metres long and 30 metres wide providing a direct connection between Flooding Creek in the City of Sale to the lower reaches of the Thompson River. A section 370 metres long widens to a maximum of 90 metres, forming a swinging basin near Raymond Street. This area was known as the Port of Sale.
Being on land "permanently reserved for canal purposes" (Gov. Gazette 10 Dec. 1886) the canal comes under the care and management of the City of Sale. The original purpose of the canal was to provide a navigable connection from Sale to the Gippsland Lakes for the movement of goods and passengers from the railhead at Sale.
It was constructed in 1888 following a report to the Victoria (VIC)n Government by Sir John Coode and despite the extension of the railway in 1888 it was used extensively by lake and costal shipping up to the early 1900s.
The canal is unique in Victoria (VIC) as an example of the variety of works constructed to provide for movements to and from outlying areas of the State in a period of major expansion and development.
It is now used mainly by pleasure craft from the Lakes. This, with some associated boat building activity at Sale, should ensure that the canal will be retained as a permanent feature with little risk of serious deterioration or interference.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM) |
| Award Date | 15 November 2009 |
| Heritage Significance | The Port of Sale and the Sale Navigation Canal provided an innovative solution to the problem of access to Sale. The Canal made it possible for steamers and small sailing ships to make optimum use of the natural waterways for moving people and goods. The Port of Sale was a key element in the trade and communications network linking Gippsland with Melbourne and Sydney from the 1880s to the early 1900s, contributing substantially to the growth and development of the region within a period of major expansion and development throughout the state. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Not Available. |
