Established in 1860 when approximately 20 hectares of land was set aside the Sale Botanic Gardens are the only colonial era botanic gardens remaining in Gippsland. Unfortunately, during the depressions of the 1890s, the gardens were neglected due to a lack of funds. When Victoria Park opened in 1909 it became council’s main public park and focus for funds, causing the Gardens to deteriorate further. In 1922 they were converted into a golf course and then used for sheep grazing from 1950. Over the following decades, areas of the old gardens became tennis courts, bowling greens, and a swimming centre.
In 2000 the Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens began work to re-awaken the gardens. This has resulted in the gardens looking as they do today. Although occupying just over five of the original 20 hectares, they are beautifully maintained and wonderful to walk around. Some of the original trees from the 1860s remain, providing the gardens with century old trees and a sense of age.
Getting There
The Sale Botanic Gardens are located on Guthridge Parade, to the south of Sale’s town centre. Parking is available along Guthridge Parade and Brayakulung Way.
What to Expect
The gardens are well laid out, with paths of crushed and compacted granite winding through the trees. Information boards provide several suggested walks, depending on your interests. Throughout the gardens sculptures and more interest, often with a botanical theme, but one is of the Jolly Swagman from Waltzing Matilda. This is in the elm forest. The elm forest was not planned, but the years of neglect allowed the original trees to produce suckers which have now developed into mature trees.
This is a great garden to visit, where you can take a relaxing walk along the many paths, past the lake and through the trees.
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